Chris Tomlin | “Chris Tomlin & Friends” – Full Album Review
Chris Tomlin moved to Nashville about 5 years ago. In 2017, Chris began the yearly Good Friday Nashville concerts at Bridgestone Arena. That year he held the venue through 2024 and vowed each year the concerts would give back to Tennessee/Nashville communities. Each year the concerts have sold out; in 2018 he broke the attendance record at Bridgestone as the largest ticketed Christian concert in the venue’s history. In 2019, he smashed that record. He is one of only four artists ever to receive the Sound Exchange Digital Radio Award for over 1 Billion digital radio streams, others include Justin Timberlake, Pitbull and Garth Brooks. He has 12 albums, 16 #1 radio singles, a Grammy, American Music Award, 3 Billboard Music Awards, 21 Dove Awards, a BMI Songwriter of the Year Award with two platinum and five gold albums to his credit and over 8 million albums sold.
After his annual Good Friday Nashville concert 2020 was forced to postpone until 2021 due to the COVID-19 crisis, Chris was committed to find a way to maintain the tradition of bringing people together to worship. In light of the inability to gather together physically, Chris called his friends to help and to partner together for Good Friday Worldwide. The concert aired as a one-hour music Special on TBN with performances by Chris, a message from America’s Pastor Max Lucado and Pat Barrett, We The Kingdom and Matt Maher. Over 75 radio stations simulcast the concert and it was seen in over 32 countries.
This new album includes 13 tracks with Tomlin featuring super stars Florida Georgia Line, who also executive produced the album, Lady A and Thomas Rhett as well as several of today’s biggest country music stars including Russell Dickerson, Chris Lane, RaeLynn, Cassadee Pope and Brett Young in addition to Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE, Blessing Offor and We The Kingdom. In honor of this new release, we have decided to do a track by track review of this project.
First up on this collaborative album is “Thank You Lord (Intro).” This track perfectly introduces this new album. This one is all about the choir. Its absolutely beautiful. This sets the stage for the musical magic that is about to happen on this album.
Next up is “Thank You Lord,” (feat Thomas Rhett). Thomas Rhett is best known for his hit, “Die a Happy Man.” Florida Georgia Line also makes an appearance on this track as well. This is a fun upbeat song about thanking the Lord for all of the things in their lives. This one has an infectious melody and solid vocals/lyrics.
In the 3rd spot is “Reaching For You,” (feat We The Kingdom). We The Kingdom is making their name known in Christian Music, especially with their last single, “No Doubt About It.” They are back and teaming with Tomlin on this uplifting and upbeat track. This is a very powerful song that is going to popular everywhere. It is very inspiring. The vocals are on point. The melodies are absolutely beautiful. “Reaching For You,” is going to go straight to the top of the charts if it is released as a single.
“Who You Are,” (feat. Lady A) is next up. Lady A has already proven to be a force in Country Music. They have shown that they can literally sing any time of music. “Who You Are,” is actually the first single released off of this album to Christian radio stations. Another powerful song. The song starts out slower but the build is pretty intense. The lyrics are beautiful and pair perfectly with Lady A’s and Chris Tomlin’s iconic vocals. Their harmonies are absolutely stunning in “Who You Are.” This one is bound to be on the top of the charts in no time.
Next up is “God Who Listens,” (feat. Thomas Rhett). Thomas Rhett is back with another solid song. This one has a different feel than “Thank You Lord,” from earlier. This one sounds more like a Christian Country song. Their voices sound amazing in this track. The instrumentals of this track are huge. There is a lot going on but it pays off. Seems like in this case, the bigger the sound, the bigger the message. “God Who Listens,” is very inspiring, moving and will leave you in awe of the message of this song.
In the sixth spot on the album is “Power,” (feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE). This song is all about the Power of Jesus. This song is just that, extremely powerful. The vocals are absolutely beautiful. My favorite part of this song is that there is this build up half way into the song that just unleashes a musical masterpiece. Another completely solid track from an inspiring album.
“Be The Moon,” (feat Brett Young & Cassadee Pope). Brett Young is best known for his Country smash hit, “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Cassadee Pope took the world by storm after winning Season 3 of The Voice. She has since had massive success, including her single, “Think of You,” which earned a Grammy nomination. “Be The Moon,” has a wonderful message and sounds more like a Classic Country song. All of their voices blend very well together. It is a stunning display of vocal greatness. Such a beautiful song that needs to be heard.
Next up is “Sing,” (feat. Russell Dickerson and Florida Georgia Line). You may recognize Russell Dickerson from the review we did of his single, “Home Sweet.” He teams up with Tomlin and Florida Georgia Line for this catchy single. This song sounds more bluesy right off the bat. Vocally, there is a lot going on, but each of their voices sound great together. This one will make you want to….”Sing.” On working with Russell Dickerson, Tomlin said, “Russell was on my tour crew for three years. He’s always had this heart of worship, but he was the worst tech in the history of the world because he’d be side of stage worshiping God the whole time.”
“Chase Me Down,” (feat. RaeLynn) is up next on this new album. RaeLynn was also a contestant on Season 2 of The Voice. Her voice is pushed to the forefront here. She is made for this kind of music. Her tone is absolutely flawless. This song is more about love and forgiveness. It is a much needed message during these times. This is definitely one of my favorites off of this album.
The next song is “Gifts from God.” (feat. Chris Lane). This one has more Classic Country vibe because it tells more of a story than some of the other tracks on the album. This makes it more engaging than some of the others as well. Solid instrumentals and solid vocals. Another great addition to the album. You will want to add this one to your playlist.
“Forever Home,” (feat. Florida Georgia Line). This song starts out with Florida Georgia Line singing about how great their house and their views are. Then it basically says that our “Forever Home,” is a more beautiful place. This one has a more bluesy feel to it. All in all, this is a solid song with a good message.
Next up is “Together,” (feat. Russell Dickerson). Russell is back with “Together.” His voice sounds fantastic is this song. It is placed in the forefront, where it belongs. He has such a strong vocal presence and it pays off in this specific song. This one is more of a Modern Country song as well. So, everyone, get “Together,” and listen to this one.
Last on this wonderful album is “Tin Roof,” (feat. Blessing Offor). What a way to end this album. This song is an inspiration. Blessing Offor’s voice sounds amazing in this song. He has so much passion and emotion in his voice. “I pray heaven is like rain on a tin roof.” These are powerful lyrics that are made even more powerful with Blessing Offor’s and Chris Tomlin’s voices. Such a great song to end on.
Chris Tomlin recently had some words to say about this new album. “Everyone brought their own unique experiences and talents to the table and it’s what made the songs and their message so relatable and powerful. One of my personal hopes for this album is to take a step towards bridging Christian music and all other genres…” I do believe that he has done just that. If any album is going to reach everyone, it would be this one. This is a super strong album with all kinds of messages to be heard. If you are fan of inspiring music, with some amazing artists, take a listen to this new album by Chris Tomlin. Chris Tomlin & Friends is available to stream on all major streaming services today!
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