One of the best gifts I received this past year was Josh Garrels’s free album Love & War & The Sea in Between.
The album, chosen as 2011’s ”Album of the Year” by Christianity Today, is a neo-folk/pop/soul album rooted in Scripture. The songs move like modern psalms, tracing the ups and downs of human experience back to God. “White Owl” and “Farther Along” stand out as particularly fresh works of art that, buoyed by strong rhythms, carry the listener towards sure hope in Christ.
Love & War & The Sea in Between was funded by friends and fans. However, when it came time for release, Garrels sensed God asking him to let go of the project and offer it as a gift to others. As a music-lover and fellow faith sojourner, I’m grateful that he did. This was one of the best albums of 2011.
About the Author
Adam Stout lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Erin, two daughters, a dog, a cat, and a turtle. He pastors full-time at Faith CRC in New Brighton, Minn., and DJ's weddings part-time.