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Help me choose the next single!
Hey y’all,
It’s time to release a new radio single from the Songs In The Night album, and I need your help. I’ve tossed around a few ideas, but I’d really like your opinion. I’ll list the songs that have not been released to radio. You vote for the one you think should be the next single, and why!
(By the way, “In Christ Alone” is currently number 11 on the chart!)
Songs In The Night
Just As I Am
Hallelujah Anyhow
My Life Is In Your Hands
He Will Carry You
The Wildest Places
Behold The Lamb
All You Need When You Need It
Lauren,
We all need help to live the Christian Life. He must carry us in order to do it. My vote is ” He Will Carry You “. This is a very simple, encouraging song, and it touches my heart.
I’d recommend Hallelujah Anyhow — but I think a lot depends on where you feel you’re headed..
To me, this album feels more contemplative than your others. The songs feel like they’re about assurance, trust, strength, making it through tough times. Hallelujah Anyhow stood out, to me, as the one that shows that confident joy and praise that I’ve heard from you in the past (more focused out than in). I’d say if you’re intending to emphasize slower and thoughtful songs in the future, then it’d be appropriate to choose a different song. If you want to provide a link to earlier work and show that you intend to keep making these types of songs, then this would be a good choice.
Hope that helps give you an angle to consider. Whatever you choose, though, I’m certain it’ll be hugely successful.
Chuck
Very thoughtful post. Thank you!
Lauren,
To follow up on your note further down that you try to record a variety of styles, I want to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed that. When I was a relatively new gospel listener and didn’t recognize voices yet, I heard a song that I described as salsa gospel and called the radio to find out who it was. That was Almighty, and they said it was yours — I recognized your name from a couple of other songs, and I started getting your CDs. no matter what the singing style, I especially like the exuberant joy that’s in so many of the songs.
Chuck
It is almost impossible to select just one. So here is the short list:
1. Behold the Lamb
2. He Will Carry You
3. My Life Is in Your Hands
Looking forward to your next project.
Lauren,
One of my favorites from Songs in the Night is “My Life is in Your Hands”. The words minister to me each time I listen to the song. It is so true…no matter what may come my way, my life is in His hands. The music adds so much to the song as well.
Behold The Lamb. A great song about what God is and always will be to me!
Lauren,
Congratulations on “In Christ Alone” doing so very well! You did a fantastic job of singing that special song. I’d like to vote for “Just As I Am”… can’t put my finger on why exactly. But, it’s a powerful song that I have been blessed by many times. Your music is so encouraging! Thank you for your ministry.
I pick either Just As I Am or Behold The Lamb, both fabulous message and great song/vocals.
ALL YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT
MY PICK
Lauren,
I would have to say by a landslide, “Just As I Am”. This is my favorite song on the
album. In second I would have to say He Will Carry You. I have enjoyed this song
since 1983 when I first heard it on the album, “Dreamer” that the Continential Singers/Orchestra performed. This ablum has to do with the story of Joesph
and the many trials he went through on his way in becoming governor of Egypt.
The third choice who be “Behold the Lamb”. I love the simplicity of this song and the message in the words. Also, Lauren does a great job in singing this song!!
Lauren,
Of course all of the songs on this particular project are tremendous songs with a real message, that’s why my family and I are so drawn to it. But, if you want to know which ones get the most repeats in our family vehicle, it has to be, “Behold the lamb” followed by “Just as I am”. Congratulations on your charting success!
I love the song “Just As I Am”! Jim Brady wrote a GOOD ONE when he wrote that!!
Lauren~
You asked me this when I saw you a month or two ago in Indiana and I told you I loved the entire album. It’s hard to choose one song because I love them all. However, the song I would choose is He Will Carry You. I chose that song because it has helped me get through some struggles I had recently had. When I listen to it, the heavy load is lifted on my shoulders.
Just as I am” would be great!
Hey Lauren,
Personally I think you should release He Will Carry You. It has encouraged me the last few months and I thought you did a great job on it last week in Maiden.
I agree with most everybody posting ” Just As I Am ” Awesome song and You sing it so great.
With everything going on in this world, I really relate to “All You Need When You Need It”. We may lose a lifetime of “stuff” we have saved, built, even treasured in seconds, but with God, we WILL have all we need when we need it…
Just As I Am has such meaning to me personally. I listen to this song often, and am sometimes overcome by the awe that He took me as I am, but wasn’t satisfied to leave me that way. Wow.
My vote is for “He Will Carry You”. It really speaks to me and, as I have told you, our daughter used to sing it. She was killed in a car wreck when she was 19, 23 years ago and we have her singing it on tape/dvd. It helps us get through life when we listen to her sing it and we loved hearing you sing it when you guys were in Washougal. Love and hugs to you! Congratulations on your engagement and wedding!
My vote is for Songs in the Night. It has really spoken to my heart the last few months. I reached the darkest point of my life but God in His awesome love, reached down and gave me a song. With all the world devastions it would be a song of comfort for many.
I think “All You Need When You Need It” people are going thourgh alot especially in the last few months with all the tornados in the country. God will be with us when we need him. Tammy
A typical vote from me…:) I do not have the album yet because I was broke.
But when I read the comments and titles of your cd then I would also choose “All you need when you need it”.
In America the gospel is much more involved in the culture then here in Europe I think, but anywhere people have chosen to compromise and live lifes without the Lord. And when you live away from the Lord’s presence you come to a dead end of loneliness and emptyness. Alllllll those people need to come back to the place where they realize that they personally need the Lord, and when they submit to that they will find He is all they need! He alone can fulfil every single and true need and when we have Him, we just do have it all!
I vote for Behold The Lamb it is beautiful song and the title says it all.
Lauren – I have to go for “He Will Carry You” as many people are struggling to get by both financially and spiritually in these times. Many Christians have lost their true identities and are free falling through time and space forgetting that He and only He can catch our fall and right us toward the ultimate goal of being with Jesus some day. This is a beautiful song that reflects the true passion that you have with each and every note you sing. Congratulations and there will be a special place for you and a reward for your commitment to the Cross.
“Hallelujah Anyhow” It’s the song that’s the closest to your southern gospel sound that I loved so much on your first two solo CD’s.
Another good point…thanks!
I personally love all of those songs but I think that Songs In The Night would be a great single not only because it is the title track, but it’s message means so much. There are so many bad things going on in the world right now but we have to know that God is still there even though we dont’ always feel His presence.
What a difficult choice!
I sincerely enjoy your entire CD, and find the lyrics and gentle tracks a soothing respite when I am going through trials. In fact, when I first received your CD in the mail, our family was going through the valley and your songs were so comforting; it arrived at the perfect time!
That being said, I do enjoy “He Will Carry You”, and would suggest that one based off the responses so far. And I also think the title track,”Songs in the Night”, has much potential.
What we have noticed as family is that whatever song resonates with the people’s current circumstances, that song is bound to be successful, because they can relate to it and will request it. So whatever you chose I believe many people will enjoy, as Christians all over the world struggle through dark times, and the songs off of your CD speak to peace through trials and praising God anyhow.
Blessings!
I always enjoy reading your posts. So well-spoken and thoughtful
thank you!
Thank you!
I enjoy reading your blog and your thoughts, and do like commenting (though I have the tendency to say too much!). 
“Just As I Am” would be my choice.
my choice would be he will carry me. thankyou and god bless you.
i meant to say he will carry you.
I love My Life is in Your Hands but Songs in the Night would be a close second… can’t forget The Wildest Places. Any choice will be good… I love them all.
Hey! I think that He Will Carry You would be a great one… It is really an encouragement. I have been going through a rough time lately, and Songs in the Night and He Will Carry You have been the ones that spoke to me…:) Congrats on In Christ Alone… That is one of my fave songs!:)
Kendra
Hi Lauren, I vote for He Will Carry You. Really, any song that you choose will be great and it will minister to many people.
I wish we could see you all more often than we do. We love you all.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.
Lauren I love all of the songs on The Songs in the Night. I listen to it over and over on my way to work at night. I think I love the song My life Is In Your Hands. No matter what I go through I know without a doubt my life is in God’s hands. I know that when my time comes to be called to my Heavenly Home God will embrace me with his hands. So I win both!! Here on earth and in Heaven.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Lauren, I have a question !
You have given us 8 choices. You probably have hundreds of songs to choose from each time you make a new CD. How in the world can you choose just 10 songs? Do you actually listen to all of them? Is there some criteria you go by? Do you agonize what songs to include? Do you analyze each one, or go by your gut feeling? My family doctor has a motto in one of his examining rooms – ” Don’t think too much ! ” Maybe this will help you too!
Good question, and it might even shed some light onto the issue at hand here.
Choosing songs is the hardest part of any recording. In the case of Songs In The Night, I asked songwriters to take a look at the book’s content and custom-write material for it, in some cases. “Songs In The Night” is a good example of that. I also ask writers whose work I particularly like for new songs, hence the two Marty Funderburk tunes
(hi Marty!)
I also give a lot of thought to the creative direction I want the album to go in and look for songs that fit that vision. In this case, the album does have a more contemplative tone because I wanted it to reflect the struggles in my life from which it came. I listen to hundreds of songs before I choose ten to record. I try to find songs that are complimentary to my previous releases without copying something that I’ve already done, which can be really tough. I know some fans like particular styles and would like every record to be that, but it’s important to me to do fresh material that speaks to where I am in my life at that moment. I love songs that are simply and concisely worded while delivering a powerful message. I try to have some variety on every album, because I like lots of different things myself.
Usually I do worry way too much about it and I pray about it a lot, and I still don’t always make the right decision, just like every other artist. However, at the end of the day for most of us, when we find a strong biblical lyric with a fresh, interesting musical treatment, we can’t wait to sing it.
Thank you all so much for all your input. It helps me so much to know what you like and want. After all, I’m here to help, serve and hopefully minister to YOU!
Lauren,
Thank You for answering my question. That is why you are so well-liked, you are so down-to-earth. Life is more accurately measured by the lives you touch than by the things you acquire. You have touched many lives by your musical abilities and by your personal integrity.
Wow! Neat insight, Lauren! Thanks for sharing!
My vote would be HE WILL CARRY YOU . I have had some rough times lately and I always turn to this song to remind me that he is always there for me . We all need to get serious about praying for all the things that are going on in our country today . God bless you Lauren , and whatever you choose will be great I an sure.
Without ANY doubt, it should be “Behold the Lamb”
This is TRULY one of the most inspired and inspiring songs I have ever heard in my life. I never tire of hearing it and every time I do, I am reminded anew just how awesome He is.
The first time I heard it was with my 5 year old, and I thought, “Oh no, a song she will not understand…she will not know what this means.” I was so wrong because she understood so much more and loved it.
hi Lauren, wow…tough to decide, but I think my favorite is “Behold the Lamb” b/c it really is a praise & worship song put together. I can close my eyes & worship Him b/c He is the restorer of my broken life & He is faithful always. He is sure enough my strong tower! I love the song much! But, of course there is another one that is for a total different reason….”Just as I am”. Because it tells that He is ready & waiting for us to just come to Him just as/where we are & He will take us in. That is more a song of witness of how much He wants desperately to know each of us right where we are. I love that song so much, too! I read something that I thought was neat….if someone says ….”I’m just a loser”….we can say ” You are a winner, you’ve just gotten lost!”. That is sortof what that song makes me think of ….we are all so special to him…no matter what we think of who/where we are! Anyway…just my thoughts. Take care, I pray for your family lots. Can’t wait to see you at Quartet Conv this year! In His Love, Sandy Ü
I would definetly say The Wildest Places!!!!! I LOVE that song. Congrats on In Christ Alone! That song saved my life literally. Thank You For All You Do!!!!!
My life is in your hand – definitely.
I think, “My Life Is In Your Hands.” That is the way it is. And it couldn’t be any better than that way.
The Lord touched my heart with “He Will Carry You” last fall just before I was scheduled for heart surgery. I am grateful to you for singing the song and to the Lord for giving me peace. The message gave me encouragement and hope for what I was facing. So I definitely vote for “He Will Carry You” Thank You Lauren.
ps I plan on recording seven of the songs from this album on my next project.
Lauren,
ALL of those songs are so great to hear! But I have to go with JUST AS I AM. The opening verse grabbed my attetion right away by speaking of dying to myself and letting Jesus mold my heart to be more like His. I love how the chorus says “the way He’s changing my heart proves that He loves me too much to leave me just as I am.” Every time I hear this song, I’m reminded of something you said at a concert in Houston, MS: “I wanted God to change my circumstances and my problems, but He was more interested in changing me!” I have never forgotten that simple statement! Thanks for using your talents for the Lord; it is NOT in vain! May God bless you, your family, and your upcoming marriage!
Behold the Lamb. I love every single one of the songs on your album. They are sooo heartfelt and full of God’s message. But…Behold the Lamb is one of my favorites (besides in Christ Alone…congrats on the #11 on the charts, by the way). It is so full of feeling and truth and praise. I feel the Holy Spirit whenever I hear it. It is powerful in a way that not many songs are (of course your amazing voice helps, as well). But I think it’s amazing, lyrically, vocally, and musically. ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!
I think, Lauren, it sounds to me like “He Will Carry You” is kind of your family’s theme song if you know where I’m going with this. He does carry all of us like the footprint in the sands poem. Too bad no one ever put that to music!! Thanks for allowing us to contribute!
I haven”t heard your most recent CD of these songs. But My Life is in Your Hands, just says it all about our Christian life. We cannot do anything on our own and when we try, we fail, because it’s all about Christ and His love for us. But as the other posts has said, whatever you choose will glorify God. I listen to Christian radio all throughout my day. So when I hear your song, it will bless my heart, because your music comes from God. Congratulations on your upcoming Wedding. God Bless!
I Think It Should Be ” Hallelujah Anyhow” B/c Its A Great Song The Words & Everything And It Talks About Not Letting Anything get To Ya Or Tear Ya Down B/c No Matter What Happens We Are Stil Gonna Give God The Praise No Matter What!
Hey Lauren,
Ashley and I both like Just As I am it has a very good meaning to it and we really like that song and our 2nd one we like is He will carry you we like that one also. Good luck with the up coming wedding and we will see you in Gatlinburg and NQC this year. We love you and take care and Tell Brian we said Hi!!!
I give my vote for “My Life Is In Your Hands”. The song has a great message in that Christians should have this mindset of how we should do the things in our lives according to the Lord’s will and not our own. This allows us to become closer to our Saviour in how we should live our Christian walk in this world.
I would love it if you released “Just As I Am.” This song means so much. Sometimes we forget that God is in control in our lives, and we wonder why certain circumstances occur. To me, this song seems to be a remembrance that no matter what we are going through, he is shaping and molding us so that we can be more like him. In the meantime, he also accepts us just as we are. Personally, I could see this song reaching many people due to its nature.
Just As I Am says it all!
My pick for the your next radio single would definitely have to be “Just As I Am.” I love this song soooo much!!! It has a great message of how loving God is to take us into his spiritual family just the way we are and then help mold us into something wonderful.
Love ya guys!
I AM A MS PATIENT AND I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOUR CD’S BUT I CAN’T AFFORD IT
A SONG GOD WILL WIPE OUR TEARS AWAY. OVER THERE I’LL HAVE MY MANTION. NO MORE SICKNESS. PRAY FOR ME ,I HAVE NO WAY TO HALL MY WHEEL CHAIR TO GO ANY WHERE.
I like them all, but Songs in the Night would probably be my choice!
I am so glad that Jesus accepts us just as we are and we don’t have to try to clean ourselves up – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS! ” I John 1:9. My vote is for JUST AS I AM.
Lauren, I love the song Behold the Lamb. I was at your concert in Shelby, Ohio, and you gave me your book while testifying. I can’t express how much that meant to me. You, and your family lifted my spirit so much that night. I’ve been feeling pretty broken lately, so it was a perfect night for me. You are such a lovely person, and you send out a radiant love that I felt so strong. I pray you are able to withstand your physical ailments to keep up your wonderful work.
Congratulations on your marriage. Godspeed
Love to you, and your family,
Debbie
Hallelujah Anyhow for sure!!
My Life Is In Your Hands
Lauren, my vote is for “All You Need When You Need It.” We all go through many trials that we don’t think we can make it through in our lives. We moan and groan and ask, “Why me, Lord?” However, when all is said and done, I’ve always see that He is the only One we need to see us through those times. We usually don’t see it right then, but in looking back through my life, God was always there and made me stronger because of those trials. God is truly ALL WE NEED…I know!! I believe this song will be an encouragement for those who hear it on the radio.
Love ya!
Gail
I Love the song Just as I am! I would choose that one.
Hey Lauren, I love “Behold The Lamb,” but I think it might be time to do something fun and that we can jump around to, (or what some people might call dancing!) I’m voting for “Hallelujah Anyhow!” this time.
Love,
Lisa
Hallelujah Anyhow! The first time I heard this song it just reached out to me. We do need to shout Hallelujah even when it’s gets difficult. This song helped me do that
I’d so Hallelujah Anyhow! Just because, it’s up beat and happy
either that one or Just As I Am.
I would say He Will Carry You. This song really touches my heart. Your music minsitry is such a blessing. You are sucha beautiful person inside and out. I can’t wait to see you all again. Hopefully in June.
Love.
Teresa
Hi Lauren – I love every song on this CD. This time I would choose Hallelujah Anyhow because it seems that we Christians often forget to Praise Him no matter what our circumstances are. Right now it seems that Satan is attacking every where I turn and we tend to focus on our issues instead of keeping Jesus on our minds and in our hearts. This song is one of those you just can’t help but get in a happier place and it drives the message home.
I love songs in the night. It has a beautiful message in it. However Behold the Lamb is a good one too. May God’s guide you always.
Any song you choose will be a hit!! I know it! Your simply the most amazing/wonderfulest singer on this earth!! Love youu!!(:
My vote would be for “Songs in the Night.” It’s spoken to me ever since the first time I heard it.
My vote would be for “He Will Carry You”. It spoke to me recently.
Hey Lauren. Long time no see
. By a landslide, “Just as I Am” Not only is it a reminder of where Christ brought me from, but the fact that it says that when life gives us changes, He still has everything under control and we can come to Christ with our questions. Or at least thats what it has meant to me.
“He Will Carry You” for all of the reasons mentioned above. HOWEVER I think “Hallelujah Anyhow” also holds a powerful message.
I love them all,but to choose 1 it would be for me all you need when you need it. but for the radio it would be Hallelujah anyhow.
I have a dear friend who is battling a second round of cancer and the song “My Life is in Your Hands” has been very uplifting. Who wrote this song by the way?
Kirk Franklin is the writer and original performer of the song. I’m glad it’s been a blessing to you and your friend.
Lauren, Thank you and your mom for being so nice to our family at the Mercy’s Well 10th Anniversary. Y’all undoubtedly sing for the right reasons and treat fans so special! You deserve a big”Thank you” for this. I did not tell you that T am suffering with cancer of the bladder, and my follow up visit after my chemo was not so good today. However, with Jesus, it is “win-win”. I wish for you a happy life together in your upcoming marriage! Please keep me in your prayers. I was in radio for 16 years before going into the ministry full time, and I believe with all my heart that your next hit will be “He Will Carry You”. Thank you so much for reading this! God bless! Preacher Dave
Your whole CD is such a blessing. “Behold The Lamb” or “Just As I Am” would have to be the top 2 for me. As a matter of fact, I just sang “Just As I Am” last Sunday at church and it was a hit. The words are so powerful and so true. Praise God He doesn’t leave us just as we are. Thank you for being a great example of what a Christian artist should be. That goes for your parents as well. You guys seem to be the real deal. I joined you all on the cruise last November and hands down the love of Christ exudes from your music. Love and blessings to all!!
It is a good thing I know you otherwise I might get starstruck! But there are three songs that you should eventually release and I would be for songs in the night simply because it is simple and cuts straight to the core. However, with the recent events that have happened all over the country and not even just in the south where Gospel is the.most prevalent, I believe Hallelujah Anyhow would be a great pick. Things are so bad for so many people right now. We all need a break from the stress and heartache of the floods, tornadoes, and loss of life….Doesn’t the Bible say that we should morn for us that are left in death and celebrate those who have moved on….this song helps us remember to say thanks even through the pain. Like it was said before, this project definitely shows your maturity, and of your music growing up, and dealing with your own struggles with some health issues that have been troublesome at times, but H.A. breaks away from looking in to looking up no matter what any of us have been going through. I believe that we all need a little fast paced devil defeator.
Love you,
A
I think it’s obvious with the plethora of different opinions on this matter that all the songs are very good. The only decision really is: which song will most readily attract a new fan? Because, we all seem to enjoy the full spectrum of your work. I have tried to think back and remember which songs have the best hook and stuck out upon first hearing. “Songs In The Night” & “Hallelujah Anyhow” are excellent options but “Just As I Am” is the most powerful.
Although it is not one of the choices listed my 5 year old son LOVES “The Debt” and says that “Lauren should always sing it to people so they will know why Jesus died and how much He loves us!” Thank you for your ministry and know that your works are fruitful. My children have learned more about the Gospel of Christ from listening to southern gospel music than from any other source. “Mommy, why does Jesus love me ‘too much to leave me just as I am?’” — Mommy, then I love you too much too! “Mommy, why was ‘His heart broken and mine was mended?’” and “Mommy, why was ‘everything Jesus went through on the cross was a horrible debt that I owe?’” Thank You and God Bless you and your ministry!
I VOTE FOR BEHOLD THE LAMB…OR ANYTHING U SING, ACTUALLY.
Hey Lauren!
That is one of my all-time favorite songs!!! God bless!
I am a fan of ALL your songs on the CD, but since I can only choose one….I’ll go with Just As I Am.
JUNE 11TH, 2011 3:02AM [Alaska Standard Time-- 1Hr. Behind California ]
BLESSED SABBATH DAY!!!!
You wanted us to vote on Your #2 single for you to do, and I feel I would like you to choose : “BEHOLD THE LAMB” ! Because HE IS THE LAMB Slain For Our sins! Without HIS SCRAFICE For our sin we commited, then we would never had FORGIVENESS, Nor SALVATION!!!!!
I am sure your voice will Ring So Beautiful IN THE ALMIGHTY GODHEAD’S EARS With Such JOY and LOVE!!!!!!
MAY THEY BLESS You and Your Husband To Be and All Your Loved Ones!
Again BLESSED SABBATH DAY!!!!
Polar 2[Eya-Andrea]
Congratulations by the way!
I’d say the next single should be “Just as I Am”
May God bless the path you are starting down as a married couple and continue blessing your music ministry!