Steven Curtis Chapman – the most awarded Christian music artist – has returned with a new studio album, Still (out October 14). These songs share a story of hope and a reminder of God’s faithfulness. As one of the forerunners of the Christian music industry, Chapman has done it again. Musically, Still is energetic and upbeat, while lyrically, this album is powerful and encouraging. Chapman really digs into his testimony and shares songs and stories from his heart, which is clearly evident in the eloquent, yet simple lyricism each song portrays. If there was any fear in releasing Still, Chapman has nothing to worry about. This album is beautiful and fans of his earlier work, with songs such as “I Will Be Here” and “Dive”, are bound to put these new songs on repeat.
“Still”, the title track, starts with guitar strums but builds as the song continues. This song takes the simple word, “Still”, and packs some powerful truths. No matter what happens, God is still good. Musically, this song is bright and upbeat, which further drives the message home. This song is a reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness through each season of life.
“Kindness” begins with a soft piano synth and Chapmans’ iconic voice. With this song, Chapman urges his listeners to consider what life would be like if we practiced kindness in every situation. This is a simple, yet extremely powerful message – one that our world needs to be reminded of again. With this song, Chapman continues to share powerful messages through expertly written music and lyrics.
Track number six, “Running After You” continues the trend of energetic and upbeat songs on Still. This song fits in the album’s overall theme of breaking down walls and barriers that may come between Christians. Because of the power of Jesus’ love, we can love our neighbors and show kindness that not only makes the world a better place, but points people to Christ.
“Love Now” tells a story of a loved one dying in the first verse and Chapman reminds his listeners that “all we got is today.” The second verse moves the focus to the state of our world today and that “these moments right here in front of us” are what matter most. Chapman urges his listeners to “love now” with each moment we are given. There’s a certain storytelling component that Chapman’s lyricism carries that no other artist has truly ever conveyed. The simple, but extraordinarily timely messages presented in each song prove that Chapman truly knows what he is doing and he is letting the Lord work and speak through him.
“Trying to Get Back Home” is the last track on Chapman’s new release, Still. It’s a softer song, featuring light guitar picking and a soft synth pad behind Chapman’s vocals, but continues to build as the song progresses. The message behind this song talks about the journey of “trying to get back home” and contains lyrics that will truly resonate with the listener, “be kind to yourself and everyone else on this long and winding road.” In the end, that lyric truly encompasses the message behind Still. And no matter what happens on this road called life, God is still good.
When thinking about the Christian music industry, a familiar name should come to mind: Steven Curtis Chapman. With a career spanning over three decades and having forged a path for Christian artists today, Chapman is continuing to show up and write music that is both musically excellent and lyrically poignant. Still is an album that represents just that, with a profound message of remembering the Lord’s faithfulness no matter what we walk through in life. Each song on Still fits into this larger theme beautifully. Still by Steven Curtis Chapman is a must-listen-to, so be sure to download/stream it!
