This is a guest post by Loren Wade from Unlifer, whose blog launched today.
Sit down, take a seat, close Facebook, close Twitter, put your phone away, and turn off any other distractions and listen to this song.
Let the words sink in.
Performed by Jeremiah Austin (bass), Jesse Stone (drums, background vocals), Aaron Stone (vocals, guitar), and guest vocalist Micah Boyce of So Long Forgotten.
Just over two years ago, My Epic released what is, in my opinion, one of the greatest songs of all time. It’s certainly my favorite. Since this is the IVM I know and love, I am also obligated to say this: no, I am not exaggerating. This is not another “song of the year!” comment or post (just kidding guys, I love you all). But seriously, this is the real thing.
So, what makes a good song?
Catchiness? Effects? Dynamics? Lyrics? Story? Rhythm? Hook?
Fact is it can be any of these things, but in my opinion, it’s always about the lyrics first. The story. I believe the story of Jesus is the greatest story ever told and the whole of creation, including all of the greatest stories, rhyme and resound with His. When you listen to a song and it has an incredible story, it changes you. Just like a great movie. It can move you, make you cry, convict you, or break you.
This song broke me. Actually, it did all of those things.
I found myself questioning my life, in worship, convicted, comforted, and in complete and utter amazement with Jesus all at the same time. You’re probably thinking about all of the times a song has done this for you and saying something like, “That’s great, but a lot of songs do that.” My response would be something like… “But does it do that every time?”
That is what makes a good song. It affects you on an emotional and spiritual each and every time you listen. It’s repeatable.
The words “Lower Still” resounds with me every time I listen to this song. From the birth, to the death, until the resurrection of Jesus, He had to go “Lower Still”. My Epic not only wrote a song that impeccably expresses this story, they have lyrics and music to match which is a very rare accomplishment in today’s music. This song expresses the greatest story of all time in a way I have never heard before. I think that’s an incredible feat.
I’m going to take this even further and say,
Lower Still is to music as Braveheart is to movies.
If you disagree, that’s okay. It may not be an epic Elegy of a song (Becoming the Archetype, anyone?), but it’s Jesus’ whole story in five minutes and forty-seven seconds. Weighing in under six minutes, My Epic has written a song that will never get old, never out-date itself, and expresses the story of Jesus impeccably. If it doesn’t convict you or you don’t find yourself in complete awe of God when it’s done, then I don’t know what else to say.
The bottom line is that My Epic have crafted a song that affected me on a level that no song ever has. I also think My Epic and “Lower Still” have gone wildly unnoticed by people in general. I hope this puts a little more light to a song that, at the very least, deserves another listen.
This is why I think “Lower Still” the greatest song of all time.
It’s my favorite song and it will remain that way for years to come.
Agree? Disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Update: You can download this song for free as a part of the Facedown Sampler on Amazon right here. Thanks for the heads up, Christian!