Recently, I was in the movies and a trailer came on that really shook me in an inspirational way.  Starring a cast of big names and with Octavia Spencer in the lead, I knew I couldn’t wait to see that movie. Based on the best-selling novel, The Shack takes us on a father’s uplifting spiritual journey. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression causing him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.

“The Shack: Music From And Inspired By The Original Motion Picture,” the companion to the film based on The New York Times best-seller, starring Sam Worthington and Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer with Grammy Award-winner Tim McGraw.

The album features music from top Christian artists Skillet, We Are Messengers, Hillsong UNITED, NEEDTOBREATHE, Lauren Daigle, for KING & Country, Francesca Battistelli and Lecrae, plus other A-list acts including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldredge, Kelly Clarkson, Aloe Blacc, Dan + Shay and Devin Dawson.

“THE SHACK: MUSIC FROM AND INSPIRED BY THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE” is out February 24th, and “The Shack” opens in theatres nationwide Friday, March 3.

We hope this music serves as a reminder of the truths in Romans 8 – that nothing can separate us from God’s extraordinary love.

Song by Song Review

When I Pray For You: Performed by country duo and expert lyricists Dan and Shay, this track has country style musicality with the vocal stylings of Rascal Flatts. It puts to music praying for your child even before he or she is born.

Keep Your Eyes On Me: The song heard in the movie trailer to promote “The Shack,” performed by Faith and Tim McGraw, it’s a beautiful ballad performed by the star of the film and his infamous wife. It’s about having something to focus on or someone to call “home” in times of trial and tribulation.

Lay Our Flowers Down: Performed by powerhouse country group Lady Antebellum, it shares the simple message: “Lift our voices up, lay our flowers down.” The track boasts country musicality throughout.

Heaven Knows: Christian group Hillsong United greets us with a slow tempo worship ballad about love based on Romans 8.

Where Were You: Christian music solace Francesca Batistelli inspires the listener with a musical track based off the famous Christian poem “Footprints.”

Love Goes On: Bluesy ballad performed by vocal powerhouse Kelly Clarkson & Aloe Blacc that boasts “nothings really gone, we bring the past along, and love goes on.”

River of Jordan: Christian hip-hop anomaly Lecrae raps a track rejecting the religious idea of God to pursue a genuine relationship with God.

Hard Love: Christian band NEEDTOBREATHE and female singer-songwriter Lauren Daigle offer a musical message about God’s unfailing love. This is my favorite off the album because of the pop musicality and inspirational lyrics.

Days of Dark: Banjo backtrack keeps the rhythm of this country-style track by Dierks Bentley, making this another favorite of mine off the album.

Phone Call To God: Country singer-songwriter Brett Elridge has a slow-tempo song that sounds similar in musicality to “Hallelujah,” and may be inspired musically by it.

Honest To God: Devin Dawson performs another slow tempo song about being honest with yourself that we all need someone to lean on, and it’s best when that’s God.

Amazing Grace: Note-worthy is my favorite Christian band For King & Country’s of old church hymn “Amazing Grace,” because of it’s percussive musicality and vocal blendings.

The Smart Cookie rates it: Five Out of Five Cookies because It is an incredible musical compilation of so many of my favorite artists both Christian and secular.

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