Last week was one filled with anger, hate, pain and needless death. It exposed some very dark elements of the world, but it created an awakening in others.
It also reminded us music can both heal and divide. For me, music should unite. It should lament and celebrate, but most of all, it should entertain and bring joy.
As we start this week, I want to share some musical moments I ran across last week — both spiritual and secular —that may bring joy and healing to us all.
“Amazing Grace” Metal Version Resurfaces with Power
Metal singer Dan Vasc has done some incredible covers of popular songs from Disney hits to hymns, and two years ago he gave a powerful cover of “Amazing Grace”. On Sept. 11, and in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, he reposted it on X with this Bible verse:
KPop Idol Makes History at The Vatican
This past week, The Vatican held it’s “Grace for The World” concert in St. Peter’s Square with musicians from around the globe in celebration of their jubilee year. I don’t normally go for the touchy-feely global lovefests, but this was a pretty event. There were some commercially big names performing, but I watchned one history-making performance. Thai performer BamBam of the veteran KPop group GOT7 became the first KPop idol to perform at The Vatican. The song he chose was one he wrote for his thank you to his mother, “Angel In Disguise,” and it was beautiful.
Musicians Putting Aside Politics…at least for now
I have seen two different clips from concerts ciriculating from two very different performers. One was from country star Morgan Wallen, and the other from Coldplay. I don’t really listen to either of these artists, but that doesn’t matter. I saw two men of very, very different personal politics take a second to remember or mention the Kirk Family. I should note, neither of these concerts were in the United States. Coldplay singer Chris Martin mentioned Kirk’s family briefly among those needing love during a concert in London. Wallen’s performance was in Canada.
Warren Zeiders’s Song for Imperfect People
A couple of days ago, this song by an artist I had never heard of before, country singer Warren Zeiders, found its way on my timeline. It’s a straightforward country ballad that reminds us we might be someone’s “Only Bible”, flaws and all. What really struck me was the timing of the release was pretty uncanny:
“Through the pain and the hurting /That’s where I found out what His word meant /Nah, this ain’t no sermon /I’m just someone who’s been where you’ve been..”
The lyrics alone make it worth a listen. I hope it’s a big hit for him.
Okay, I’ll end with some feel good sounds, just because we do deserve to smile and be happy.
Scotland meet Texas Swing
Scottish singer Nathan Evans released his latest song a few days ago. It shows what a great connection the bluegrass and country of America has with the traditional Irish and Scottish sounds, as he presents “Cotton Eye Joe.” The Old West and the Old World sounds aren’t so different, after all.
I hope by sharing some of my favorite finds this week, we can remember although mourning and darkness are inevitable God gives us the power of artistic creativity. He gives it to us to raise up His love, to entertain and spread joy, and even in times of death and loss, a reason to continue to seek out beautiful things.
Peace and grace to all of you. Hug your family. Call you friends, and listen to the music you love.