Gaither Vocal Band harks back to classic hymns as two key members prepare to leave the popular group

A NEW SEASON, Matthew Hagee, Difference Media (Capitol Christian Distribution), 819113010222, March 18

Hagee, pastor, author and tenor in the Southern gospel group Canton Junction, releases his debut solo project, A New Season, this month. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated Michael Sykes, the project features songs co-written by Hagee along with contributions from Randy Travis, Aaron Wilburn and Matthew’s father, John Hagee.

Songs include the country-tinged first single “I Don’t Want to Get Adjusted,” the worshipful classic “Sweet Spirit/He Is Here,” the down-home feel of “This Ain’t Nothin” and the tender ballad “He Still Speaks.” On “The Day He Wore My Crown,” Hagee is joined by Larry Stewart and David Innis of country group Restless Heart. 

Hagee’s popularity as a pastor should garner plenty of attention for his solo debut.

ENDLESS PRAISE, PlanetShakers, Integrity Music (Provident Distribution), 000768565926, March 11

Originating from the fastest-growing church in Australia, PlanetShakers is making a name in the praise and worship world. Endless Praise, the long-awaited follow up to the group’s recent project, Limitless, is available March 11. Songs include the title track, “Turn It Up,” “Dance” and “Set Me Ablaze.”

In 2014, PlanetShakers will host Awakening Conferences in Malaysia; San Diego; Melbourne (Australia); and Dallas, showcasing the songs to new audiences. 

HYMNS, Gaither Vocal Band, Gaither Music Group (Capitol Christian), 617884877729, March 4

The Gaither Vocal Band—comprised of Bill Gaither, David Phelps, Wes Hampton, Mark Lowry and Michael English—visits the classic songs of the church on Hymns. The group has sold more than 3 million DVDs and CDs, and the new project, the last featuring departing members English and Lowry, is poised to be a fan favorite. 

Highlights include the upbeat “Love Lifted Me,” the soaring harmonies on “Amazing Grace” and new arrangements on familiar classics. Other tracks include “God Leads Us Along,” “Coming Home,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “My Faith Still Holds” and “More Of You.”

LOVE WILL HAVE THE FINAL WORD, Jason Gray, Centricity Music (Capitol Christian) 829619119923, March 4

Singer-songwriter Gray releases another album of thoughtfully penned tracks with Love Will Have the Final Word. Produced by Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Sanctus Real, Tenth Avenue North) and Cason Cooley (Derek Webb, Andrew Peterson), the album features an acoustic pop sound.

Gray co-wrote all 11 songs with songwriters such as Ingram, Andy Gullahorn, Ben Glover, Josh Wilson and Nichole Nordeman. Tracks include “Love’s Not Done With You, “I Don’t Know How,” “If You Want To Love Someone,” “Even This Will Be Made Beautiful” and “The Best Days of My Life.”

THE ART OF CELEBRATION, Rend Collective, Integrity Music (Provident) 000768526620, March 18

Rend Collective’s The Art of Celebration aims to deliver joy to listeners with a new experience building on the success of past projects Campfire and Homemade Worship by Handmade People. Originating from Northern Ireland, the group blends experimental, folk and rock sounds with worshipful lyrics. 

Featuring guest vocalist Audrey Assaud, the self-produced project includes “My Lighthouse,” “More Than Conquerers,” “All That I Am,” “Simplicity” and “Immeasurably More,” co-written with Chris Tomlin.

Although there are six members of the band who record and tour, Rend Collective is comprised of a total of 15 who are there to encourage the band spiritually, musically and missionally.

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