Looking back over my life, I have taken less interest in music than I might have and if I had my life might have been more enriched. I am now finding in my dotage that music is playing a much greater part (especially that which draws me closer to God) when it comes to calming the spirit and getting my priorities right and I share here what could be seen as a playlist of that which I have found uplifting in recent days (just click on the links below to play along).
“Ode to Joy” is also the name of the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. I love this rendition by 10000 Japanese musicians, despite not understanding the words.
Handel’s Messiah is rather long but to keep it short why not just listen to the beginning which begins with “Comfort ye my people”.
I recall the Fisherfolk in my early Christian life as a group of gospel singers that get to the heart of worship. I am the Bread of Life is a great example.
I love the music coming from this group of young people at a Christian college (whose theology is not as sound as I would like it) yet nevertheless encouraging.
I love the music of Matt Redmond especially his “10000 Reasons” for praising God, here rendered by the All Soul’s Orchestra as part of their Prom Praise.
El Shaddai (God Almighty) should be the centre of our thoughts and worship. This El “Shaddai Medley / You Are My Hiding Place” rendition helps me to do just that.
I love this US Army rendition of the US Civil War Battle Hymn and while the context of when first sung could be seen as suspect reminds me that God’s glory is all important.
Finally and appropriately in this Advent season, my favourite Christmas hymn with its prophetic expectations and haunting (in a good sense) melodies.
JRB Publications 