Gospel tonic for the weary

REJOICE
Charity Gayle

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for new songs, and especially new songs from previously unused sources.

It’s very easy to get stuck in a rut choosing songs from the same (small) group of trusted ministries. So, it is a wonderful delight to find a new group or artist who are producing songs full of Biblical truth and singable melodies. Enter Charity Gayle.

Charity Gayle is an American singer-songwriter who grew up listening to, singing in, and directing choirs. As soon as you begin listening to her music you can hear her love for the influence of Gospel; it sparkles with the kind of writing that express a deep understanding and love of the genre.

Allow me to commend to you her latest album, Rejoice. Gayle writes on her website that ‘the album … is a collection of truths to sing out in the midst of our lives’ hardships. To praise our King who gives us peace beyond our understanding. Those are the kinds of songs that I need, and I suspect it’s just what the people in our churches need too.

For those who choose music for your church to sing, let me point you toward two songs in particular: ‘Because of Jesus’ and ‘Name Above All Names’. Don’t be intimidated by the arrangements; they can be easily adjusted for smaller set ups.

Lyrically they are a wonderful mixture of declarative truth and personal (corporate) response. The simple, singable melodies are easy to learn and suit the words wonderfully well. For those who enjoy listening to music, allow me to recommend my favourite track to have in the car: ‘This Is My Story’. Yes, it’s a play on ‘Blessed Assurance’, but it’s wonderfully well crafted, showcasing Gayle’s signature vocal style and is a gospel-tonic for the weary soul.