Make It Out Alive by Kristian Stanfill

Kristian Stanfill serves as a worship leader for the Passion student movement (passionconferences.com), but instead of singing praise and worship songs on his latest recording, “Make It Out Alive,” Stanfill pivots to the personal side. “These songs are about the power of vulnerability, our need for connection, and the miracle of grace," Kristian Stanfill said in a release. "I began writing as a way to heal. It was just me and Jesus in that secret place. No walls or pretending. Just my broken life and his ability to heal me. I was writing my story of surrender. 'Make It Out Alive' isn’t just my story … it’s our story of freedom. I started to think maybe these songs could help someone else. I was learning about this new way of life, and I had never felt so alive and free. I want everyone to experience this kind of freedom.” The jewel of this record is the beautiful ballad, “Change You.” It charts a few of Stanfill’s important moments such as talking with his grandpa, meeting his future wife, becoming a parent, and coming to salvation with the help of his friends. “We Need People” mentions the importance of people's connections despite the complexity of relationships. This record deserves a listen because it speaks deeply to the heart and benefits the soul. (Capitol Christian Music Group)