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September 21 has been declared by the UN General Assembly as the International Day of Peace and the 2023 theme is Actions for Peace. According to the UN, “It is a call to action that recognizes our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.”
Most of us would love to foster more peace in our individual lives and in the world around us, but with busy schedules that may seem difficult. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has given us practical advice for fostering peace on the everyday scale: “Follow the example of Jesus Christ in how we treat each other. Have compassion and empathy for all. Find peace by promoting peace.”
Another great way to foster peace is to tune out the loud, chaotic voices of the world and tune into some uplifting music. Linked is a curated Spotify playlist that can help us all understand the meaning of peace a little better. And for those who want to add these songs to their daily routine, all of the albums listed are available through deseretbook.com.
So put on some headphones and invite the Spirit to join you on this year’s International Day of Peace.
Glorious Piano Hymns
This album features 10 exciting arrangements by Jared Pierce of beloved hymns. Recorded on a world-class Steinway piano in the Assembly Hall on temple square in Salt Lake City, these recordings capture all the richness and joy of Jared’s playing. His nuanced arrangements underscore the full scope of emotions that these beloved hymns provide, including: solace, peace, comfort, exhilaration, joy, and celebration. This is the perfect music to find new depth and meaning behind the hymns, and to invite a sacred spirit into your life.
Hymns Meditation
Hymn Meditations, the newest addition to Deseret Music’s instrumental catalog, is a contemplative reimagining of timeless hymn melodies. Produced by Eric Michael Robertson and Deseret Music, this series of innovative arrangements features an elegant blend of piano, synth, harp, and ambient textures for a uniquely meditative experience. The gentle combination of sounds is designed to be an elevating backdrop for listeners in a variety of settings, conducive to study, meditation, and relaxation. Amidst daily sources of noise and tension, let this delicate, introspective interplay evoke personal reflection and a deeper connection to the spiritual essence of beloved LDS hymns.
Miracle by Nik Day
The debut EP, Miracle, shares a message for those looking for hope and light in a world that sometimes feels bleak. Nik hopes that "people will feel a deeper connection with God when they listen to these new songs."
The Waiting Place by Calee Reed
"It takes a lot for me to be really moved by a new artist. I prefer singer-songwriters who have a unique voice or style and who has something important to say. Occasionally, an artist comes along that I fall in love with and I can't help but spread the word. Enter Calee Reed." —Julie De Azevedo
The Waiting Place features songs that are surprisingly upbeat, considering Calee wrote them during one of her most difficult challenges of life: coping with her mother's recent diagnosis of cancer.
Full of praise and rejoicing, this album showcases track after track of toe-tapping original music fit for worship on any day of the week.
The Waiting Place features songs that are surprisingly upbeat, considering Calee wrote them during one of her most difficult challenges of life: coping with her mother's recent diagnosis of cancer.
Full of praise and rejoicing, this album showcases track after track of toe-tapping original music fit for worship on any day of the week.
The Redeemer by Jenny Oaks Baker
Experience this profoundly spiritual musical work depicting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each piece is an aspect of His mission, portrayed through masterful performances by Jenny Oaks Baker, backed by a full orchestra. The Redeemer is a glorious and emotional testimony of the Savior of all mankind.
Awakening by Jenny Oaks Baker
Grammy-nominated concert violinist Jenny Oaks Baker presents a sweeping collection of moving and inspiring songs in her latest album, Awakening. Her virtuosic playing soars over some of the most epic melodies ever written, including songs like ''O Fortuna'' from Carmina Burana, ''Nessun Dorma'', ''Ode to Joy'', and the spiritual classics ''Nearer, My God, to Thee'', ''I Know That My Redeemer Lives'', and ''Amazing Grace'', featuring collaborative pianist former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Jenny is also joined on this album by Youtube sensation Lexi Walker as well as the orchestral pop male vocal trio GENTRI, with their three-part harmony lending a spectacular counterpoint to Jenny's violin lines. This collection of songs brings Jenny back to her spiritual roots as she celebrates the beauty of gorgeous melodies,uplifting messages, and the elevating power of music.
Then Sings My Soul by Jenny Oaks Baker
Bestselling artist and virtuoso violinist Jenny Oaks Baker will amaze fans with her newest album, The Sings My Soul. Jenny's inspiring performances always offer peace and enlightenment to all who listen. Featuring brilliant renditions of beloved hymns and other wonderful classics, produced and arranged by Emmy-award-winning composer Sam Cardon, this album is sure to invite the Spirit into your home.
All Amazed by Simply Three
All Amazed is the first album from YouTube sensation Simply Three that focuses solely on hymns and sacred music. The group's passion for the messages behind these sacred songs is deeply felt in their exciting arrangements and masterful performances. By blending their formidable classical training on bass, cello, and violin with modern production, they bring bold and unique energy to foundational classics while honoring the original sacred melodies. New but familiar, it's safe to say you haven't heard the hymns quite like this.
Abide with Me by Nathan Pacheco
Nathan Pacheco is one of the great tenor voices of his generation. He has performed with artists like Yanni, Katherine Jenkins, and Placido Domingo. Abide with Me is a collection of his favorite hymns. Each song is carefully chosen for the sense of the sacred that it brings to the album. As the title suggests, consider this collection your chance to find an oasis of peace apart from the clamor of the world. On "Be Still, My Soul," Nathan is joined by YouTube sensation Simply Three to bring a feeling of peace with their gorgeous string arrangement. The song "When I Need a Friend" (originally recorded by Coldplay is arranged with a stunning classical approach, and on "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" a children's choir infuses the timeless message of the song with an unforgettable tenderness.
Higher by Nathan Pacheco
Award-winning tenor Nathan Pacheco has toured the world featured alongside world-class artists such as Yanni, Katherine Jenkins, and Placido Domingo. In all of his travels across South America, through Europe and Asia, and across America, Nathan often includes spiritually rooted and uplifting songs in his repertoire. This album is a collection of his favorite songs that connect with those spiritual moments from his performances across the world. These songs take the listener on a beautiful journey with classic hymns such as "Be Thou My Vision," soaring Italian epics like "Nella Fantasia," and modern classics such as "Forever," by Kari Jobe. Performing with intimate acoustic backing and often featuring piano and cello, Nathan's desire with this album is to help people reach higher, to feel deeper spiritual connection, and to find peace through songs that lift the soul.
In Jesus We Are One by Adassa
Born into the Seventh-day Adventist faith, ADASSA started singing in church at the age of four. Her father, a pastor, led sermons, and her mother played guitar during services. Several years later, ADASSA now worships Christ through another denomination, and although her faith is different in some ways from that of her parents, they have found common ground in worship and praise through song. She recounts recently hearing her mom and dad sing those childhood hymns: "Visiting our home, I could hear them through the bedroom door." She knocked and asked if she could join them. This experience was a moment of realization and inspiration. As she shares, although we each have a unique relationship with Christ, our differences shouldn't divide us. It's His name that we praise, and in Him we are one. This is the inspiration for ADASSA's debut faith-based EP.
"If we focus on our shared love of Jesus, and not on our differences, we become a relentless force for good that can resonate throughout the world."—ADASSA
"If we focus on our shared love of Jesus, and not on our differences, we become a relentless force for good that can resonate throughout the world."—ADASSA
Believer by Calee Reed
Known for her powerful voice and emotive lyrics, Calee has a personal approach to songwriting that is well served by emotional performances on this contemporary Christian album. Calee's latest release marks a new chapter in her career, a turning point from her previous albums that chronicled the death of her mother and subsequent trials and struggles. This album is a celebration of rising from the ashes, seeing life anew through the lens of faith, and becoming a more committed and joyful believer. She is battle-tested and exultant on the title track and on "Begin Again," but she also leaves room for poignant musings on the nature of God and the mystery of the faith journey on "Understood God" and "Outrun the Rain." This album provides renewed faith and joy in our spiritual journeys and will leave you basking in its light and the beauty of its message long after the last chords ring out.
Quiet Revolution by Truman Brothers
The Truman Brothers create Spirit-filled music for today—for every day. With its energetic, pop-driven anthems, their new EP Quiet Revolution is a rallying reminder that there is marvelous work to do and that with Christ as our compass, we can find strength in weakness, peace in the storm, and clarity in the noise—that through Him, we can find our way back home.
Love Abides by The Bonner Family
The Bonner Family, a ten-member vocal group, continues their impressive rise in Christian music with their latest full-length album release. In 2018 they released an EP of original spiritual songs, and early in 2019 they released another EP of song written for the soundtrack to the acclaimed film Jane and Emma. This exciting new album combines sweeping orchestrations and rootsy spirituals to showcase their world-class vocal talent. Their sound is instantly classic, with roots in African-American spirituals and gospel music, but with a modern spin that gives them a fresh edge, a new vibrant energy in spiritual music. They are truly a one-of-a-kind musical force for good.
The Bonner Family
The Bonner Family's first album features their expertly crafted vocal harmonies, soulful original songs, and a medley of beloved children's hymns. This is music that creates an atmosphere of peace, unity, and joy from one of the most talented families working in Christian music today.
Hymns by GENTRI
Since they formed in 2014, GENTRI has had all three of their albums hit #1 on the Billboard Chart. Their highly-anticipated fourth album, Hymns, focuses on beloved sacred songs. Known for their stunning orchestral arrangements and cinematic approach to music, their take on spiritual classics like "Abide With Me," "Come, Thou Fount," and "Amazing Grace" is truly breathtaking. Surprisingly original and carefully crafted arrangements of favorites like "I'll Fly Away" and "Be Still, My Soul" are both peaceful and exhilarating. This collection of songs will lift your spirits and bring joy to your home.
