Music Review: Rend Collective’s Good News

Three months ago, Spotify offered me three months of their premium service for just 99 cents. I decided to give it a try. And as a result, I have listened to nothing but Spotify at the office since December. I was able to listen to entire albums without ads (I didn’t realize how annoying ads were until they were suddenly gone!).

A couple weeks ago, I noticed that Rend Collective had posted a new album, Good News. So I listened to it once. Then twice. Then every day for the past two weeks. I was hooked.

I’ve previously been a fan of Rend Collective, primarily “You are My Vision” and “Build Your Kingdom Here.” But there’s something special about their new album. Something that makes me listen to the entire album on repeat for days.

So let me walk you through the first half of the album to display what continues to draw me back to it.

1.  Life Is Beautiful: The intro music is a bit fanciful, like a dream. Then the opening lines are beautiful poetry:

Painter of skies, maker of stars
Holder of seas and all our hearts
Artist of life, father of lights
When I’m with you my soul ignites
You see my sin but love me the same
Breathe on my hurt and raise me again
Up from the ash, up from the dust
You’re recreating us

I will not waste this day you’ve made
I will be glad

Rejoice, rejoice

When I stand accused by my regrets
And the devil roars his empty threats
I will preach the gospel to myself
That I am not a man condemned
For Jesus Christ is my defense.

I will not let the darkness steal the joy within my soul
I will not let my circumstance become my compass, no
I will not let the fears of life and sorrows of this world
Dictate to me how I should feel
For You are my true north

The rest of the album is every bit as good: Resurrection Day, No Outsiders, Weep With Me, Weep With Me – Reprise, Marching On, Yahweh, Counting Every blessing – Ukele Session, Christ Lives In Me

And a final shout out to this line from the second half of the album, “What’s true in the light is still true in the dark. You’re good and you’re kind and you care for this heart … Right here in the shadows I will offer this praise.”

If you’re struggling with doubt and fear, listen to this album.

If you’re seeking God’s plans for your future, listen to this album.

If you’re feeling stuck, listen to this album.

If you’re rejoicing in your day, listen to this album.

If you’re reading this post, stop and go listen to this album.

I’d like to thank Rend Collective for creating an album that points us solidly to Christ for His sacrifice on the cross for our salvation. Let me know what your favorite song on the album is. You can reach me on Facebook or Twitter.