Driving Notes

Brandon Lake swept the night, taking home 4 awards! In accepting Artist of the Year, he shared a little about what this experience has meant to him–

“I’m so grateful to be a part of this community. During COVID, what was really beautiful is, the song ‘Gratitude’ says, ‘You’ve got a lion inside your lungs.’ Thousands of people were sending me messages of people that were in the hospital and the world would say, you’ve got death in your lungs, and they would say, no, you’ve got the Lion of the tribe of Judah in your lungs. Get up and praise the Lord!”

Blessing Offor took home “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year” for his hit “Brighter Days.” Here are his comments about the meaning behind that song–

“Brighter days aren’t here yet, but they are going to be. There are going to be brighter days. It’s a waiting song; I always want to emphasize that to people. It’s not a song about things being perfect. It’s a song about holding out hope and believing that they will get better. That is the best truth you can ever share with anybody. They don’t have to be perfect now for you to know that it’s coming.”

To read comments from other artists and see the full list of winners, click here!

This is where oceans have to part

This is where light cuts through the dark

This is where I see who you are

Nothing’s impossible

Shout out to Maude for calling in with the answer for Stand In Faith by Danny Gokey and winning TWO gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

Abby shared about Tasha Layton’s new music video for a special version of her current hit “Never!” The remix and video feature a choir and string section, while also incorporating some of her fan favorite songs. You can watch the video below, and read a little more about it here!

It’s definitely an exciting season for Natalie Grant! Mike shared about the release of her new album Seasons, which includes 10 tracks and collaborations with Mary Mary and Tasha Cobbs Leonard– as well as a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” with her own mother and daughters! Click here to see all the news from Grant.

Let every dark assignment bow down at Jesus’ feet

Let every curse be broken, let every storm be tamed

And all that come against us be bound in Jesus’ name

Looks like week’s game was a stumper… that means you can call in next week for a chance at winning TWO gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant in Utica!

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

Mike shares that the deluxe version of Blanca’s album The Heartbreak and the Healing has just dropped! This tracklist includes two brand new originals, along with some remixes, collabs, and multilingual versions of “The Healing.” That means we can listen to her acclaimed single in both Spanish and Portuguese! You can read more about this exciting release here.

Abby talked about Casting Crowns and their anniversary celebration! They are releasing the album Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years, which will come out next month.

In more cinematic news, the movie “Home by Sunday” will dive into the 20 years that Casting Crowns has spent as a band, and the legacy they have had on Christian music. This film will explore the unique beginnings of the group, the inspiration behind one of their most beloved songs, and the near-life-ending diagnosis that impacted their journey.

“Home By Sunday” will be exclusively in theaters on Thursday, November 30. You can watch the trailer below!

No more searching

Heaven’s healing’s gonna find where all the hurt is

When Jesus calls, we’ll lay down all our heavy burdens

Carry on

And the song is… Weary Traveler by Jordan St. Cyr– Congratulations to Robin for calling in with the right answer! She wins TWO gift cards to Watts Restaurant since this was a stumper from last week.

Thanks for listening!

–Mike and Abby

Abby shared about how Riley Clemmons is celebrating the release of her 3rd studio album! Church Pew is a collection of songs and stories including recent singles “Loved By You” and “Miracles.” Riley just performed some of these songs at the Grand Ole Opry and will be joining Zach Williams on his tour later this month. Click here to read more about this exciting new release!

In other news, Mike revealed that CAIN has just dropped the title track to their upcoming album, called “Jesus Music!” This track, along with the newly released music video, celebrates some of the artists that have influenced CAIN by including the titles of their songs. You can check out that video below and read more here!

No more searching

Heaven’s healing’s gonna find where all the hurt is

When Jesus calls, we’ll lay down all our heavy burdens

Carry on

We had a stumper this week! That means you can tune in for a chance at winning TWO gift cards to Watt’s Restaurant for next week’s Gametime Tuesday.

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

NEEDTOBREATHE has a new album! The release of “CAVES” involves an exciting collaboration with an alternative band called Judah & The Lion with the song “Dreams,” which they just performed together on the Today Show! You can watch that here.

for KING + COUNTRY is also celebrating an exciting release with the deluxe edition of their album “WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR.” The expanded 17-track collection includes the duo’s four most recent consecutive #1 singles, plus two brand new songs and two previously released collaborations. Read more about this slew of new music here!

In other news, the 54th Annual Dove Awards has just announced their host for this year… and it is Tauren Wells! Having previously won eight awards, including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year in 2018, Wells will be hosting the night as well as performing on the show. You can watch this exciting event for Christian and Gospel music on Friday, October 20th at 8pm and 10pm ET if you head to the TBN channel or app. Click here to read more about Tauren Wells and the Dove Awards!

You were there in the valley of shadows

You were there in the depth of my sorrows

You’re my strength, my hope for tomorrow

I’ve been blessed beyond all measure

This week was a stumper! Make sure you listen in to our Song Poetry game next Tuesday for a chance at winning TWO gift cards to Watts Restaurant because we are still looking for a winner.

Thanks for listening!

-Mike and Abby

For today’s Artist Newsday, Mike shared about Natalie Grant’s performance of the National Anthem at the NFL annual primetime kickoff game. Read more about this incredible moment here!

Abby shared about Phil Wickham, whose new album I BELIEVE debuted at #1 on the charts and who just wrapped up a nearly sold-out tour. You can read more about him here.

What is the name of KB’s album that was released on August 11, 2023?

The answer– His Glory Alone 2

Congratulations to Alex for calling in and winning two tickets to Sonfest!

When confusion’s my companion

And despair holds me for ransom

I will feel no fear

I know that You are near

And today’s mystery song was… Shoulders– for KING & COUNTRY. Shout out to Linda for guessing correctly and winning two Watt’s Restaurant gift cards after last week’s stumper!

Thanks for tuning in!

-Mike and Abby

We are talking about some new releases today, and the first is Casting Crowns! The band is celebrating their 20th anniversary with a special album release on September 29th. This will include 21 reimagined versions of their songs with 21 guest artists– you can go listen to “Oh My Soul” with Katy Nichole and “Voice of Truth” with David Leonard right now! Read more about the upcoming album here.

Patrick Mayberry has just released his new album, Wild Faith! This 10-song tracklist is inspired by Patrick’s own journey of faith as well as Psalm 23 which you can read about here.

What is KB’s official/real name? The answer– Kevin Elijah Burgess.

Congratulations to Suzanne for calling in and correctly answering today’s trivia question and winning two tickets to Sonfest!

We had a stumper today! That means next week, the Song Poetry will be worth two Watt’s Restaurant gift cards… make sure you tune in and call in if you know the answer!

Thanks so much for listening!

– Mike and Abby