Two updates in two nights! Shocking, I say! Before I get to my main body of text, just wanted to write briefly about a very silly thing I did today. As I was driving home, I thought to myself how very cool it felt(in my nice air-conditioned car) and a terrible idea began to form in my head. Since it’s cooler than normal lately(only ninety degrees, you know), I decided I wanted to go for a run today. I’ve not run for a while(read: a month) merely because every time I come home from work and think about it, my brain rationally decides that it is far too hot to run. My brain wasn’t home today. So I came home, put my running shorts and shoes on(and thankfully changed my black shirt for a white one)…and off I went. Mental note: Never. Run. In. Summer. Again. I did survive, as evidenced by this entry. But seriously. How do so many people run in this heat? I know not. At least now I know – since I’ve done it – that I am capable of running two miles in ninety plus degree heat. In the 3rd quarter of my run(usually the part I struggle with anyways), I realised that I was about to turn the corner and run west. Directly into the sun. I winced internally as I ran, until I realised that the sun didn’t feel all that bad! I must be acclimating! And then the cloud moved out from under the sun. I feel that last line needs to be set to epic music, because it was a heartbreaking moment. That little stretch that I run west(really only about 1/3 mile or so), I think I almost got sunburnt. At 5:30pm. Anyways, this very long and possibly-slightly-driven-by-sun-delirium introductory paragraph is mainly meant as a friendly reminder to all of you that running in summer is dangerous, yo. I think I may be damaged for life. At least I’ll have a decent tan tomorrow(sadly, a decent tan is not of my priorities in life, I have to say). Should this intro paragraph end? I really think so.

Actual purpose of this entry? Music. Namely – a thought’s been rolling around in my head for the last few months or so – that I really ought to write a bit about some of my recent favorite albums/bands. I’m quite glad I waited as long as I have to write this…as over half this list is composed of albums I’ve just picked up this summer. It’s also because I’ve realised that my musical taste has changed(not completely!) these last few years. Yes, I still appreciate and sometimes like listening to good old power metal or a little punk rock once in a while…but it’s not quite as enjoyable as it used to be! What does this mean, I ask? I honestly don’t know, except to reflect that instead of purely enjoying a good beat or guitar riff(which I still do immensely enjoy at times, no worries!), the songs that have captured more of my affections of late have been songs that mirror the cries of my heart and soul – the songs that write of things I think and write down in my own notebook in the dark watches of the night. And possibly this is as it always has been with me, but my desires and longings have changed with time? I dare even hope that this change marks a growing likeness to Christ and passion for knowing Him more. Because that is our deepest desire in this life, is it not? For as Paul said, But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Truly, I have faith that I am becoming more like Christ each and every day. And it is glorious.

And now – do not think that I no longer like any music except for stereotypical Christian music. May it never be – two albums on this list don’t quite make the Christian music cut(but I like them anyway, so shush). And there’s nothing inherently wrong with music that doesn’t explicitly praise the Lord – there’s some pretty gorgeous classical music recordings that glorify God with their beauty. Yet. And yet. Just be wary of what you listen to – and how it affects your emotions, because truly – music is a most hazardous and emotional whirlpool. Recently, we had a worship night at the guys’ house and after singing and praising God, one of the guys asked, “So, why do we *sing* to worship God? What’s the point of music and singing?” We had a lot of good answers, but what I said – and what I feel – is that “Singing is a way of expressing our emotions. God gives us emotions – it’s part of humanity. And as we sing to the Lord – we are able to express in both words and the emotions of our hearts the praise and love that is due our God.” This is a true and most proper use of our emotions. Music stirs the feelings, so let us be careful in which direction our passions are channeled. Praise the Lord. All the earth!

And now! I really should get on to the actual album naming? Eh? I feel my writing passion is beginning to wane, so let’s on with it!

Firstly…the honorable mentions.

Rend Collective – I really like both of their albums I have, and I feel that the newest one – Art of Celebration – may be a favorite…but I’ve only listened to it once, so I can’t in good conscience put it on the list. Rend is awesome though – give them a listen!!

Handel’s Messiah – So so tempted to have this in my top five. But firstly, it’s not really an *album*. And secondly, because I love it so much yet don’t want to ruin it by over-listening…I’ve banned myself from listening to it except at Christmas-time. So I feel I can’t really count this one. Still though. One of my favorite pieces of music ever. Period.

Harry Potter Musical – Hilarious. Awesome. Yet, it’s a musical and not really an album either. So no. Still though…no. Must resist.

Any of Maryanne’s Mix CDs she’s given me – Because Maryanne has exquisite-and-very-similar-taste to me. Yet, I don’t think I can count mix CDs either. So they don’t make the cut. Sorry Maryanne.

Now…on to the actual awards. Let’s count it down, shall we?

5.

Tuomas Holopainen: The Life and Times of Scrooge

Favorite Tracks: Goodbye, Papa; Cold Heart of the Klondike, Duel & Cloudscapes
So – I almost feel I’m cheating by having this album on this list. I’ve only listened to it three times maybe? I’ve owned it for less than a month. Yet, here it is. And honestly, it’s due to the strength of one song. Goodbye, Papa. That piano. So. Beautiful. This also is partly here as a sop to Nightwish, which somehow didn’t make the cut at all! Tuomas writes some of the prettiest music I’ve ever heard…now if he only wrote better lyrics. And maybe that’s why I like this album so much. Mostly instrumental. It’s an odd mix of Celtic-sounding music, piano and a few random guitar bits here and there. And somehow…it works. Tuomas’s music writing skills are showcased in fine form here…and I love it. The opening and closing are both a little weak, but the middle is so solid. And that one track – Goodbye, Papa. Beautiful.

4.

Postal Service: Give Up

Favorite Tracks: Such Great Heights, Brand New Colony, Recycled Air
I was very tempted to just write “ALL OF THEM” for favorite tracks. And really, what can I say about Postal Service? Well, I suppose not all of my humble audience knows about them, so I will try and explain them. I guess this is sort of an indie album(or at least that’s how I imagine it’s classified). And I honestly have no idea what indie even means anymore. The music is a lot of electronic manipulation and weird beats and synthetic sound. And I love it. Is that weird? Possibly. Seriously though, if you haven’t heard Postal Service – listen to this album. The whole thing is a work of art. I find it weird writing about Postal Service, as this is an album I first heard…last year of high school I think? I clearly remember doing freshman year homework in my dorm room, working all night on calc 3 homework as I listened to Postal Service. So there’s definitely a nostalgia-tinge to this pick. But recently, I’ve rediscovered my love for this album. The soaring, dipping vocals. The quirky gorgeous lyrics. That poppy synth. And somehow, ten years after I’ve first listened to it, it’s never gotten old. And in the end, I think I love this purely because of the part of me that’s a hopeless romantic and dreamy-eyed poet. You know.

3.

Andrew Peterson: Light for the Lost Boy

Favorite Tracks: Don’t You Want to Thank Someone, Come Back Soon, You’ll Find Your Way
Andrew Peterson. How silly do I feel. Story time! Way back in the day, maybe last year of college? Or third year, I don’t remember. Anyway, Rob got really into this new artist I’d never heard of – Andrew Peterson. As you sometimes do when your roommate and best friend recommends something, I rebelled against it and decided I didn’t like this music. I probably heard barely a snippet and decided it sounded too much like one of Rob’s other loves(Jack Johnson – who I just could never come to like). Anyways, even though I knew how much Rob and Laurie loved his music, I just never properly listened. Shame. Shame. Teaser – Andrew Peterson also has the top spot on this list. But how can I properly describe Andrew Peterson? The music is solid. Pretty, folk, I guess? But oh – his lyrics. He’s a true poet. And his words are true in the only way that ever can be. His songs glorify Christ. They make me long to know Him more. As I listen, I long for the coming of Christ. Beautiful. Oh and I never finished my story, did I? How did I decide I liked Andrew Peterson? A little more than a month ago, we had a worship night at the guys’ house. And the very last song we sang was “Don’t You Want to Thank Someone”. I didn’t know it and so decided to just listen. And as I listened, I was deeply moved. And the very next day, I ordered the two most recent Andrew Peterson albums. And the rest is history.

2.

Switchfoot: Vice Verses

Favorite Tracks: Where I Belong, Souvenirs, Afterlife
Switchfoot! A band I’ve listened to for a while off and on…good music, but never my favorite. Had only ever bought one of their albums! Relient K was always more fun, you know. And then recently, I was discussing music with Maryanne’s roommate and she discussed how Switchfoot was one of her favorites. I asked her what her favorite album was and she told me, “Vice Verses”. Idly, I decided to order it and see what was so great about it. And I’m glad I did. I admit – this album wasn’t my favorite at first. It grew on me. And as I listened to it again today in the car…I was moved anew. First – a strong rocking album. Switchfoot knows how to put out a rock album, no doubts there. But that’s not the beauty here. The longing for heaven. The desire for righteousness. “This body’s not my own. This world is not my own.” While I do sometimes wish Switchfoot would be a little more explicit in honoring Christ, their music still drips of passion for God. And I only wish I would always be as passionate.

1.

Andrew Peterson: Counting Stars

Favorite Tracks: In the Night, The Reckoning, Fool with a Fancy Guitar
Andrew Peterson. Again. Number one album. Of all time. At least on this warm Houston night. We’ll see where my music tastes take me in another five years, but for now, there’s no album I’d rather listen to than this. I’ve already explained why I love listening to his music so much, so I’ll keep this brief and just reiterate – poetry and music dancing together as if they were made for each other. And words that echo the longings of my heart. To know Christ more. And to be known by Him. And no – not every song is deeply spiritual. But they are spiced heavily with the love that comes only from knowing our Father God. And my two favorite tracks(In the Night, The Reckoning) – so full of our desire for Christ to return and make things right. And that truly, is why we sing. To praise Christ in this life. And to honor Him as we hope for His return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.