Singing a New Song

2010 April 12

by Tyler

Part of my job as a worship leader for both youth and adults is to find new worship songs that I hope will connect with people. Some of you might be of the opinion that we only need to sing hymns. I would disagree because I believe that even the best of songs get old when done too often. And the only way to “sing a new song” (The Bible’s words, not mine) is to actually bring in a new song.

I’m not a great songwriter so I rely on those I believe God has given a gift of writing songs for the church.

I thought I’d share some of the songs we’ve been introducing to our youth and adults in some cases over the past 3 months (if you can’t see the videos below, come here to watch them):

We Cry Out from Kim Walker and Jesus Culture:

Rise and Sing by Steve Fee (link to the audio of the song, no good video available)
Awakening by Chris Tomlin (introducing it this weekend and at the high school retreat in 2 weeks)
Glory to God Forever by Steve Fee (being led by Steve with this song was a special moment for me):
Desert Song by Brooke Fraser (just introduced it this weekend, I’m not sold on it, we’ll see if it catches on):

So now that you’ve seen and heard some of the newer songs we’ve been doing at my church, I’d love to hear some of that songs that have been connecting at your church.

Let’s hear it.

Filed under: worship Tags: Sunset, worship

http://twitter.com/dustinuga dustin

We’ve done Desert Song at our church, and regularly do Rise & Sing and Glory to God with our students. Loved listening to We Cry Out – never heard it before. Thanks!
http://www.benlemery.com Ben

I love singing a new song or as Charismatics would say “singing in the Spirit.” Most of my prayer time is singing out my prayers because I love singing. It’s good to see you bring Kim Walker into your fold, have you listened to Misty Edwards new cd?
http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com Kyle Reed

I love how chris quilala is playing drums on the Jesus Culture song. That dude is a great musician.

Good song choices. How close do you have the band play the songs to the original?
http://www.manofdepravity.com Tyler

I haven’t. Isn’t it mostly covers?
http://www.manofdepravity.com Tyler

Yeah Chris is a ridiculous musician.

It always depends on the song. Glory to God Forever flow-wise makes sense to me so we play it almost exactly like their recording. We Cry Out we play the same as their arrangement but we shorten it quite a bit (4 minutes) by cutting the instrumental and half and not doing the ad-lib part that Kim does.
http://www.benlemery.com Ben

Nope, Jesus Culture does a ton of covers, all of Misty’s stuff is her own writing, which Jesus Culture has covered haha. You regret Fling Wide or Relentless, trust me. =)
AmyE

Since I go to your church, can’t really share new songs we’re doing. But since you opened up the new song topic …I agree that new songs are important. However, I believe that because the people who plan services are typically music, creative types, they often underestimate how long it takes a congregation to get tired of a song. I think the service planning team gets tired of a song just about the time that the congregation is finally able to sing without trying to remember how it goes. Just my 2 cents …
Lindy Bartell

At Mosaic we’ve been singing Rescue (Jared Anderson), Jesus Paid It All (Kristia Stanfill) and Amazing God (Abandon)… all played a little more differnt than my iTunes versions. I’m also really looking forward to the new Jaymes Reunion CD out later this month.

Thanks for sharing!
http://www.manofdepravity.com Tyler

Definitely true. I get tired of a song faster than most people that haven’t played the song in practice a lot. That is something I (and we) try to balance when coming up with songs for each weekend.
http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com Kyle Reed

That makes sense.
I know for me I like to use the original as a blueprint and definitely build off of that providing my own style.
But I tend to try and keep it as close as possible. Like on Desert song, I try and play the exact same thing (I am speaking from the drums perspective). Personally I think it is what the artist has put forth and therefore you should as well (or at least try).
But trying to keep up with what Kim Walker does is easier said then done.
rose braun

LOVE we cry out!
http://owlhaven.net owlhaven

I just love Fee! And of course Hillsong. I’ll have to check out some of the others.
Mary
http://www.fredmckinnon.com Fred McKinnon

Hey,
Have you checked out some of the songs we’re publishing/featuring over at TheWorshipCommunity.Com … Trent Smith’s song is up now, there are some in the archives, and plenty more to come.

Our desire is that it would be a source of great new, congregation-friendly music. Let me know!
http://www.valenciafamily.org/blog/2010/04/weekly-hit-list-14/ Weekly Hit List #14 | ::valenciafamily.org::

[...] Some great new worship song selections from Tyler Braun in Portland. [...]
http://www.pricebonus.com/ Michelle

At Mosaic we’ve been singing Rescue (Jared Anderson), Jesus Paid It All (Kristia Stanfill) and Amazing God (Abandon)… all played a little more differnt than my iTunes versions. I’m also really looking forward to the new Jaymes Reunion CD out later this month.

Thanks for sharing!