#MusicMonday: Building 429's new album Unashamed will leave you encouraged, built up, and faith-filled

Today's artist is Building 429 and their new album Unashamed.  Building 429 gets it's band name from Ephesians 4:29 which reads, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
The bands members are from Snyder Baptist Church, originally from areas of North Carolina and Texas. The band consists of Jason Roy (lead vocalist), Michael Anderson (drummer), Jesse Garcia (Keyboardist and guitarist), and Aaron Branch (bass guitarist). The Christian Rock group released their 9th studio album, Unashamed on September 25, 2015. The group won the GMA Dove Award for New Artist of the year in 2005. 

Song By Song Review

    "Eyes Up":  Sometimes life is hard but when you keep your eyes up, focusing on the author of creation, hope builds and you realize you will be alright.

    "Impossible": The lead track off the album, it's based off Matthew 19:26 that says that with God all things are possible. 

    "Ocean Deep": Based on Romans 8:38-39, this song talks about how nothing can separate us from God's love despite when we think we've messed up enough that God won't love us anymore.

    "Unashamed": A song for anyone who follows the Christian faith, not religion. Anyone who will stand with God no matter how the rest of the world decides to compromise their faith. The title track off the album inspires greatly with the musicality of Simple Minds "Don't Forget About Me" despite the heavily Christian message.

    "Go": Following the Holy Spirit's direction, this song talks about the spirit-led life.

    "Earth Shaker": Similar in sound to their song, "Listen to the Sound," it's about having faith despite trying circumstances, almost the sequel to "Unashamed."

    "Hold Them Close": A song about realizing all God has done for you in this life; a song of worship to the One True King.

    "Be With Us Now (Emmanuel)": An acoustic ballad about the times we live in now; a song that is a cry in faith to God.

   "Hearts Collide": Musically, my favorite off the album because it definitely showcases a lot of alternative rock, echoes the sound of Switchfoot hits. A sequel song to "Earth Shaker."

    "Stronger": The last song on the album finishes the album on a high note. It's about seeing someone who mistreats you the way God sees them through the eyes of mercy and grace. 

Whether you are struggling to find hope or just want some new Jesus music to listen to, Unashamed is everything you need in a Christian music album. The album debuted at #2 on Christian music charts, and #11 on Billboard's Top Rock Chart.

Need more encouragement? Is Life Truly Worth Living?

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~

#WriterWednesday: Jesus Muzik Worth Blasting! Live Forever and Blanca Album Reviews

I know you are probably are tired of reading reviews on here but I've decided it's time I expand my writing talent to include reviews of good music, books, and movies/ tv shows. I also have been facing a bit of writer's block regarding what to blog about. Yet, I don't want to lose you as my fabulous, beautiful readers who come here for inspiration.

Two new released Christian albums I've fallen in love with lately are Live Forever by Matthew West and Blanca's self-titled debut solo album.

#LiveForeverReview

On April 28, 2015,  Matthew West released Live Forever, his sixth studio album. I'm a huge Matthew West fan and this album doesn't disappoint. My favorites from the album are Day One (about how God's mercy is new every morning so each new day is the first day of your life),  The List (reminds us that love keeps no record of wrong), World Changers (about Jesus followers who shine in this dark, dark world because they have the joy of the Lord), Grace Wins ( I'm living proof that grace wins every time!), Tryin' (how God made us all unique so we shouldn't try to be something that God didn't make us to be), Mended (about how God can take things not seen and make a way where one doesn't appear), Anything is Possible (God is the God of the Impossible), Born For This (Knowing your God-given destiny gives you a zest for life), Oh, Me of Little Faith (for the doubtful moments).

#BlancaReview

On May 4, 2015, Blanca (former member of Group 1 Crew) released her first solo debut with a self-titled album. From the first song until the last, the songs are filled with dance-inducing beats and lyrics filled with inspiration for worship and a life lived in Christ. My favorites from the album are Different Drum (a song I wish existed when I was a kid), Who I Am (about knowing who God says you are and choosing to believe that instead of what people say about), Get Up ft. Lecrae (about not giving up when the going gets tough), Sunshine (about God's love being like sunshine on a cloudy day), Not Backing Down (this would be a perfect workout song), Worry (a Bob Marley style track about trusting God and not worrying), Greater is He (her vocals on this track are unreal; based on 1 John 4:4), Today ( a great song about not wasting time and just trusting that God gives us sufficient grace for each day).

Each album is filled to the brim with musical content that will renew your mind, calm your heart, and steady your feet.

Until next time, remember:
 Turnin' down, tunin' out
Every single word that caused me pain
Unashamed and unafraid
'Cause I believe You mean it when You say
I am strong, beautiful
I am good enough
And I belong after all, 'cause of what You've done
This is real what I feel
No one made it up
I am loved -Blanca, Who I Am

Love Times Infinity,

Chelsea

xoxo

God Bless!

~Just Keep Swimming~