Over the past few months, there have been many albums that have been played over and over at Godbeat headquarters – yet one of our favorites comes from an indie artist Chad Gentry brought us his new album Time To Shine while visiting the GMA IMMERSE finals. Since then, we’ve found plenty of reasons to put the album on repeat play – and let it speak. Gentry, a roaming worship leader turned Christian recording artist, has a Tomlin-esque sound and equally powerful lyrics. Shine, his first full-length CD, is either written or co-written entirely by Gentry, save one song.
Gentry, considered by many a “music missionary”, creates lyrics that are powerful yet simple from song to song. The melodies are meant for commercial music – yet perfect for virtually any worship setting. His songs speak of Christ’s love for us and, at times, challenge us to see His unconditional love in trying times. “You Chose Me” is one such song. It’s moving chorus contrasts God’s ability to be omnipresent with the scriptural basis that He has chosen to love us. “What if You chose the wind and the rain/ What if You chose to tell the mountains what to say / What if You chose to teach the oceans how to pray/ But in all Your sovereignty/ You chose me.”
Not surprising, our love for Gentry’s honest music has been echoed throughout other Christian media outlets. His new album has been called a “fresh approach to worship through deeply scriptural lyrics and melodies that keep playing in listeners’ heads long after the music stops.”
Chad penned “You Chose Me” at a time when he was debating with himself whether or not to continue in his ministry. According to Gentry, “I had finally got to the point where I was ready to eBay my guitars and call it quits (he laughs). Fortunately God had a different plan, which has given me a renewed sense of confidence in the ministry that has been given to me.” The words to the song gave Chad a new outlook and, as he put it, served “as a reminder that we simply don’t choose to do the work of the Lord, but are chosen by God Himself to spread His Gospel.”
“Time to Shine” offers a mix of Christian radio singles such as “Found,” “Straight and the Narrow,” and “You Chose Me” and corporate worship tunes such as “See the Glory” and “No Other God.” Other noteworthy cuts from the album include the title track, “Time to Shine” and “You Never Give Up On Me,” which have both garnered interest for film and television use.
You can hear more from Chad Gentry at his website at www.ChadGentry.com and, while you’re there, pick up a copy of his new album, Time To Shine. We were proud to bring Chad Gentry to our stage in our first-ever Godbeat LIVE event – and we are proud to bring you his music today.
Check out Chads video about Time To Shine
