Music Review: Five Aussie releases you should know about
Music Review: Five Aussie releases you should know about
5 November 2022
Australians living across the globe are releasing compelling music. (From left) Luke and Joel Smallbone of For King & Country, Bella Taylor Smith, Alexander Pappas, Taya, The Belonging Co.
Coming out of lockdown has been a creative force for musicians. And while most don’t release three albums in a year like Taylor Swift, there are hundreds of hours of new music being dropped daily. Christian music is no different, and instead of stalling creativity, we’ve seen artists dig deep and create some of the most honest and authentic music in the industry to date.
The overwhelming consensus I receive from Christians is that they don’t particularly ‘like’ Christian music – and because it comes from a church or is marketed as Christian, we tend to swerve around it like it’s a deer in headlights. So, if Christian music isn’t your thing, but clear, honest storytelling is, I can help you out. Here are five recent releases from Australian musicians that sing about Jesus with authenticity and quality, and who are world-class.
- What Are We Waiting for? by For King & Country
At this point, brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have lived in the US longer than their time growing up in Australia – but who are we to forget that these Grammy-award winners started out on these shores? In their latest album, For King & Country aren’t afraid to broach what is taboo.
Their lead single, ‘Unity’, came as the Evangelical church all but split following the 2020 US presidential election, and is joined by collaborations like ‘Together’, with Gospel superstar Kirk Franklin and secular chart topper Tori Kelly. There is nothing wild or controversial about What Are We Waiting For? But that is the power of this band’s influence – by slowly pushing the envelope with truth and A+ music, they are broadening the hearts and minds of the Church on all sides.
- NOW by The Belonging Co
This Nashville-based church was planted by Aussies Alex and Henry Seeley, and on their latest live worship album, some of the most prolific names in Christian music come together to create faith-stirring tunes. Tracks like ‘Rise and Shine’, led by Aussie Mitch Wong, are easy to sing for every congregation, and Natalie Grant ushers in a gospel choir when leading ‘Freedom (Ain’t No Rock)’.
While this is an enjoyable, easy-listening album, you’ll find its true value when using it to engage in worship. It means that the scriptural truth and hope found in the lyrics go deeper than the surface, making these tracks particularly poignant as a church re-emerging from COVID-19. Keep your ears out for ‘No Strings’ by Aussie Mia Fieldes, and the stunning rendition of ‘Your Nature’ by Kari Jobe.
- TAYA by Taya
After years of singing with Hillsong UNITED, Taya Gaukroder has released a solo record. And while it is worshipful, it carries a less corporate vibe than songs like ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’. Taya could sing the alphabet and give you shivers – her soaring vocals are exquisite. And in her debut, she offers a series of easy-listening and promise-filled tracks like ‘Getaway’ about God’s steadfast goodness.
While Taya had a dedicated approach to this album and wanted it to reflect the sweetness of God, there is a sense that this is a mere stepping stone towards what she is truly capable of as a solo artist. As she matures as a soloist and song writer, who knows how much deeper or more experimental she could be? Overall, this will please fans of contemporary Christian music, but it will take some more experience before she carves her own niche in the industry.
- IDAHO by Alexander Pappas
This electrifying EP sounds like it was created by an independent artist from Melbourne’s western suburbs – and that is to say, it is meticulously penned and produced by an excellent musician. While Pappas is known for his time in Young & Free, in IDAHO he sounds more like The Paper Kites – except he is singing about Jesus.
It means even the more upbeat tracks about God’s goodness, which could be akin to something more generic and surface level, carry a maturity that leaves you wanting more. Add in songs like the title track, which delve into his personal story and faith development, and Alexander Pappas is an artist to watch. It’s worth noting that Pappas isn’t an Aussie – but after spending some time here as a member of Hillsong Young & Free before returning to the US, surely we can adopt him as our own?
- The Anita’s Sessions by Bella Taylor Smith
After winning The Voice in 2021, Bella Taylor Smith left behind her days of singing on the worship team to performing for thousands of people on Guy Sebastian’s latest tour. Her latest release The Anita’s Sessions is a combination of an easy-listening rendition of her original songs, coupled with all eight tracks from her debut EP.
As a 20-something Christian, Bella has the ability to sing about love, faith and self-discovery with intense vulnerability. Her work isn’t overtly Christian – but it is clear God’s spirit is all over this woman’s songs. Keep your ears out for the track ‘Unaware’, which hints at her journey through church hurt and religious trauma.
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