Top Ten Songs for September

September was a mixed month musically for me. I was granted lots of opportunities to develop my own work, which was excellent, and I was able to partake in an equal amount of listening opportunities for new talent. This month's Top Ten includes some classics, some top pop songs, some new rising country stars, and then some old favourites from previous months.

1. Hurts So Good - John Mellencamp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Gi5SAYi6g 
An old classic, this song is constantly being played on my computer and phone. I love the use of simple electric guitar work that really makes the song. The drum work is also simple, but adds to the uniqueness of the song. Mellencamp's voice is also unique, with a different tone to it that makes him easily recognizable.

2. Stay with Me - Sam Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
The emotion behind this song is so easily recognizable, but at the same time so raw and impactful. I think one defining quality of Sam Smith is the way he uses his story to craft each song. Starting as a toilet cleaner at a bar, working full time, and struggling to pay his rent, Smith's rise to international stardom is an unique story of success that can be used as inspiration for many aspiring artists in the world.

3. Make Me Miss You - Sam Hunt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk5pwbb_-gI
This is another guy who has a very different voice. It's like a smooth, ballad country style. This song is a perfect showcase of his talent, his flawless singing capability. He's also got a very special gift at songwriting (for instance, he wrote Cop Car for Keith Urban). I'm really excited to see what his first full album is going to contain when it comes out in October.

4. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A 
I was very interested to hear that Ed Sheeran plays all of his concerts as a solo artist. He has no band to back him up, or any backup vocals, or any dancers, or anything! He does it all with his guitar, his vocals, and a loop station pedal. Everytime I hear something new about this artist, it never stops blowing me away!

5. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
With Hillsong being such a large organization, it's nice to see a breath of fresh air coming from the group in the form of Young and Free. Typically, Hillsong is classified by their United worship work, but this new group shows a different side of the church, and possibly what they have been working towards in the new generation for a while now.

6. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg 
I've really been internalizing the words of this song over this past month. There's another song that is playing currently on all the contemporary radios that says something like even God doesn't know where we're headed. Every single time I hear that, I cringe. This song combats that, with the words God ONLY knows where the story goes, and this hope I find, says it's alright. Little snippets of lyrics like that make me sit there and ponder the song over and over again, which I really enjoy doing!

7. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU 
I'm extremely surprised at how quickly this song has fallen off the radio waves. It used to be played at least four times a day. Now, it's lucky to get even one play. That does help keep the song fresh, but at the same time, it also hurts keeping this song as the top runner for song of the year, as I rarely hear it anymore!

8. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I really like the guitar strumming pattern that is used in this song. The one strum then slap is one of my favourite things to use in a jam. The song, and almost all of Ed Sheeran's songs for that matter, is so intricately worked. Each individual part is fairly simple, but it's the combination of all those parts together that creates the masterpiece.

9. Thank You - Keith Urban - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CfGPE9XaNw
This song returns to my top ten list! I love the mystical, eerie feeling the song creates, especially when you have just the song on and you shut everything else out. The style of electric guitar, with lots of fading in and out, and swells, is something I love, no matter the song.

10. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Again, it's the piano work in this song that is so amazing. It sounds so simple, but is so catchy. It also plays your heartstrings in the perfect way through the dynamics, or when the musician decides when to play loud or quiet, and which notes to emphasize. Overall, this song is extremely simple, but has the potential to be a very catchy hit. 

Lincoln Brewster's Oxygen Album Review

Rating: 7.6/10
Website: http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oxygen/id897947197

Lincoln Brewster's newest release, Oxygen, continues with his recent development into an unique sound that is different from anything on the market both contemporary and Christian wise. His undeniable skill as a guitar master takes a backseat in this album, only popping up in opportune moments. Instead, Brewster's song writing skills are featured, as he attempts to craft a worship anthem album straight from his heart. Together with his new producer that worked with him on his Christmas album, Brewster continues to seek a happy medium between an electronic and guitar driven sound.

That effort produces a hit and miss record. The first five tracks are amazing, smoothly transitioning the two electronic and guitar elements together. These five tracks, headlined by Live to Praise You and Oxygen, contain witty, passionate lyrics, dynamic fluidity, and a perfect mixture of every instrument. Easily, these tracks can be listed as some of Brewster's best. However, the final few tracks don't match up to these first ones. At times, they seem disjointed musically, and lack the same lyrical prowess.

No matter what, this album continues Brewster's fine track history of producing premium records. This is another hit from the electric guitar star, and will keep Brewster as my favourite Christian artist for a while to come.

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Top Ten Songs for August

The end of summer is upon us. As sad as it is, it does mean that decisions have to be made regarding my song of the summer. I've made up my mind as to one song and one runner up in two categories; contemporary songs, and Christian songs. You can find them at the bottom of my Top Ten list!

1. Maybe - Peter Kelly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vvplDFagEQ
I stumbled upon this song out of nowhere, and was immediately taken back by the raw emotion in the song. First, I love the piano work driving the song along. The lyrics are simple, but pure, and really touch a chord with me. The overall craftwork of the song and when each different piece is added is simply stunning. New top song for a reason!

2. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Ever wonder what true talent really is? Check out this song story: Peter Jackson, director of the Hobbit was searching for an artist/song for the end credits of the movie when his daughter suggested he ask Ed Sheeran. Sheeran immediately accepted, stating that the Hobbit was the first book he ever read. Watching the movie in the morning, Sheeran proceeded to write and record the song the same day. Not only the speed, but he also learnt a new instrument for the song; violin via overdubbing. Outstanding.

3. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A
I think that Ed Sheeran is best when he is stuck with just a mic and a guitar. Stripping it all down, his raw emotion and power shines through when he is solo on the stage. This first track in his new album X is an amazing demonstration of that. Interesting fact about Ed Sheeran #1 - his musical career started around the age of 4, when he joined a church choir, and decided to learn the guitar.

4. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU 
One thing that has really struck me this month is how evenly talented Ed Sheeran is in every area of music! Everything he attempts to do, he completes! His singing prowess in this song is stunning. The slight changes from mellow to more piercing, the octave changes, the small additions of falsetto, they all truly make this song a masterpiece. Interesting fact about Ed Sheeran #2 - all of his guitars are named after people from his crew. He also uses the same guitar, a Little Martin LX1E.

5. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
I've been searching for a song for a while now like this one. I've been surprised at the lack of Christian songs that are modelled around the electronic pop songs the seem to dominate contemporary charts today. This song was exactly what I was thinking would fill that market gap. I actually enjoy the song too, whereas most of the time it is really hit and miss for those same types of song from the contemporary side of things.

6. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
One of my favourite things about different songs are the different stories that they each have, whether it be why the author chose to write about that specific topic, or the inspiration for the idea of the song, or even a single line that bore the song to life. This song was written based off a fan email, one that told the band how their songs had inspired the emailer to have hope for the future, ultimately saving his life.

7. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
I've really been concentrating on the piano work for this song, and I'm amazed at how simple it is. Essentially, the same note is just repeated with some slight chord changes added in every once in a while. Sometimes that note is switched for a bar, or paired with a different note, but essentially the pattern is as follows - chord - note - note - note - repeat.

8. Live to Praise You - Lincoln Brewster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa2XEUnC29g
I'm so pumped that Lincoln Brewster's new album was released this month, titled Oxygen. This first song from the album is awesome! Upbeat, uplifting, and very unique! The signature guitar work still drives the song, but the beat is really cool as well, creating a swing kind of feel. The lyrics are also interesting, I noticed a few lyrics from Brewster's old songs.

9. Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwHwxWroo70
Not sure what it is about this song that grabs my attention, but it is very catchy! The lyrics are well written, with a great meaning. The vocal talent is also not immediately the first thing that comes to mind, but after listening to this song over and over again, something that really strikes me as unique. Watching this guys perform live is pretty cool, they seem to really love their music which is awesome!

10. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBb-J0hcBQA
This one is a little bit of an older song, but it's still got a great rocky feel. The heavily distorted guitar is not exactly my style, but I like the sound of it in this song. The singer's voice is also incredibly unique, with the only close match being Adam Levine. Again, a different, but still awesome song for the summer.

Contemporary
*Song of the Summer* - She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer
*Runner-Up* - Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz

Christian
*Song of the Summer* - Say Hello - Sky Terminal
*Runner-Up* - Alive - Hillsong Young and Free

The City Harmonic's Heart Album Review

Rating: 7.5/10
Website: http://thecityharmonic.com
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/heart/id686774233

One of Christian music's hottest upcoming artists, The City Harmonic's sophomore album Heart continues with the band's fast paced development. Still thriving off the band's signature piano work, the album fluctuates with piercing pop guitar riffs, booming bass lines, inspired lyrics, and unique vocal work. Lead singer Elias Dummer continues to mature in his vocal talent, and band leadership, captaining his Juno award winning band to a very successful second record.

The album is chalk full of anthem pop songs, worship cries, and upbeat enjoyable songs. While missing a hit single like Holy (Wedding Day) from the band's first album I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home), The City Harmonic has ensured that their overall songs have drastically improved. Each song provides a quality that perhaps the first album was missing overall. Perhaps the greatest thing about this album is that the band has not ventured away from their roots, rather just developed their sound that made them so successful the first time round.

Heart is a must have for a few reasons. First, support for local bands such as The City Harmonic from Kitchener Ontario is always welcome. The inspiring tale of the band is only made greater in the fact that they are a Christian band sticking strictly to worship tracks. Having a local Christian band strive to bring their music to the world provides for a perfect role model for young musical believers. Finally, the development of this band cannot be ignored. This track represents a group of young men pouring every effort into their music. Truly, the album rewards this effort, and provides for an excellent listen.

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Top Ten Songs for July

Halfway through the search for the song of the summer, and I think I've gathered some pretty good options! While all of them do not strictly match the normal criteria, at least I haven't added any songs from the kids camp that I was a volunteer at this past month!

1. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
This song is simple, but very catchy, especially the unique backing guitar work. One thing I love about Ed Sheeran is how he can turn anything into an amazing song. His lyrical work is also out of this world! This song so far is my song of the summer, although it is unique for that title.

2. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Two Ed Sheeran songs battling for the top spot! I'm almost considering this song as my favourite right now, but it isn't going to be the song of the summer for a few reasons. In my opinion, it's too reserved to fit the criteria, and it's a little old to be the new song of the summer. Still, it's an amazing song, and again so simple, but dynamic with only a few instruments and voices.

3. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
Slowly falling down the list again...I still love the song, but it's starting to lose it's special appeal. I may just have to give it a rest off my playlist, and then bring it back to boost it for my song of the year. I haven't heard the song that much on radios anymore too, or even on any top song playlists!

4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
Although not being played too much on contemporary radio stations (I've only ever heard it played on Life 100.3), this song is still in contention to be my song of the summer. It's upbeat, inspiring, and has a great message. I've listened to the song a lot, and one of the unique things that stands out to me is the pronunciation that the lead singer uses. It makes you hang off his every word!

5. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I 
This is my bet for the contemporary choice for song of the summer. Really a break-out song for this band, it again fits the criteria perfectly. Witty lyrics, upbeat tune, and it also doesn't hurt that it's a young and cool rock band. To be honest, when I first heard the band name, I thought that there was going to be five members...in reality, there's only four.

6. Scarecrow - Alex and Sierra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g1YpDK7Dcg
This was the best possible first song for a new group. Fresh off their X Factor victory, this is exactly what you expect and want for this unique partnership. This could be a choice for the song of the summer as again it's fresh, unique, and up-lifting. I love the lyrics too, especially the line "You used to be my solid ground, but now I'm drowning in the sea."

7. Let Me Feel You Shine - David Crowder Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szwAJeuOiqg
I love this rocky worship tune! It's a great tune to turn up loud, roll the windows down, and just enjoy as you are cruising along! David Crowder is another rare talented musician of this day and age. Whatever tempo, whatever key, and whatever lyrics, he always produces a stellar track.

8. Meteor Shower - Owl City - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhi1oLbZlZ0 
A dynamic electronic song, the lyrics leave room for different interpretations, but I like to see it as a worship tune. Owl City is a Christian artist, but he does dabble in contemporary songs as well. He's another unique, rare talent.

9. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
This song still captures my emotions every time I listen to it. I can't even begin to fathom what the response would be when the song is played live. The dynamic, mysterious synth that continues throughout, the haunting guitar riffs, and the undeniable powerful lyrics are simply God inspired.

10. We Are One - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tHSTwiBpew&list=UU7iti2AwppwLlsBW6SStZJg
Another Sky Terminal song! Again, from their new album, this song isn't as great as Say Hello, but it's still an awesome tune. I especially like the start, beginning with a drum track, and then bringing in the electric guitar, and finally the full band. The chorus is also special, almost an anthem cry with the words "We are One!"

Tim Neufeld's Trees Album Review

Rating: 6.9/10
Website: http://timneufeldmusic.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/trees/id646473669

Marking the start of his solo artist journey, Tim Neufeld's Trees is his first album apart from Starfield, a band which he has led to Christian stardom. Also leaving Starfield's signature rock sound for the new folk style, Neufeld's talent continues to shine. Skilled at leading worship, this album provides a new, fresh, unique way to approach the Lord.

With only a few star songs such as Heart Starts Beating, Beautiful Things, and a version of 10 000 Reasons, the album as a whole does not really live up to expectations. The risk with doing something of this nature was the previous standards set by Starfield's immense success. Unfortunately for Tim Neufeld, Trees is definitely not of the same quality. While the talent of Neufeld cannot be denied, this album is lacking for a wide range of songs that are top notch. In particular, some songs were very disappointing, especially the version of Cornerstone. Again, referring back to Starfield, the special feeling of top songs that was previously created wasn't there for the majority of the record.

However, the album is still a pleasant listen, if not just a different experience. Tim Neufeld's vocals provide for a very relaxing sound, and the record represents a breath of fresh air into the worship music market.

Tim Neufeld

Top Ten Songs for June

Time to start looking for the song of the summer, as many people like to call it! What song will be the hit on radio stations across the country this year?

1. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
Back to the top spot! This song is looking more and more sure of being my song of the year. Is it my song of the summer already? I don't think so, as Say Something isn't the normal upbeat, pop tune that compromises that song of the summer title the majority of the time.

2. Heart Starts Beating - Tim Neufeld - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYcoMyHPHE
A new addition to the list! This song was first introduced to me a while back when worship artist Luke Langman (see number 5 for a song from him) played it in front of our church in an acoustic setting. I didn't hear it again, or even think of it until my brothers and sister came back from Pitch 'n' Praise, a youth retreat over the May long weekend. Tim Neufeld and his new project The Glory Boys were there leading worship, and this is one of the songs of Tim's new album Trees! Excellent song with a very folky feel.

3. This is the Life - Two Door Cinema Club - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paHH9udAmAg
Currently, this is my song for the summer. It is an older song, released in the soundtrack for the major motion picture Soul Surfer, but no new songs have really caught my attention yet. This is a great, unique, upbeat song to blast as you are cruising in your car with the windows down!

4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
This is another band that I'd like to see live. The best part is that they are pure musicians, sticking strictly to the original instruments, guitar, drums, and vocals. A simple band, but very talented. The singer is pretty awesome too, with a unique timbre, decent range, and incredible phrasing technique.

5. Joy - Luke Langman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJWC0_bnQV4
New release from another local artist! A master at worship music, this is Luke's fourth album, released this month June 20th. This song is the headliner from the album, an excellent uplifting tune. Excited to say that my family was part of the official music video! You should be able to see a quick glimpse of us within the first few seconds. Click on the YouTube link to check out the video! It's a really cool video idea, and it turned out really well!

6. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I'm so excited for the new album from Ed Sheeran, titled X. As I stated in an earlier month, I think this is one of the most talented artists in the world right now, if not the best. While I haven't purchased the album yet, from the singles released, a glimpse of the varying styles and songs is displayed. It should make for a very exciting album. The full album release was June 23.

7. King of Wonders - Matt Redman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp9yQt59gYc
For me, one of the telling signs of a great worship song is when it is easily adapted to common worship leaders. Each time I hear this song sung by someone different than Matt Redman, it reminds me of why I like the song. The different versions keep it current, and fresh in my mind.

8. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
While singer Ben Crist's voice doesn't necessarily convey easily recognizable emotion through every song he sings, I always hear it in this song. Again, it's one of my favourite worship songs because of how easy it is for me to slip into that special spirit every time I listen to it. Only a few select songs can get to me like that.

9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
I had the amazing experience of leading this song on Sunday morning for church, alongside my other family members. The response that this song has the potential of producing is truly awe inspiring. The song is limitless in the amount of ways you can bend it to cater to different people in order to draw them into the Spirit of Worship. Truly a blessed song from an God inspired band.

10. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
Summer is not only a time for specific songs to make their mark, it's also a time of attending concerts! Top of my list is this group! Unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to wait until at least September to get to go to one of their concerts. Still, the September one looks like it is at the Air Canada Centre. That is going to be an awesome experience!