Category: Top articles

Joe Mullins’ ‘Even Better When You Listen’: A Gospel Reflection

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

JEFF TURNER

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers have released “Even Better When You Listen” as part of their new project, “Thankful and Blessed”. This marks the second release from a collection of Gospel and sacred songs.

The lyrics of “Even Better When You Listen” convey a message centered on the importance of listening to God in prayer. The song opens by telling the listener that going to God in prayer is a blessing and emphasizes the constant presence of God when his name is called in faith. The lyrics go further into what it means to pray, that it should be a “two-way conversation”.

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises Even Better When You Listen · Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers · Rick Lang · Mark BonDurant Even Better When You Listen ℗ 2025 Billy Blue Records Released on: 2025-01-03 Producer: Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers Mixing Engineer, Mastering Engineer: Chris Latham

The core message is in the repeated lines, “It’s good to talk to Jesus. It’s even better when you listen. You can hear the Holy Spirit. If you just pay attention, make the choice to hear his voice. Find out what you’ve been missing.” While vocalizing prayers and concerns is valuable, actively listening for divine guidance is presented as an even more profound aspect of faith. The lyrics encourage listeners to “stop what you’re doing” and “walk out all the noise” to allow “the holy words of Jesus” to fill their hearts.

The tune then asks us to consider that God holds the answers to what individuals seek, but understanding His plan requires giving Him “time to speak.” The repetition of the chorus reinforces the central theme of actively listening to perceive the Holy Spirit’s voice. The outro includes direct exhortations to listeners, urging “children listen,” “brother listen,” and “sister listen”.

The new project, “Thankful and Blessed,” includes a version of “I Am Blessed” and a new song, “Lord I’m Thankful,” alongside eight other new compositions.

Listen for “Even Better When You Listen” throughout the day on Texas Gospel Canada!

“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14, NASB).

Finding Deeper Meaning in The Isaacs “More Than a Hollow Hallelujah”

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

The Isaacs are well-respected in Southern Gospel. As Lily and her children Ben, Sonya, and Becky celebrate their 50th anniversary as a group, this Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee continues to create music with passion. Their latest release is “More Than a Hollow Hallelujah.” The song is a thoughtful message about worship.

Sonya Isaacs Yeary shared the story behind the song. She said, “I started writing the chorus of ‘More Than a Hollow Hallelujah’ probably, I want to say, 10, 15 years ago. And I kept it in my catalog of song ideas to finish songs that were started.” The idea for this song was with her for a long time.

Sonya’s song gained new significance when The Isaacs decided to create a praise and worship record, which included mostly cover songs of well-known hymns. Sonya explained, “And when we decided to do the praise and worship record, which is mostly covers all the other songs are already famous songs, that song came back to my mind and I sent it to my family and I said I’d really love for us to finish this song together.” This collaborative effort brought “More Than a Hollow Hallelujah” to completion.

Provided to YouTube by Universal Music Group Gratitude · The Isaacs Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah ℗ 2024 House Of Isaacs, Exclusively licensed to Gaither Music Group, LLC

The lyrics express a desire for a more profound connection in worship. The opening lines suggest a feeling of being stuck in shallow worship: “I have been wading in shallow waters too long. My lips know the words but my heart isn’t singing the song”. This honesty sets the stage for a yearning for something deeper and more genuine.

The chorus emphasizes the need for sincere praise: “Lord, I’m ready, please forgive me. You deserve more than a hollow hallelujah. More than just empty praise. With all that I am, I am reaching out for You. I long to adore You. My heart knows the way. You are glorious, glorious, glorious”. This part of the song, which Sonya started writing many years ago, clearly conveys the central theme. She believed the song would do “a good job of summing up what the whole purpose of the record was and that is to give God our full attention, to give him the highest praise that we have”.

The lyrics continue with a commitment to deeper devotion: “The more I get lost in Your presence, the safer I feel. You are the potter and I’m not afraid of the wheel. No more inhibitions, I don’t care who’s standing around. When I shout hallelujah this time, it’s not just a sound”.

The repetition of “You deserve more than a hollow hallelujah. More than just empty praise” throughout the song reinforces its central message. The song is a reminder that true worship involves more than just saying words; it requires a sincere heart and full devotion.

New Book Chronicles 70 Years of The Kingsmen

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

AMY TURNER

A new book exploring the long and storied history of The Kingsmen is now available. Decades of Music, Decades of Memories Volume One by Alan Kendall provides a detailed look at 70 years of the influential southern gospel group.

Southern gospel historian David Bruce Murray played a role in this historical account. He shared his thoughts on his contribution to the book, saying, “Alan Kendall approached me when he was preparing this book about using an article that I had posted on the history of the Kingsman at my website, sghistory.com, and that’s where I traced the prehistory of the Kingsman, how they got started, and when they adopted their name in 1956 as the Kingsman Quartet.”

Murray expressed appreciation for Kendall’s decision to include his work, adding, “I was very flattered that Allen was confident enough in my work that he went to include it in his book. It’s a great look at the Kingsman, and Allen has done a fine job putting it together.”

Fans of southern gospel music and those interested in The Kingsmen’s legacy can find Decades of Music, Decades of Memories Volume One by Alan Kendall on Amazon.com.

Changes for Authentic Unlimited

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

DAVID INGRAM

Authentic Unlimited is changing members. The group, which includes musicians from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, is saying goodbye to John Meador.

Colton Baker courtesy https://www.authenticunlimitedband.com/

Taking his place is Colton Baker, who comes from Ballard County, Kentucky and has been making music for most of his life. He first loved Country but found a passion for bluegrass in high school and college. Before joining Authentic Unlimited, Colton played with the Bethel University Renaissance Bluegrass Band and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out.

Colton Baker can play different instruments and sing. He is excited to share his love for bluegrass with audiences as part of Authentic Unlimited. This change means that Authentic Unlimited will continue to play their blend of traditional and new bluegrass music with a slightly different lineup.

The Guardians Face Weather Delay but Share a Happy Message

Published on by Texas GospelLeave a comment

TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

The Guardians recently had to change their plans due to severe weather. They were set to perform in Hartford, Alabama on March 15th, but the event was cancelled because of the weather. The group shared a message on their website, saying, “We’re praying for all of those in the path of the storm. Stay weather alert!”.

Despite this setback, The Guardians are continuing with their planned tour and are working to get their music played on the radio. Their new song “Kick Up My Heels and Sing“ has a positive message at a time we all need to hear something positive.

Provided to YouTube by Daywind Records Kick Up My Heels and Sing · The Guardians Kick Up My Heels and Sing ℗ 2025 Daywind Records Released on: 2025-01-31 Main Artist: The Guardians Producer: John Darin Rowsey Lyricist: John Darin Rowsey Composer: John Darin Rowsey Lyricist: Rodney Griffin Composer: Rodney Griffin Arranger: Wayne Haun

Pat Barker, who sings the bass part for The Guardians, believes that “the world today really needs something happy!”. He further explained his thoughts behind the song, stating, “It’s just it’s happy don’t we need happy right now we need happy it’s it’s quartet singing all the way around it sounds like the guardians it sounds like a quartet and yes that is me singing the bass many people have asked um yes that’s me we didn’t have to hire somebody in for this one,” he said. This highlights the group’s intention to spread joy through their music, especially during difficult times.

The lyrics of “Kick Up My Heels and Sing,” talk about a “Happy Feeling burst into a song”. It emphasizes the idea that “every day is brand new Mercy walking on the King’s Highway there is Joy on this journey every filled with grace”. The lyrics also encourage listeners to “lift up my voice kick up my heels and sing” and express gratitude for blessings received, as in “can’t stop Count the blessing he gives me”. The feeling of joy and anticipation for good things to come is evident in the lines “I’ve got too many Victory just waiting down the road I’m dancing in advance I’ve got to let it show”. Even when facing challenges, the song suggests that “no one is with me can’t stop counting the blessings He gives me.