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JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Chris Rupp

Chris Rupp
A New Day: A Cappella, Vol. II

Street Date: June 15, 2018
Style: A Cappella
Official Site: LeonLieffijn.com
Buy It: iTunes
Buy It: AmazonMP3



There are quantifiable arguments to explain how all music, talent, art, etc. is subjective. On the contrary, there are equal amounts of strong opinions that can justifiably explain the how and why a song or an artist is logically good. Chris Rupp is an excellent example of this. Seeing he is the founder of Home Free, winners of season 4 of NBC's The Sing Off, might actually be evidence that there is a public and objective way to calculate someone's talent. Now a solo indie artist, Chris Rupp is giving listeners some high-quality vocal music with A New Day: A Cappella, Vol. II.

The album is a collection of traditional hymns, contemporary hits and even some throwback goodies. Most of the album is performed by Rupp, produced painstakingly with no discernable errors. Hymns, like "Just As I Am," "Beautiful Savior" and "In The Garden," are absolutely breathtaking. Worship leaders should take note of these renditions as they would seriously bless some of the older saints in local congregations who feel like they may have been forgotten. However, be prepared to work those vocal chords as these tracks are packed with dynamic layers.

Rupp's interpretations of Zach Williams' "Old Church Choir" and Steven Curtis Chapman's "I Will Be Here" are undeniably fantastic. Each track is handled with respect and a clear understanding of the arrangements. While they are obviously not the original, they carry the same rich quality their predecessors have.

If you're looking for something a little different from the rest of the album, the title track and "Are You Ready for A Miracle?" are used magnificently to keep the album from becoming monotonous. They both feature a more unique sound that would be great for choral specials on a Sunday morning.

What makes Rupp's sound so endearing is that he is not mimicking anyone. To compare him to Pentatonix or even the legendary folks in First Call wouldn't do him justice, nor would it be accurate. It's not an apples to apples comparison; it would be more like comparing lemons and limes--they are in the same family but very different. Let's be clear, this is not an album for everyone, but if you have a deep love and appreciation for vocal talent and an affinity for a cappella music, this album will be a lovely addition to your library. Chris Rupp's style and meticulous detail of each moving part within a song is incredible and this glimpse into his art is worth investing in.

- Review date: 7/24/18, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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JFH Indie Spotlight Review . Record Label: None
. Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 35 seconds
. Street Date: June 15, 2018
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: AmazonMP3
. Listen: Spotify

  1. Lift High the Cross (3:44)
  2. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (3:54)
  3. Angels Among Us (feat. Tim Foust) (4:09)
  4. Old Church Choir (2:54)
  5. I Will Be Here (4:18)
  6. Just as I Am (3:45)
  7. A New Day (3:58)
  8. Beautiful Savior (4:02)
  9. In the Garden (3:39)
  10. Are You Ready for a Miracle (feat. Mykal Kilgore, Emoni Wilkins, Elliott Robinson & Adam Rupp) (3:43)
  11. Poor Wayfarin' Stranger (feat. Simon Khorolskiy) (4:29)

 

 

 

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This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
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ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
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Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
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DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
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SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



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