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JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Music Spotlight Review

Rising Life

Sandra McCracken
Steadfast Live

Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 14 tracks: 59 minutes, 31 seconds
Street Date: August 25, 2017



I was first introduced to the genius of Sandra McCracken by way of being a fan of band Caedmon's Call of whom she wrote a few songs for in he early 2000's. I was captivated by her writing style which was (and still is) deeply poetic and akin to the style of hymns of old. I quickly picked up her fourth album, The Builder and the Architect, and to this day still listen to it on a semi-regular basis. On this her independently released album titled Steadfast Live, she blends songs from her past two offerings, Psalms and God's Highway, and adds five new tracks to the setlist. Steadfast was recorded live at the Art House in Nashville and has a very intimate living room feel which is a rare and needed change of pace from much of the music of today.

Song "God's Highway" is a highlight with lyrical encouragement to "Fear not/keep on/watch and pray/Walk in the light of God's highway." Title track "Steadfast" points the spotlight right where it should be on God's faithfulness with lines like, "I will build my house whether storm or drought/on the rock that does not move." Another great song of note is "All Ye Refugees." Lyrics of tender love abound, like "I am the One/the earth is my handmade work/The skies I laid them wide/beauty unfurled/Horizon to horizon/Creation to creation/sings you home/Welcome home/gather round all ye refugees, come in."

Finding a voice in the crowded landscape that is today's worship genre isn't easy, especially for such a laid back folk/country artist like McCracken, but she is truly the cream of the crop and not to be overlooked. Sandra's voice and writing are like a warm blanket and a hot beverage; soothing and familiar in a good way. I cannot recommend Steadfast Live enough to those looking for stripped back, simple yet profound lyrics, and that intimate worship with friends around the fireplace feel. Do not miss this brilliant collection of songs that act as comforter for weary souls.

- Review date: 8/24/17, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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. Record Label: Towhee Records
. Album length: 14 tracks: 59 minutes, 31 seconds
. Street Date: August 25, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes

  1. Almighty God Prelude (Live) (0:40)
  2. Almighty God (Live) (6:34)
  3. Trinity Song (Live) (3:16)
  4. Steadfast (Live) (3:37)
  5. Sweet Comfort (Live) (5:13)
  6. Be Thou My Vision (Live) (2:12)
  7. God's Highway (Live) (5:41)
  8. Call Him Good (Live) (4:33)
  9. Continuously (Live) (4:31)
  10. With Great Gentleness (Live) (2:51)
  11. We Will Feast in the House of Zion (Live) (6:37)

 

 

 

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This Sunday, February 2, 2025
SINGLES
His Kingdom Suffers Lord Open My Eyes - Single [The Charon Collective]

This Friday, February 7, 2025
ALBUMS
Ryan Ellis It's Gonna Be Alright, Better Days Are Coming - EP [Provident]
Impending Doom Towards the Light - EP (independent)
JOHNNYSWIM When The War is Over (independent)
Living Fire Christ Supremacy [Thumper Punk Records]
Leigh Nash The Tide, Vol. 2 - EP [Visionary]
Pyramid Park Cyclones & Silence (independent)
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

SINGLES
Alexxander Tres Deseos - Single [Reach]
Anchor Hymns Where Can I Go That My Maker Won't Be? - Single [Integrity]
Luke Barbosa Cinnamon - Single (independent)
The Belonging Co A New Eden (Live) [feat. Lauren Sloat] - Single [Capitol CMG]
bodie whisper and the wind (feat. Gracie Binion) - Single [Provident]
Brennley Brown Sanctuary - Single [Provident]
Steven Curtis Chapman Forever the Love of My Life - Single [The Fuel]
for KING & COUNTRY 40 - Single [Capitol CMG]
Forrest Frank SUNRISE - Single (independent)
Free Worship Una Y Otra Vez - Single [BEC]
FYR FYTR Father Time - Single (independent)
Gather Worship The Image - Single [Integrity]
GRAND MOTEL I Have Come To Set The World On Fire, And I Wish It Were Already Burning! - Single (independent)
Jason Gray Sparrows Acoustic - Single [Centricity]
Matt Hammitt No Matter the Cost - Single (independent)
Benjamin William Hastings If It Wasn't for Jesus (from the Studio) - Single [Capitol CMG]
ICF Worship New Heights - Single [Integrity]
KB We Still Believe (HLY Forever) - Single [Provident]
The Kingsmen I'm Saved - Single [Horizon]
Brandon Lake Hard Fought Hallelujah (feat. Jelly Roll) - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Faithful Still - Single [BEC]
LIFE Worship He's My God - Single [Integrity]
Vic Lucas P31 - Single [Syntax]
MIAJAIRIAN Help Me God - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Hyper Focus - Single [Syntax]
Tenielle Neda Wisdom of the Cross - Single (independent)
Tommee Profitt Lost (feat. Sam Tinnesz, Billy Ray Cyrus) - Single [Capitol CMG]
River Valley AGES Best Thing - Single [BEC]
Tommy Royale Bandera - Single [Capitol CMG]
Rusty Shipp All Aboard! - Single (independent)
Xander Sallows Highlight - Single [DREAM]
Matt Sassano Not Unreachable - Single (independent)
Small Voice The Ring - Single (independent)
Solachi Voz Double Helix - Single [Syntax]
TAYA One and Only - Single [Capitol CMG]
TobyMac Can't Stop Me - Single [Capitol CMG]
Visitor Pass Hope We Die - Single (independent)
We Are Messengers Somewhere In Her Dreams - Single [Curb]

Next Friday, February 14, 2025
ALBUMS
Marvin Sapp If I Were an R&B Singer - EP [Elev8]
Sidewalk Prophets Looking Up [Curb]
Denison Witmer Anything At All [Asthmatic Kitty]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down His Mercy is More - Single [BEC]
Diatheke The Creator - Single [Rottweiler]
Fine China Fraught With Danger - Single [Velvet Blue]
Olivia Lane Who God Says You Are - Single [BEC]



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