Wow!  As I was reading through the list of Dove Award Nominations, I couldn’t help but notice the number of artists that have been inspired by C.S. Lewis and/or The Chronicles of Narnia!  Starting with Switchfoot’s Prince Caspian Soundtrack entry This is Home being nominated for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, as well as the Prince Caspian soundtrack being nominated for Instrumental Album.

I’m going to list all of the categories that a related artist has been nominated in below.  Brace yourself!

(more…)

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The 37th Annual GMA Awards were presented last night, and Narnia took home an award. Not to mention a number of the artists on the Soundtrack took home other awards themselves.

Special Event Album of the Year: Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder Band, Delirious?, Bethany Dillon, Jars of Clay, Kutless, Nichole Nordeman, Rebecca St. James, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder, Andy Dodd, Sam Gibson, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark, Jay Joyce, Shaun Shenkel, Aaron Sprinkle, Toby McKeehan, Adam Watts, Christopher Stevens, Mitch Dane; Sparrow Records

Chris Tomlin took home Song of the Year for “How Great is Our God,” Male Vocalist of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Worship Song of the Year for “How Great is Our God.”

TobyMac took home Rock Recorded Song of the Year for “Slam” from his album “Welcome to Diverse City.”

David Crowder Band won Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “Here is Our King” from their album “A Collision,” and Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year for that album.

Jars of Clay won Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for their album “Redemption Songs.”

These awards are all in addition to the shared award for “Special Event Album of the Year,” which all involved artists received.

In related news, JfH met with Jars of Clay yesterday to discuss their brand new record Good Monsters. The self-produced record will contain thirteen brand new songs with a tentative release date of September 18th from Essential Records. The guys told Jesusfreakhideout.com that the album will be their most aggressive record to date, and features a guest appearance by Leigh Nash. Expect to see the JfH interview with the guys about the album to hit the site very soon…

Jeremy Camp has been actively working on his newest record Beyond Measure which is expecting to release on Halloween this Fall. The October 31st release will feature a little more experimentation from the favorite male vocalist. Camp has also been busy co-producing his wife Adrienne Liesching’s (formerly of The Benjamin Gate) debut solo record Don’t Wait, which is scheduled to release on September 28. Under the moniker Adie, listeners can expect an alt pop record in the same vein of Jeremy’s sound with plenty of Adrienne’s personal touches. Look for the two on tour together this Fall!(from Jesusfreakhideout.com NEWS)

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Nominations were announced today for the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards (www.gmamusicawards.com) by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) with several new faces leading a field that features a strong showing by praise & worship and pop/rock artists. Nominations for the Dove Awards were announced at the Hilton Nashville Downtown in Music City by Fo Yo Soul Entertainment/Zomba recording artist Kirk Franklin and ForeFront Records’ Rebecca St. James, both of whom earned Dove nominations today and will host the GMA Music Awards show on April 5, 2006 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The 37th Annual GMA Music Awards will be produced by Steve Gilreath for SGTV, Inc. The awards show will then be televised in national syndication April 15 to May 21, 2006.

Here are the categories and nominations where artists on the Inspired Soundtrack were also nominated;

Song of the Year

* “Cry Out to Jesus”; Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee; Consuming Fire Music (ASCAP)
* “Friend of God”; Israel Houghton, Michael Gungor; Vertical Worship Songs (ASCAP), Champions for Christ Publishing (BMI), Integrity’s Praise! Music (BMI), Sound of the New Breed (BMI)
* “Held”; Christa Wells; Weimarhymes Publishing (ASCAP)
* “Hide”; Joy Williams, Jason Houser, Matthew West; New Spring, Songs of Extreme, Cedar Sides, Word Music, Westies Music Publishing (ASCAP)
* “Holy is the Lord”; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio; Worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music (ASCAP)
* “How Great is Our God”; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; Worshiptogether.com Songs (ASCAP), sixsteps Music (ASCAP), Alletrope Music (BMI)
* “Indescribable”; Laura Story, Jesse Reeves; Worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Gleaning Publishing (ASCAP)
* “Lifesong”; Mark Hall; Club Zoo Music, SWECS Music (BMI)
* “Only Grace”; Matthew West, Kenny Greenberg; Word Music, Westies Music Publishing (ASCAP), Greenberg Music (BMI)
* “Voice of Truth”; Mark Hall, Steven Curtis Chapman; Club Zoo Music, SWECS Music, Sparrow Song, Peach Hill Songs (BMI)

Male Vocalist of the Year

* Chris Tomlin
* David Phelps
* Jason Crabb
* Jeremy Camp
* Mark Hall

Female Vocalist of the Year

* Amy Grant
* Bethany Dillon
* Joy Williams
* Natalie Grant
* Nichole Nordeman

Group of the Year

* BarlowGirl
* Casting Crowns
* David Crowder Band
* Kutless
* MercyMe

Artist of the Year

* Casting Crowns
* Chris Tomlin
* Jeremy Camp
* Natalie Grant
* Switchfoot

Rock Recorded Song of the Year

* “Lay Down My Pride”; Restored; Jeremy Camp; Jeremy Camp, Jean-Luc Lajoie; BEC Recordings
* “Let Go”; Another Journal Entry; BarlowGirl; Alyssa Barlow, Lauren Barlow, Rebecca Barlow, Vince Barlow, Mary Ann Barlow; Fervent Records
* “The Wait Is Over”; Disciple; Disciple; Kevin Young, Brad Noah, Joey Fife, Tim Barrett, Travis Wyrick; S/R/E
* “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been”; Mmhmm; Relient K; Matthew Theissen; Gotee Records/Capitol Records
* “The Slam”; Welcome to Diverse City; tobyMac featuring T-Bone; Toby McKeehan, Christopher Stevens, Joe Weber, T-Bone; Forefront Records

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

* “Beautiful Love”; I Wish We All Could Win; The Afters; Marc Dodd, Brad Wigg, Joshua Havens, Matthew Fuqua; Simple Records/INO Records
* “Here is Our King”; A Collision; David Crowder Band; David Crowder; sixsteps Records/Sparrow Records
* “I Can’t Do This”; Chaotic Resolve; Plumb; Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, Matt Bronleewe; Curb Records
* “Mirror”; BarlowGirl; BarlowGirl; Alyssa Barlow, Lauren Barlow, Rebecca Barlow, Vince Barlow, Mary Ann Barlow; Fervent Records
* “Stars”; Nothing is Sound; Switchfoot; Jon Foreman; Sparrow Records/Columbia Records

Worship Song of the Year

* “Be Thou My Vision”; Traditional; Curb Songs, Littleberace Music, Okapi One Music
* “Blessed Be Your Name”; Matt Redman, Beth Redman; Thankyou Music, Worshiptogether.com Songs
* “Holy is the Lord”; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio; Worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music
* “How Great Is Our God”; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; Worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Alletrope Music
* “Indescribable”; Laura Story, Jesse Reeves; Worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Gleaning Publishing
* “Strong Tower”; Marc Byrd, Mark Lee, Aaron Sprinkle, Jon Micah Sumrall; Meaux Mercy, Blue Raft Music, Spinning Audio Vortex, Flush On The Flop Music, Consuming Fire Music, Thirsty Moon River Publishing, Indecisive Music Publishing

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year

* A Collision; David Crowder Band; David Crowder, Jason Solley, Mike Hogan, Jack Parker, Mike Dodson, Jeremy Bush; sixsteps Records/Sparrow Records
* Another Journal Entry; BarlowGirl; Otto Price; Fervent Records
* I Wish We All Could Win; The Afters; Brown Bannister, Dan Muckala; Simple Records/INO Records
* Nothing is Sound; Switchfoot; John Fields, Jon Foreman, Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas, Andrew Shirley; Sparrow Records/ Columbia Records
* Wherever You Are; Third Day; Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee, Brown Bannister; Essential Records

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year

* Awaken; Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms, Shawn Shenkel, Phil Symonds, Rob Graves; Curb Records
* Genesis; Joy Williams; Matt Bronleewe; Reunion Records
* Lifesong; Casting Crowns; Mark A. Miller; Beachstreet Records/ Reunion Records
* Redemption Songs; Jars of Clay; Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark; Essential Records
* Restored; Jeremy Camp; Aaron Sprinkle, Adam Watts, Andy Dodd; BEC Recordings

Praise & Worship Album of the Year

* Alive in South Africa; Israel & New Breed; Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Integrity Gospel
* Blessed Be Your Name The Songs of Matt Redman Vol. 1; Matt Redman, Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords
* He Is Exalted (Live Worship); Twila Paris; David Hamilton; Integrity Music
* Rescue (Live Worship); NewSong; Paul Mills, Scotty Wilbank; Integrity Music
* Strong Tower; Kutless; Aaron Sprinkle; BEC Recordings

Special Event Album of the Year

* Come Let Us Adore Him; Ana Laura, Bebo Norman, Danielle Young, Joy Williams, Cliff Young, Andrew Osenga, Cindy Morgan, Krystal Meyers, Josh Brown, Jars of Clay, Third Day, Christine Byrd; Steve Hindalong, Marc Byrd, Brown Bannister, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark, Derri Daughtery; Essential Records
* Happy Christmas Volume Four; Switchfoot, Relient K, Hawk Nelson, Eisley, Emery, Anberlin, Starflyer 59, Aaron Gillespie, Kenny Vasoli, Mae, Copeland, Spoken, The Fold, Number One Gun, John Davis; Samuel Ashworth, Jon Foreman, Tim Foreman, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas, Andrew Shirley, Aaron Sprinkle, Matt Goldman, Chauntelle DuPree, Sherri DuPree, Weston DuPree, Stacy DuPree, Jonathan Wilson, Jason Martin, Jeff Cloud, Frank Lenz, Dave Elkins, Zach Gering, Mark Padgett, Jacob Marshall, Rob Sweitzer, Bryan Laurenson, Aaron Marsh, Mark Lee Townsend, Matt Thiessen, Nathan Walters, Travis Wyrick, Daniel Castady, Aaron Green, Keith Mochel, Mark Rhoades, Anthony Vero, John Davis; Tooth & Nail Records
* Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe; Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder Band, Delirious?, Bethany Dillon, Jars of Clay, Kutless, Nichole Nordeman, Rebecca St. James, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash, Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder, Andy Dodd, Sam Gibson, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark, Jay Joyce, Shaun Shenkel, Aaron Sprinkle, Toby McKeehan, Adam Watts, Christopher Stevens, Mitch Dane; Sparrow Records
* Passion: How Great is Our God; David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Watermark, Charlie Hall, Shane & Shane; Nathan Nockels; sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records
* WoW Christmas Green; Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, Rebecca St. James, Steven Curtis Chapman, tobyMac, ZOEgirl, NewSong, Jaci Velasquez, Chris Tomlin, Jars of Clay, Casting Crowns, Third Day, BarlowGirl, Avalon, CeCe Winans, Joy Williams, Bethany Dillon, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, Clay Aiken, Point of Grace, Building 429, Kutless, Relient K, Big Daddy Weave, Selah, David Crowder Band, Mark Schultz, FFH, Jump 5; Michael Omartian, Bernie Herms, Matt Bronleewe, Brown Bannister, Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby McKeehan, Jeff Savage, Leonard Ahlstrom, Chris Harris, Ed Cash, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark, Robert Beeson, Mark A. Miller, Dale Oliver, Scotty Wilbanks, Mac Powell, Tai Anderson, Brad Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee, Steve Harvey, Matthew West, Walter Afansieff, Monroe James, Aaron Sprinkle, Mark Lee Townsend, Mike Weaver, Jeremy Redmon, Jason Kyle, Todd Smith, Allan Hall, Nicol Sponberg, David Crowder, Jeromy Deibler, Mark Hammond, Word Records

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year

* Add to the Beauty (Sara Groves); Dana Salsedo; Wayne Brezinka; Kristin Barlowe; INO Records
* Life (Andy Hunter); Jan Cook, Tim Frank; Joshua Sage Newman; Thomas Petillo; Sparrow Records
* Mmhmm (Relient K); Eddy Boer, Greg Leppert; Gotee Records/Capitol Records
* O God, The Aftermath (Norma Jean); Asterik Studios, Ryan Clark, Jeff Gros; Solid State Records
* Redemption Songs (Jars of Clay); Stephanie McBrayer, Tim Parker; Jimmy Abegg; Essential Records
* The Boy vs. The Cynic (John Reuben); Greg Leppert, Eddy Boer; David Johnson; Gotee Records
* The Everglow (Mae); Asterik Studio, Dave Elkins, Zach Gehring, Mark Padgett, Jacob Marshall, Rob Sweitzer; Ryan Clark; Jeff Gros; Tooth & Nail Records
* The Question (Emery); Asterik Studio, Toby Morrell, Devin Shelton, Matt Carter, Chopper, Dave Powell, Josh Head; Ryan Clark; Jerad Knudson; Tooth & Nail Records
* You Can’t Trust a Ladder (The Myriad); Sarah Sung; Jerad Knudson; Floodgate Records

The rest of the press release follows:

Artist of the Year nominee Chris Tomlin and Group of the Year nominee David Crowder Band (both sixstepsrecords) lead the field of nominees with nine nods and six nominations respectively, proving modern praise & worship music is still going strong. Coincidently, both artists were pictured on the recent cover of the January issue of CCM Magazine, featured for their music’s influence in the “Passion” collegiate worship movement. Female Vocalists of the Year nominees Natalie Grant (Curb Records) and Joy Williams (Reunion Records) helped to bring women back to the top of the Dove nominees with six a piece, while rock band Relient K (Gotee Records) also earned six nods thanks in part to its cross-over success in the last year. Several of 2005’s biggest Dove Award winners returned with five nominations, including Switchfoot, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Crabb Family and Israel Houghton. BarlowGirl and Third Day rounded out the field of artists with five nods a piece.

“Each of these artists reflects the multi-dimensional impact that gospel music has in our culture and they deserve the recognition these Dove nominations will bring. Chris Tomlin and David Crowder Band make music that not only resonates with one person listening on the radio or on their iPod, but also connects with hundreds or thousands gathered in a worship setting,” said John W. Styll, president of the GMA and executive producer of the GMA Music Awards. “It is also great to see Natalie Grant, Joy Williams and BarlowGirl bringing the female voice back to the forefront, alongside recent years’ Dove favorites like Switchfoot, Casting Crowns, Relient K and Jeremy Camp.”

Tomlin’s nine nominations include Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year. “Holy is the Lord” and “How Great is Our God,” two songs he wrote from his RIAA Gold-certified CD Arriving, were nominated in both the Song of the Year and Worship Song categories, awards that go to the songwriter(s) and publisher(s). In addition, another song off of Arriving, “Indescribable,” has earned its writer, Laura Story, nods in both Song of the Year and Worship Song categories. Tomlin’s three other nominations came from his participation on collaborations on three Special Event Album of the Year nominees Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, WoW Christmas Green and Passion: How Great Is Our God.

Fellow Passion worship leader David Crowder Band earned its nominations for the rock-influenced CD A Collision, which got a nod in the Rock/Contemporary Album category and landed its lead single, “Here is Our King,” a nomination for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song. David Crowder Band shares Tomlin’s nominations in the Special Event Album category for their participation on the same CDs. Also of note, band leader David Crowder picked up four individual nominations for production and songwriting efforts.

Joining Chris Tomlin in being nominated for Artist of the Year are Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Natalie Grant and Switchfoot. Tomlin is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year alongside Camp, Jason Crabb (of the Crabb Family), Mark Hall (of Casting Crowns) and David Phelps. Natalie Grant and Joy Williams are joined by Bethany Dillon, Nichole Nordeman and Amy Grant in the Female Vocalist of the Year category. The three-sister girl band BarlowGirl will vie for Group of the Year honors with Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Kutless and MercyMe. The five nominees for New Artist of the Year are The Afters, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Shawn McDonald, Krystal Meyers and Stellar Kart.

Other notable nominees for the 37th GMA Music Awards are gospel music’s prolific producer Brown Bannister, who is up for seven nominations, including Producer of the Year along with six album nominations. He’s joined in the Producer of the Year category by country music legend Vince Gill with whom Brown co-produced Amy Grant’s nominated Rock of Ages…Hymns & Faith in the Inspirational Album of the Year category. Steven Curtis Chapman, who has collected 49 Dove Awards, more than any other artist in gospel music history, has a chance to pass the 50-trophy mark this year if one of his three nominations results in a Dove Award.

“American Idol” finalists continue to make their mark on the GMA Music Award nominations; this year’s winner Carrie Underwood makes her Dove nominations debut with a nod for Country Recorded Song for her hit, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” while former finalists George Huff and Clay Aiken grab their own nominations. Underwood’s fellow country artists Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton and Alison Krauss and Union Station also have a chance to take home Dove Awards this year. And, former Backstreet Boy and now Essential Records’ artist Brian Littrell earned his first Dove nod in the Inspirational Recorded Song category with his contribution to WoW #1s: “In Christ Alone,” a song which won the Dove Award Song of the Year in 1994.

Awards will be handed out in 42 categories. The Songwriter of the Year nominees are not included in today’s announcement, but will be revealed, along with the winner, at the GMA Music Awards. Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year November 1, 2004 through October 31, 2005 and voted on by the members of the GMA. In a new change to the nominations and award counting, in categories where nominations go to the artist and songwriter and/or producer, an artist will only receive one nomination even if they are both artist and songwriter or producer.

Founded in 1964, the 4,000-member Gospel Music Association (http://www.gospelmusic.org) is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children’s gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music AwardsTM, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.

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Aslan is on the move — this time, propelled by the mighty Disney marketing machine and the Christian entertainment industry.

The lion Aslan is the focus of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” a Disney flick based on the fantasy novels of C.S. Lewis. When he’s on the move, expectations rise in the world of Narnia, which lies behind the doors of an enchanted wardrobe. Likewise, the Christian entertainment industry is expecting the movie, which will be released Dec. 9, to be a combination of “The Passion of the Christ” and “The Lord of the Rings,” with a little Disney magic thrown in. Publishers are churning out books, video games and all of the paraphernalia that you’d associate with a Disney release.

Great expectations explain why so many top artists were eager to create “Music Inspired By ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.’ ” Jars of Clay, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kutless, Jeremy Camp and the David Crowder Band are just a few who contributed their talents to the project.

“I love C.S. Lewis,” worship leader David Crowder said. “Narnia is just such a lovely tale and the movie looks to be something pretty astounding visually and [it’s] extremely exciting to have such a beautiful story told to such a potentially broad audience.”

In the Narnia novels, Lewis tells the story of salvation and explains underlying concepts through images and allegory. The characters struggle with faith — and sometimes allow temptation to overwhelm them.

Chapman said that although he had read many of Lewis’ works on Christian belief, he had never read the Narnia books before he was approached about the project. Upon reading the novels, he was impressed by “seeing how brilliantly C.S. Lewis was able to tell the greatest story ever told, the coming of God’s savior to the world. And to see how incredibly creative [he was]. … Anyone, even a child, can grasp the elements of the story.”

[More at Stars and Stripes]
[More about the Soundtracks]

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Two months prior to the release of the film, the album, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, already debuted at #57 on the Top 100 Sales chart at iTunes.com for the week ending October 1.

The project features eleven original new recordings by Steven Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay, David Crowder*Band, Nichole Nordeman, Jeremy Camp, Bethany Dillon, Chris Tomlin, Kutless, tobyMac, delirious?, and Rebecca St. James.

In addition to its #57 ranking on the all-genre Top 100, the Narnia inspirational project also debuted all the way up at #7 on the iTunes soundtrack sales chart. The album will be steadily promoted leading up to release of the film. Chapman’s contribution, “Remembering You,” will be the first radio single and video.

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Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, now in stores, is a very unique collection of songs. I have been listening to this album for about a month now, and haven’t heard a compilation like this in a very long time. Not only does each song fit together to bring the stories of Aslan and the Children to light in the many songs, but it also solidifies C.S. Lewis’ intentions for the story.

Jars of Clay – Waiting for the World to Fall
The kickoff to the album is a strong, melodic piece that longtime fans of the band will feel right at home with. Not only is it one of the strongest songs on the album, it would fit nicely on their debut album from 1995; an album that is still considered among the best Christian albums yet recorded. The song brings you into Narnia in the middle of a cold winter, as we await the day that the world changes and the new spring comes to refresh the world.

Steven Curtis Chapman – Remembering You
This song has a very Celtic flair throughout, and could be from the point of view of many, including ourselves and in many times. It is a very heartfelt message of remembering the change that came when the sacrifice was accomplished. This song, being the first single from the album, is a powerful one. They’ve filmed a music video for the song, which we should be seeing sometime in the near future.

Jeremy Camp – Open Up Your Eyes
From Jeremy Camp comes a song that is typical of his style, which means it’s very good. It’s a great song about listening to God, and learning His will for your life, the reason that God created you.

Bethany Dillon – Hero
Hero is a song by 16 year old Bethany Dillon. This talented young artist excels well beyond her age with a great and unique voice and poignant lyrics. It’s a song about the world being torn apart from it’s Creator, and the way that the bridge back was created.

Delirious? – Stronger
This is a song about each day, growing closer to God.. for each day that passes is a day that we’re closer to the day of our death, and therefore, each day should have some time spent growing stronger in our relationship with Him, as this song proclaims.

Rebecca St. James – Lion
Lion is a song that harkens back to her album “Pray” in style, but also serves to show how much she’s improved as an artist since that album. She sings about walking with God and learning to fly with Him by your side. This is classic Rebecca St. James.

TobyMac – New World
The first song that shakes things up a bit is this rocking track from TobyMac, formerly of dcTalk. Here is a song from Lucy’s point of view, after she returns for the first time from Narnia, and tries to explain to her brothers and sister exactly what she has witnessed. This song, regardless of what you think of the genre, does grow on you with every listen.

Nichole Nordeman – I Will Believe
This is a song that takes you by the hand and shows you that with strength and faith, there is a power there. A freedom there. It evokes feelings with a message of having the faith of a child. Being dependent on God and choosing to follow Him.

David Crowder Band – Turkish Delight
Here’s a song about Edmund and the White Witch.. it’s the second song that shakes things up a bit, as the style is quite a bit different from every other song on the album. It’s a song that grows on you, and is definitely one that I could see being a blast when performed live. It’s about selfish temptations and the power that those temptations can have over us.

Kutless – More Than It Seems
Here’s a standard rock song from Kutless. This song, I feel, could fit on their self-titled debut album easily. It’s about entering a new world and coming away changed for the better, and being capable of far more than you think you are capable of.

Chris Tomlin – You’re The One
I think Chris says it best here: This is the most relevant story of the world – it’s the story of all of us, of all mankind. That there is a place, a home that we all belong to, and all of us were created for it, and somewhere along the way we have taken off our own roads, and made decisions that have led us away, and believed lies and it has led us away from this place that we belong. There is someone that will make a way back for us, a hero that will save the day.

Grade: A

A fantastic compilation, I highly recommend it to anyone. Speaking of which, I’ve got quite a few copies of the album, and will be starting a contest very soon to give those away, along with other Narnia prizes.

Listen to previews, watch videos and read lyrics from this album on our Soundtrack page
Order from Family Christian Stores
Order from MusiChristian.com

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A who’s who in CCM lineup pays tribute to the long beloved childrens stories penned by C.S. Lewis on the Christian music version of Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Featuring a diverse roster that delivers what is mostly a unified and fluid tracklist, this collection of songs makes up one of the best original soundtracks — or even compilations — to come around in awhile.

The collection gets off on the right foot with Jars of Clay’s “Waiting For The World To Fall,” a classic Jars song that brings back the melodies and alternative pop that was missing from their most recent hymns project, Redemption Songs. “Open Your Eyes” is standard fare from this year’s GMA Awards “Male Vocalist Of The Year” Jeremy Camp, but Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Remembering You” bears a folk, almost celtic sound that most would probably expect from a band like Jars of Clay ten years ago. Chapman’s effort is among the highlights, followed by Bethany Dillon’s catchy pop/rock “Hero,” and Delirious?’ worshipful “Stronger.” Rebecca St. James makes her return to her signature pop/rock sound with her offering “Lion.” One of the most powerful songs on the project, “Lion” showcases evident growth in St. James as a singer. Probably the ugly duckling on the album, tobyMac’s rap-flavored rocker “New World” may not fit among the other songs on the album, but is easily one of the best in the list. Nichole Nordeman continues to be a force to be reckoned with with her beautiful “I Will Believe,” while David Crowder*Band’s quirky “Turkish Delight” sounds remarkably reminiscent of Jamiroquai’s “Canned Heat” (which is most recognizable for being featured in the film Napoleon Dynamite). Kutless and Chris Tomlin offer fair pop worship songs to round out the impressive cast of artists for this project.

To read the rest of this four star review, visit JesusFreakHideout.com
For more information, including lyrics and behind the scenes, visit our Narnia Soundtracks page

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Walt Disney World’s Night of Joy is a yearly event that’s been running for more than 20 years. I had never heard of it until this year, when music from the Chronicles of Narnia’s Inspirational Soundtrack was to be featured. I was given an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World, a place that I had never been. Having eight tickets, four for each of two days, and three friends in tow, we set up the trip in about three days time.

We flew down on Thursday, out of Detroit, and found our way to the Coronado Springs Resort Hotel. While in Detroit, we went to a TCBY at the airport. One of my friends went up to the counter and asked the guy there if they had any flurries, as he did not see it on the menu. The guy behind the counter was mock-upset at that question and said “We call them shivers here” and really went after my friend about that question. After he got his “shiver,” I said “Mike, let a pro show you how it’s done..” walked up to the counter and said, “So, do you have any flurries here?”

The following morning, we left for the Magic Kingdom, and would up deciding to go to Epcot Center, we went on some rides, including the one in that giant golf ball “Spaceship Earth.”

I only had one ticket for each Night of Joy, so I worked with some incredible people and managed to get ahold of two more tickets for that Friday (Thanks Peggy and Christine and all others that helped out!) and as my friends were talking to Christine, and another gentleman, he had the third ticket they needed to get into the Night of Joy at the Magic Kingdom. He also told them that the movie is just the beginning and they Disney is planning some huge features to be added to the parks next summer. He wasn’t specific about them, but I believe he was talking about the MGM Studios Narnia Exhibit we mentioned earlier.

At this time, I went to a reception where I met Leigh Ann, from EMI CMG, and Scott from EMI and David from Narniaweb, and many other people involved in many parts of the Music that is on the Narnia Inspired soundtrack, including promoters from Family Christian Stores and others that helped put the weekend together…if I could remember everyone’s names, I’d list them all, but since I’m terrible with names, I’ll just tell you that everyone was extremely nice and fun to talk to. I even did some entertaining with my impressions of Donald Duck, Gollum and Kermit the Frog.

After that, it was time to hit the shows.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th

Castle Forecourt Stage:
Audio Adrenaline – 7:30 p.m.
Steven Curtis Chapman – 9:25 p.m.
Mercy Me – 11:20 p.m.

Galaxy Palace Theater:
Marc Schultz – 7:30 p.m.
Vicky Beeching – 9:15 p.m.
Nicole C. Mullen – 10:35 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.

Splash Stage:
Matthew West – 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Casting Crowns – 10:20 p.m. & 11:35 p.m.

Cosmic Ray’s:
Witherspoon – 8:30 p.m.
Big Daddy Weave – 9:45 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

If you know the artists, you can see how hard it would be to choose where to go and what artists to check out. I’ve seen Audio Adrenaline more than a few times, but I’d never seen Mark Schultz. My friends all went to check that show out, so I went there, and found them towards the end of the incredible performance.

We then found our way to the Castle Stage, for Steven Curtis Chapman. He always puts on a great show. One big thing to point out, is that they performed the Narnia-inspired song “Remembering You” for the first time with the band, on stage, without so much as a rehearsal. They performed it very well, despite that fact. There were cheers all around when he mentioned that it was for the Chronicles of Narnia.

Next we went over to the Splash Stage to check out some Casting Crowns. We passed by the Narnia booth that featured Buena Vista’s Narnia game on 4 playable Xbox consoles. An excellent looking game.

The next day, we went straight to MGM Studios, where we saw many shows and rode many rides, including the Indiana Jones Stunt show, Star Wars’ Star Tours, Muppets 3D, and a Vehicle Stunt show.

We were walking down an area and there happened to be Donald Duck, taking pictures with people, so I handed my camera off to a friend, and got in the short line.. walking up to him, I did an impression and said “How you doin’?” and I heard a voice come from out of nowhere, saying “So, you can do the voice, huh?” That sure took me by surprise. I was under the impression that they weren’t allowed to talk, but there weren’t any kids around, so I guess it was okay at that time.

After a few other things, we went over the the Magic Kingdom for the second night, which I bought the extra three tickets to, for my friends.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th

Castle Forecourt Stage:
tobyMac – 7:30 p.m
Donnie McClurkin – 9:25 p.m.
Newsboys – 11:20 p.m.

Galaxy Palace Theater:
Stellar Kart – 7:30 p.m.
Superchick – 8:40 p.m.
CeCe Winans – 10:35 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.

Splash Stage:
Kutless – 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Tree63 – 10:20 p.m. & 11:35 p.m.

Cosmic Ray’s:
Kellogg’s Choir & Kierra “Kiki” Sheard – 8:30 p.m.
Further Seems Forever – 9:45 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.

This night, we started with Kutless, went on the Pirates of the Caribbean, and then watched Tree63. Kutless didn’t play their Narnia track “More Than It Seems,” but they rocked. The performance of the evening though, belongs to the Newsboys. They take the stage with such confidence and so relaxed, that they just put on a great show. It seems so effortless, and rightly so, as they’ve been around for many years and have so many great songs.

The next morning, we flew back to Detroit, and I drove us all back to Grand Rapids, and then a few of us left for Muskegon to get to Mass before our retreat planning meeting. It was a pretty great weekend, and very tiring, but well worth it.

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Normally at WDW’s “Night of Joy” Christian music events, it’s the performers who are on stage at WDW’s who are doing all the promoting. Who spend their time between songs talking up their new CDs and/or upcoming tour schedule.

But — starting next month — it’ll be the Mouse who’ll be preaching to the faithful. As tens of thousands of church-goers descend on the Magic Kingdom on September 9th & 10th to listen to the best in Christian Pop, Rock and Gospel, the Walt Disney Company plans to use this golden opportunity to do some serious promoting of the studio’s upcoming holiday release, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

And Mickey will really be beating the “Narnia” promotional drum during this year’s “Night of Joy” weekend. How so? Well, some of the top Christian Music artists who scheduled to be appearing at NOJ will be performing songs from a soon-to-be-released album that features music that was inspired by this Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media production. Chief among these will be Five-time Grammy Award Winner Steven Curtis Chapman (who will be singing “Remembering You”), TobyMac and Kutless.

Then there will be “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” info stations set up around the Magic Kingdom. Where “Night of Joy” attendees can watch the film’s trailer as well as learn about the production of this motion picture.

Then — at 12:30 a.m. — as NOJ comes to a close, each attendee will be handed a goodie bag as they exit the theme park. And inside each bag will be a souvenir CD which features songs by selected “Night of Joy” performers … along with a bonus track: “The Chronicles of Narnia Audio Magazine.”

Add to this that each of the chaperones that attend this year’s “Night of Joy” event will be gifted a special “Chronicles of Narnia” DVD. Which they’ll then be encouraged to show to the children at their churches once they get home … And you can see that the Walt Disney Company is planning on mounting a full court press in its effort to get the faithful to come out & see this film.

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We got an e-mail from Kevin that points out what appears to be the final track listing, on Walmart.com, which includes a song by tobyMac called “New World”:

1. Waiting For The World To Fall – Jars of Clay
2. Remembering You – Steven Curtis Chapman
3. Open Your Eyes – Jeremy Camp
4. Hero – Bethany Dillon
5. Stronger – Delirious?
6. Lion – Rebecca St. James
7. New World – tobyMac
8. I Will Believe – Nichole Nordeman
9. Turkish Delight – David Crowder*Band
10. More Than It Seems – Kutless
11. You’re The One – Chris Tomlin

The Narnia Inspired soundtrack hits stores on September 27th!

Music Inspired by The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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