Three new releases from site favorites Cole Swensen, Jeffrey Martin, and album of the year candidate Mia Wilson

Cole Swensen – “Heal”
-If you happen to know me in real life, then you’ve probably heard me talk about Cole Swensen. I’ve been talking about his music for about two years now, I think. I’ve interviewed him and featured almost every track he’s released for a while now, including his recent rise to fame on America’s Got Talent. But beyond that, I just really want to highlight this wonderful new song “Heal.” It features his mother, like most of his other music. Keep in mind that Swensen writes and produces much of his music as well. There’s a sincerity, depth, and continuity that comes across in this recording that makes it absolutely stand out from the crowd. If you’ve not sat with Swensen’s emotional songwriting and vocal work, then this song is absolutely exceptional introduction to one of the best artists I’ve discovered in recent memory. Close your eyes, lean in, and feel this one in your soul. You won’t be disappointed.

Jeffrey Martin – “1519”
-Jeffrey Martin’s music is one of the reasons I still write about music. That’s no hyperbole. From the first time I heard his album Dogs in the Daylight I’ve been a fan. There’s something about this wonderful sincerity and theological seeking in his lyrical work that I simply adore. When I interviewed him, I quickly realized that we inhabit a similar orbit in our background and lives. So, yeah, to say that I can relate to his music is a bit of an understatement. That comes through in this remarkable track “1519” which has a historical depth to it that takes a few listens to fully connect, but it’s definitely there. I’m no lyrical expert, but I think it’s about creation, human nature, and overall what it means to be alive. In a world that is inundated with so many forces urging us to be inhumane, processed, fake, and untrue… there’s something deeply rewarding about thinking about what it means to be a gracious rebel, a generous spirit, and a pastoral pirate. “Burn the ships down…” indeed.

Mia Wilson – “Going Back”
-I’ll be writing about Mia Wilson’s debut album next week for the Album of the Year list. I’m not sure where it will place, but I know it will be on the list. It’s incredible. I can’t remember an album in recent memory where I’ve covered so many tracks as they’ve each been submitted as singles. This latest submission, “Going Back” receives all of the usual plaudits I’ve been giving Wilson’s work. The songwriting feels like Carole King, the vocal performance is outstanding, conjuring my own comparisons with folks like Karen Carpenter and Linda Ronstadt. If you are a music fan *of a certain age* then this fresh take on those classic artists feels like a true breath of fresh air. There’s something special about the piano dancing delicately with the quality vocal here and the powerful lyrical continuity that resonates really well. This is a gem of a song on an exceptional album. It’s well worth your time.