Tag: reviews

Lauren Talley releases “Mercy” from Elevation Worship’s Grammy-winning album

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Lauren Talley has released a new single, “Mercy,” taken from Elevation Worship’s GRAMMY- and Dove Award-winning album Old Church Basement. The release follows last month’s “Walls,” her first new music for Horizon Records since A Lauren Talley Christmas in 2024.

The recording was produced by Jason Webb. Talley’s version keeps the keyboard-driven feel of the original but pulls back on its larger sound, holding instead to the quieter, confessional tone of the song’s opening. Even as Webb brings in a supporting vocal chorus, the arrangement keeps the listener close to the words, a lyric that speaks plainly about personal redemption and the grace of God.

Talley has said the song became personal to her long after she first heard it. She recalls being asked by a young woman at her church to play piano while the woman sang it. “I loved the song then,” Talley said, “but I didn’t live it until later.” Now, she says, the song belongs to her in a different way. “When you live a song, you have to sing it. It’s my story; it’s everyone’s story of redemption.”

Talley is no newcomer to Gospel music. Born into a musical family, she sang her first solo at age two, stepping onto the stage during a family concert. She went on to become a member of the family group The Talleys, contributing lead vocals to eleven number one hits. In 2015, The Talleys received a Dove Award for their song “Hidden Heroes.”

Her solo career has been equally productive. She has recorded seven solo albums, including a 2019 release of two albums at the same time — Glorious God: Songs of Worship and Wonder and Loudest Praise: Hymns of Mercy, Love and Grace. Her 2017 album The Gospel reached number one on Billboard’s Southern Gospel chart. She is also the author of Songs in the Night, a devotional book connected to her 2010 album of the same name. In 2014, she received an honorary doctorate in Worship Arts from John Wesley University.

Beyond her own recording work, Talley is well known to audiences through her appearances on Gaither Homecoming videos and concerts, RFD-TV’s The Music City Show, and In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley. She also performs at women’s conferences and events across the country, both as a singer and a speaker.

Lauren Talley releases new gospel song “Walls” after nearly four-year recording gap

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TEXAS GOSPEL CANADA VOLUNTEER

Arden, North Carolina (March 27, 2026) — Horizon Records artist Lauren Talley has released a new Gospel song titled “Walls.” The release marks her first new Gospel song in nearly four years. She released A Lauren Talley Christmas in 2024. The new recording was produced by Dove Award-winning producer Jason Webb.

The song “Walls” was written by Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood, and Michael Farren. Talley said she contacted Habedank after hearing the song. “Joseph is one of the top soloists in Southern Gospel, and in all of Christian music today, and he’s a friend of mine. So I texted him and said, ‘Hey, why didn’t you cut this song?’ And he said, ‘Are you wanting it?’ And when I said, ‘Yeah,’ he said, ‘Well, then, I probably should have!’”.

Courtesy Crossroads Music, 2026

“Walls” features strong rhythms and gritty guitars, with inspirational and CCM musical elements. The song carries a message about God’s power to transform a believer’s life. The lyrics include: “He ain’t never met a wall that He couldn’t tear down / Watch it crumbling to the ground / He ain’t never met a wall, that He couldn’t break through / Oh, just watch what he’s gonna do / Gonna do to your walls.”

Talley described the song in simple terms. “’Walls’ is just a groovy, fun song, full of bluesy attitude, but I sure have seen the truth of this song lived out in my life,” she said. “If you’re having a rough day, you can remind yourself that ‘He ain’t never met a wall that He couldn’t tear down.’ I think you’ll like it!”

Lauren Talley is known as a dynamic talent in Christian music and has influenced many young people to serve the Lord. She was born into a musical family and sang her first solo at age 2 when she went on stage during her family’s concert and said she wanted to “thing.” She later performed with her family group, The Talleys. She has received several awards, including a 2015 Dove Award for the song “Hidden Heroes.” Her lead vocals appear on eleven number one hits with the group.

Listen for Walls on Texas Gospel Canada!

The Kingdom Heirs names John Young as new tenor

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DAVID INGRAM

The Kingdom Heirs has announced that John Young will take over the tenor position for the Southern Gospel group.

Young has been with The Kingdom Heirs for nearly three years. He currently works as a utility player and vocalist with the band. He will now join the front line of singers in his new role.

John got his professional start in music in 2016 at Dollywood singing and playing guitar in various shows on the park, according to the group’s website. John then worked for The Country Tonite Theatre for four years as a lead vocalist and lead guitar player. Along with singing and playing guitar, John also enjoys song writing. In recent years, John has written multiple songs with various hit songwriters in Nashville. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Lorle, and dog, Josie.

The group said the decision followed a two-month search process. They stated they spent time in prayer while looking for the right person for the position.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative I Went Down · Kingdom Heirs No Better Time ℗ 2024 Sonlite Records Released on: 2024-11-01

The Kingdom Heirs has won multiple awards over the years. The group is based in Tennessee and performs traditional Southern Gospel music.

The band thanked people who applied for the tenor position during the search. They said they received many responses from interested singers. The group expressed appreciation for everyone who reached out and shared their abilities.

The Kingdom Heirs asked supporters to continue their prayers for the group’s ministry work.
Young’s move to the tenor spot marks a change in the group’s lineup. He will step into a lead singing role after his time working in different positions with the band.

The Kingdom Heirs did not announce who will fill Young’s previous utility player role.

Joseph Habedank releases The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Two-time GRAMMY® nominee and Dove Award-winning artist Joseph Habedank has honoured one of Christian music’s most celebrated voices with the release of his new project, The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman, now available through Daywind Records as of November 21.

The 12-track collection reimagines some of Steven Curtis Chapman’s most beloved and timeless songs, interpreted through Habedank’s signature voice and artistry. The album features fan favourites including “His Strength Is Perfect,” “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True,” and the iconic title track, “The Great Adventure.”

The first single, Habedank’s re-fashioned version of “The Great Adventure,” arrived on September 5, giving listeners an early glimpse of the powerful and heartfelt renditions that shape the full album. Produced by Brent Milligan, the project offers a fresh perspective on Chapman’s classics while remaining true to the heart and message that have inspired generations.

“Steven Curtis Chapman’s music has been a soundtrack of faith for so many of us,” shares Joseph Habedank. “It’s an honour to pay tribute to the incredible songs that shaped my own walk and to share them with today’s audiences in a new way.”

“I’m truly humbled by Joseph’s decision to record this tribute,” says Chapman. “Hearing these songs interpreted through his voice and heart is such a gift. I pray they will continue to encourage and inspire people just as they have throughout the years.”

With a career spanning more than 35 years, Steven Curtis Chapman remains the most awarded artist in Christian music history, with 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, 5 GRAMMY® Awards, and countless hits that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

The Great Adventure: A Tribute to Steven Curtis Chapman is more than a covers project, it’s a heartfelt celebration and reimagining of Chapman’s legacy, presented through the lens of one of today’s leading voices in Christian music.

“I’m blown away and incredibly honoured that my friend Joseph has released an entire album of my songs! I can’t wait for everybody to hear it!” – Steven Curtis Chapman

Wilson Banjo Co. releases new song about heaven and belonging

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Wilson Banjo Co. has put out a new single called “Heaven Is Your Hometown.” The song came out through Pinecastle Records and carries a message about faith and finding one’s true home in heaven.

Steve Wilson, who started the band, explained why the song matters to him. He said the opening line asks if people feel like strangers who do not fit in. Wilson said this lyric affected him deeply when he first heard it. He believes the song will connect with many other people as well.

The songwriters Mitch Townley and Andrew Scott Wills wrote about the feeling of wanting to reach a place of peace and belonging. For Christians, this speaks to the biblical teaching that earth is temporary and heaven is the eternal home believers will share with God. The lyrics offer comfort through faith-based images and the hope of reunion with loved ones in heaven.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Heaven Is Your Hometown · Wilson Banjo Co. Heaven Is Your Hometown ℗ 2025 Pinecastle Records Released on: 2025-11-14

Cal Mathews sings the lead vocals on the track. Steve Wilson and Melanie Wilson provide harmony vocals. The musicians on the recording include Steve Wilson on banjo, Jason Fraley on mandolin, Richard Bennett on guitar, Glen Crain on resonator guitar, Leona on fiddle, and Jaime Carter on bass.

The band is working on their next studio album, which will come out in 2026. Steve Wilson leads the creative direction for the group. This year, their previous release called “Lonely As It Gets” performed well on the charts. The collection reached the number one position for several weeks on the Contemporary Bluegrass Album Chart. It stayed in the top ten for 33 weeks in 2025. The release also produced multiple songs that reached number one on the Roots Music Report Contemporary Bluegrass Song Chart.

Wilson Banjo Co. plans to keep making music that reflects their established sound. People can find more information about the band and their releases at http://www.wilsonbanjo.com. The band also maintains a presence on social media platforms. Listen for this and other Gospel music from Wilson Banjo Co on Texas Gospel Canada!