Praise and worship artists have almost become too numerous to count. Seems like everyone's doing it now. I'm glad for that, in a way... worship is one of the primary purposes of the church, and it's high time we came to realize that. However, in that explosion, there are only a handful of artists who I would say I believe to be making really incredible music which also happens to be worshipful. Chris Joyner is one of the best.

Joyner is an independent artist, for whatever reason I cannot imagine. His stuff surpasses most everything I've heard as of late. I would consider him a little grittier than Shane Barnard and Shane Everett, a little mellower than David Crowder, but with an unquestionable quality that easily matches their music. Right on the level with MercyMe, I suppose. A lot of his stuff has the same feel.

This is the second album Chris has done, and there's a noticeable growth between the two. I got lucky enough to get in on a special from IndependentBands.com, and got his first effort, Left With Only You, in the mix. It's a good listen, but Song of Praise is far superior. "I'm broken, lost without you Lord... only in your grace can I stand, for you are holy, you are worthy." That's the kind of yielding to God you're gonna get on this disc, as Chris sings "In the Beauty of."

Preview and buy this album on GrassrootsMusic or IndependentBands.

Visit Chris's website

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