Twelve Songs to Blast on Easter Morning 2012

by | Apr 7, 2012 | Misc | 0 comments

1. “Could He Be the Messiah” by Michael W. Smith From “The Live Set”
The textures of this early Smith song reflected my questions before my conversion. This live version became an anthem for my young faith. Chris Rodriguez’s solo soars. I challenge you to not turn up your car stereo, iPhone, or computer. You won’t be able to do it.

   

 2. “Rejoice” by Jerome Olds From “No Disguise” [Spotify]
Olds is an under-appreciated songwriter. The matter-of-fact recounting of Good Friday climaxes in the bridge where he sings, “They marched Him up Calvary. Nailed my Savior to a tree. Now I understand why He died—died to save you and me. Rejoice!”

3. “Christ is Risen” by Matt Maher From “Alive Again”
I first heard this song performed by the Brentwood Baptist Choir sitting on the front row Easter 2010. Tears trickled down my face. The first verse is jarring. The repeated call to “come awake” is like David’s yelling at his own soul. I need this song every day; not just on Resurrection Sunday.

4. “Magdalene” by Chris Rodriguez From “Beggar’s Paradise”[Spotify]
I bought Rodriguez’s debut solo record on release day. I bought it for his rock sensibilities with expert guitar work, but when I heard “Magdalene”, I realized this song is worth 100 times the sticker price. This beautiful, plaintive piece from the perspective of Christ in the garden showcases the love of the Lord. Musically, Rodriguez invokes the finest Classical guitar with salt and pepper from The Beatles.

5. “He’s Alive” by Don Francisco[Spotify]
This is the masterpiece of one of music’s finest troubadours. I love this song for it’s storytelling just as much as it’s gas-pedal punching conclusion. Just this week, a friend introduced me to Dolly Parton’s [Spotify] arrangement. The storytelling has an entirely different feel from a woman’s perspective and her crescendo is much more powerful.

6. “Easter Song” by Keith Green
Many friends prefer the original recording by The Second Chapter of Acts. They also feel Green distorted the lyrics with his minor changes. I forgive the alteration to hear his voice and piano work.

7. “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris From “Sanctuary”
There are days I’m like Thomas. Or I’m like Thomas with amnesia. I forget the price He paid. I forget the wounds, the blood, the pain, the grace, and the glory. For me, this song focuses my eyes on the beautiful paradox. 8. “Hallelujah Chorus” Lots of churches program and perform Handel’s masterpiece at Christmas, but this composition falls at the end of the Second Movement—the end of human history. I love singing it at Easter because it’s the foreshadowing of the final battle and Christ’s victory. (As powerful as the original is, I love driving on back roads to the contemporary arrangements)

9. “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”

Beethoven’s music and poet Henry Van Dyke’s lyrics move me every time. I fell in love with the emotion of this hymn. It endures as my favorite because Joy is elusive. When I discovered Van Dyke’s The Other Wise Man, my appreciation for him deepened. Of all the recorded arrangements, I love the climactic scene from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit the most.  
10. “Redeemer” by Nicole C. Mullen
Just listen. And don’t leave until Nicole wails, “I spoke to Him this morning.” Nuff said.
11. “Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)” by Casting Crowns
I remember hearing this song in the car and banging on my steering wheel. I spoke to no one in particular lauding Mark Hall and Casting Crowns for bringing depth to Christian radio. A few days later, my wife and I heard the song on WAY-FM and I repeated my gush. She chuckled, looked at me and said, “It’s a hymn.” Silly me. Nevertheless, a great arrangement.
12. “In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townend
I believe THIS is they type of song the Psalmist desired when he said, “Sing a new song.” This is a modern hymn—thoughtful debt that allows you to think about a different aspect of Christ every time you sing it. A soaring melody that taps your emotions.

What songs should I add to my Easter playlist?
What are your favorites?
Please comment below.