Naomi Raine, best known for her work with Maverick City Music in songs like “Jireh” and “The Story I’ll Tell,” released a live album earlier this year. It wasn’t hard for one of the songs, “Be Glad,” to become a new favorite. 

Because of her popular work with Maverick City Music in recent years, it’s easy to think of Naomi Raine as an emerging artist; however, she has been making solo Christian music for a decade.

Naomi’s pure and strong voice, paired with the heart-pulling chord structure so well-used in the contemporary gospel genre, makes this song powerful and emotion-invoking. From the beginning, you sense that Naomi is giving a testimony that makes you want to hang on every word. The melody is so intuitive, that on the first listen, it feels like you’ve known the song forever. 

The lyrics are a reminder that through everything, we can be grateful for the blessings the Lord has provided for us. During this season of thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the words from Scripture: “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, ESV).

@danandshay

The beautiful simplicity of country music always reminds me of the little joys in life. “Bigger Houses” is an endearing song about appreciating what you have instead of comparing yourself to others. The chorus closes with, “The thing about happiness I’ve found is / it don’t live in bigger houses.”

@hiforrest

Forrest Frank is known for blending new pop sounds into the contemporary Christian genre. His song, “Heaven On My Mind,” with TobyMac is fun, danceable, and energetic, while sharing the reminder to keep our eyes fixed on heaven. While we’re grateful for what we have, God has so much more in store for us.