Song Of The Week - May 15

Wow, I haven't been able to write anything on the blog in a week... that's sort of disappointing for me, because it means that things are starting to get a little bit too busy for me to handle. So much is going on and is about to take place, it just seems that it's speeding up at a time where I need it to slow down. Hopefully I'll be able to get through these last few weeks, there's a lot of change and opportunities to look forward to.

As summer knocks on our doors, it's time to welcome some of the will-be blockbusters of 2009. The summer of 2007 was an amazing year for Christian releases, producing a good portion of the music that I listen to today. Last year was a disappointment in comparison, but still relatively solid. But this year... this year is set to be the best of the all, with some of the biggest artists and formations releasing their new work. As a avid searcher of new music to listen to and enjoy, I'm especially excited about this band's effort, and would like to talk about them this week.

Lay 'Em Down - Needtobreathe, The Outsiders

"If you're lost and lonely/you're broken down/bring all of your trouble/come lay 'em down"

Ah... I never thought one compound word could bring me so many memories of happiness. But alas, there is one, and the word is Needtobreathe. For the past 3 years, I have had the immense pleasure of listening to them and opening my mind to a new sound, as well as a new message, by the songs that they have composed. Their first release was an album by the name of Daylight, and was just like any typical debut. Except for the fact that it was astounding for a band's first release. It hooked me right in with both personal songs and good rockers. Their next album, The Heat, released in August of 2007... and we've had quite a bit of fun with that one, haven't we? The way that Needtobreathe relates with the listener is truly astonishing. They take common themes and turn it into something emotionally and intellectually complex, even though at the surface, the lyrics are quite simple. That is what I love the most about Needtobreathe... their penmanship is easily equal to the musicianship.

Lay Em Down is the single for Needtobreathe's upcoming album, The Outsiders, due out at the end of August. If you liked their previous album, get ready to fall in love again: they seem to be set on producing southern influenced music, which in their case, is extremely good for fans such as myself :P. I consider this song to be almost an anthem, a more engaging version of Washed By The Water, as they are extremely alike. The message of the song is very simple, but very sound. The singer is inviting us to "lay our burdens down", to leave our troubles and join together, wherever we are. It's a footstomping song, but what it reminds me the most of is God assurance that we can always go to Him, and He is looking to carry our burdens, and help us through the greatest of trials... It's extremely important to keep this truth with you, because if you allow your troubles and burdens to weigh you down, it will eventually affect everything that you do. This has been one of my struggles these past few years, and I'm now just beginning to let go of that, thank God. I truly believe that He is the lifter of my head. I am greatly anticipating this summer, and the return of that familiar southern flair, one that speaks with great eloquence.

Lay 'Em Down - http://www.mediafire.com/?ozzmtmkikza