NEW MUSIC
“ FIRM FOUNDATION ( HE WON ’ T )” Song Spotlight By Austin Davis , Chandler Moore , Cody Carnes
The chorus gives us a two-word answer to this question ; “ He won ’ t ”, Carnes firmly answers the verse one question and in an instant we hear about the unique and constant love of God in our lives . The phrase is simple , to the point and honest . and honest ballad that uses images of how the Holy Spirit is depicted in Scripture . This song is well delivered and serves as an earnest plea for the Spirit to move over the church and to fill our lives over and over again .
“ Reminded ” outlines the many names of God as we are reminded of how big and widespread our God and His kingdom is , while “ Lie Down ” borrows its main thematic focus from Psalm 23 while calling the body of Christ to rest in the promises of God in all things .
Glad is an album full of bright harmonies , bouncy drum beats and simple songs of praise that are infectious and memorable . Harvest does a nice job leading throughout and the mix is solid . While I appreciate simple and straightforward , I would have enjoyed something a little deeper both from an arrangement standpoint and a lyrical point of view as a few of the tracks began to run together toward the back half of the collection . There are some nice moments here however .
“ Firm Foundation ( He Won ’ t )” Cody Carnes
Before anyone says it , I realize “ Firm Foundation ( He Won ’ t )” is not a new song in the sense that it was released almost two years ago , but it is new for me . I would bet that there might be a few of you out there as well that somehow missed this gem so I thought I would clue you all in on what is probably my favorite Cody Carnes song . In this review , I ’ ll be commenting on his studio recording of the song .
There is just something about songs in 6 / 8 time that draw me in . I think it is the subtle sway of that particular time signature that almost lulls me into a sense of calm . “ Firm Foundation ( He Won ’ t )” definitely brings me to a place of confidence in my faith in Christ as Carnes ’ confident tenor illuminates Biblical truth throughout while the subtle acoustic guitars and melodic piano and B3 organ set a perfect , excuse the expression , foundation .
The intro strum and feel reminds me a little of Bethel ’ s “ Graves Into Gardens ” as Carnes launches into verse one about how Christ alone is his firm foundation and the source of confidence in who God is . The melody line throughout verse one is very well written and contagious as his gorgeous tenor soars then falls back to earth giving thanks for God ’ s endless faithfulness . Carnes approaches the chorus very creatively by asking a poignant question ; “ He ’ s been faithful through generations , so why would He fail now ?”
Verse 2 tells of what life is like when we cling fully to the promises of God . Carnes shares that there is joy in chaos and peace that doesn ’ t make sense and that ultimately , we are held by the strong hands of Jesus in every storm and that our God will never let us down .
The 2nd chorus adds an extra line about how He won ’ t fail before bringing us back to verse 1 as the musical intensity builds before giving way to a piano motif that introduces the bridge .
Carnes opens the bridge with a few angelic falsetto notes before declaring that even though the wind and rain of the storm came , he is safe with Jesus as his foundation . This is the pinpoint message of the song and is one well received especially given the uncertainty of the past few years and the further pushing out of the church from the center of culture .
A powerful chorus follows as Carnes jumps up the octave and the band roars to full volume before the song ends as it began with quiet acoustic , soft B3 organ and repetition of the final line of the chorus . This final assurance of a God that never fails is the perfect message to leave the listener with as they prepare to face life and all the mountains and valleys that come with it . “ Firm Foundation ( He Won ’ t )” is a creatively written anthem from a first person perspective that really impacted my heart and is a song we should all be singing .
Gerod Bass Worship leader in Tacoma , WA . Mentor with Worship Catalyst . Singer , songwriter , guitarist with a passion for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel . www . oslc . com
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