New Album from Crystal Yates
True to her country, gospel, and soulful upbringing, Crystal delivers messages that are human and honest about how “messy” life can be sometimes...
Country/Americana singer/songwriter, Crystal Yates has released a new EP that is aptly titled, The Other Side.
Crystal wrote this album from redeemed memories, plucked-up alcoholic roots, healed marital disillusionment and mercy from consequences of poor choices. This collection is offered as her invitation to come and journey to The Other Side.
Many notable country and christian co-writers worked with Crystal in this collaborative project that she co-produced alongside her husband Will and good friend, McKenzie Smith.
True to her country, gospel, and soulful upbringing, Crystal delivers messages that are human and honest about how “messy” life can be sometimes. They lyrics reach down deep and touch the raw places of the human heart. Though not overtly stated, the listener can hear that the lyrics come from one who has experienced ups and downs alongside the life-changing grace of God.
The first track,
Leave Me Alone To Die
is a nod to musical influences like Merle Haggard, Don Williams, Waylon Jennings and other classic country legends. Yates says this song was written to “stand down evil.” The song comes from her memories of being kidnapped when she was 5 years old. Crystal recalls, "it was the first time I remember experiencing real evil. There is an enemy that wishes to steal, kill, and destroy in a very personal way.” She remembers being led out the back door of a store by a strange man; “all I could think about was what my Grannie taught me”, recalls Crystal, “‘if you are ever in trouble, call on Jesus and He will save you!’” Crystal reminisces, “with the faith of a child, through tears, I prayed and asked Jesus to help me.’ She remembers well how the man who had taken her immediately stopped undressing and asked her if she wanted to go home. “He never harmed or touched me. The name of Jesus literally saved me and the evil fled in that very second." You will be encouraged by the full testimony and acoustic version of Leave Me Alone To Die
Already Yours
is reminiscent of Motown and Crystal’s soulful influences such as Etta James, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. However when asked about where her messaging came from she acknowledged that ”It is easy to be moody and pessimistic in general.” This song serves as her reminder “to be grateful for all that I have in Christ.” She states that Already Yours is God’s response to the “love, acceptance, and goodness” that she seeks. “He draws my eyes to look higher; to focus on what I have and not what I believe I lack.” This moving song is available right now at iTunes pre-order (https://itun.es/us/Knn2bb)
Made To Last
was written with songwriting veteran Barbara Cloyd. Crystal said, "I wanted to make people in a seasoned marriage laugh while also setting the record straight for those who fantasize about fairy tale lives. I wanted to write a song that awakens desire for committed, steadfast and faithful love, which really is a determined decision and choice."
"Anytime we try to find rest for our souls in anything but God, it leads to a dead end." Yates states with conviction.
She believes that "temporary fixes do more harm than good.” That is the value that inspired the fourth track -
Hell On My Soul
"This is an raw, honest song with hindsight that hopefully warns against choosing to mask vs. receiving the deep healing that only comes from the love of God." Crystal’s cowriter, Texas female singer songwriter, Kylie Rae Harris, also stars in the new video releasing with album. The hope is that it will “reveal destructive paths in the light of day.”
The final offering and title track of the album is
The Other Side
written with friends and fellow songwriters Jennie Riddle, Richie Fike, Grant Pittman. “Life is a worthy struggle to The Other Side.” That messaging is the common thread in every song. “This song was a blast to create” states Crystal. “We all gathered around a piano in Jennie's Nashville home and started singing. The idea flowed out easily as if we knew it already! This song truly embodies my musical roots in every way; soulful and swampy.” Crystal states that she hopes this song will embolden an “intentional lifting of eyes to the promise of a new day.”
Crystal wants to leave us with the following thoughts to ponder: “My identity is found, first, in knowing I am a child of God and then secondly, in knowing that He put me here comfort others the way He has comforted me. I pray that whatever I write and release is always done through the lens of someone that has been rescued by the mercy of God."
You are welcomed and encouraged to join Crystal at Love and War in Plano May 14th for a release party with a full band and surprise guests! You can pre-order the new album here: The Other Side - EP by Crystal Yates
Crystal and her husband Will travel with sons Hayden and Evan, sharing their lives and the love of God. Please pray over them as they release this new music with hope that it will invite people to real life, found only in Jesus Christ.
EASTER PLAYLIST 2015
Songs we're playing and listening to this Easter...
Painting by Robin Oas - RobinOasDesigns.com - Inspired by Passion Song
written by Charity Gayle, Jennie Lee Riddle, Melanie Tierce and Brandon Collins
For personal connection to the power of the cross we have chosen Divine Exchange. "On the cross hung my pain", "He took my place", "Grace is mine" are truths worth meditating on, and allow the worshipper to really exalt the work of the cross, where Jesus took our place, and in doing so, made us heirs of salvation. The bridge turns to a decisioned response, "I lay down all lesser things for greater gain." In 4 min Divine Exchange shares the whole of the Gospel, sinks it deeply into the heart, and compels it to respond.
iTunes - Charts - CCLI Song Select
PASSION SONG
written by Sean Carter and Tyler Ellison
An incredible telling of the events of Holy Week told from the narrative perspective of John the Beloved. The ground covered in this song makes it a perfect consideration for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Resurrection Sunday. The visual and emotional poetry in "Passion Song" allow the listener to almost see the crowds on the triumphant entry of Jesus, taste the last supper, and even feel the heartbreak of John at the last words of Jesus, and the Joy of finding an empty tomb.
iTunes - Charts - CCLI Song Select
IT IS FINISHED
written by Jennie Lee Riddle and Matt Papa
A victory shout for Easter Morning, "It Is Finished" paints a picture of the power in the final words of Jesus. "It is finished, It is done, To the world salvation comes! Hallelujah we're alive! Hell was silenced when You cried "It is finished" The bridge is a powerful celebration that reminds us that the veil was torn, darkness was defeated, and the keys of the kingdom were given over to us! If you are looking for a great Easter closing song this is it!
Mp3 (Magen Thurman) - iTunes (Matt Papa) - Song Select
WHEN LOVE WAS SLAIN
written by Jennie Lee Riddle and Crystal Yates
"When Love Was Slain" has a timeless hymn-like quality that even at first listen feels like coming home. The verses are sweet confessions "My home's been made at heavens throne" "I am His and His alone" "Come now walk with me" and these verses stand on the powerful chorus "Now ransomed, I am freedoms slave. My Jesus raised me from the grave". Connect your congregation to their own personal security and resurrection by including this in your Easter playlist.
iTunes - Chart - CCLI Song Select
THE PASSOVER SONG
written by Sean Carter and Caroline Cobb
A beautiful merging of the Jewish Passover Feast and Jesus on the cross. Jesus is our passover lamb, His blood saved us from the curse of sin, just as the Passover lamb freed the Jewish people from the great plagues. "His cross will be our doorway". Just as the children of Israel danced in the streets, "Daughters and sons rejoice in resurrection and death swallowed up in endless life". The Passover Song works well to celebrate the passover, is as perfect backdrop to communion and is easily followed by a congregational singing of "Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus", as each chorus uses lyric from the classic hymn to draw its parallel lines of Passover and Easter.
iTunes
COME TO THE CROSS
written by Charity Gayle, Melanie Tierce and Sean Carter
The remembrance of Christ's words in Matthew 19:21 “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Begin the Hymn-like "Come To The Cross". The invitation continues to examine the cross, and then proclaims the empty grave inspired by the words of the angel in Matt 28:6 "He is not here; He has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where He lay." The bridge reminds the believer that we have the Holy Spirit, and we too can take up our cross, follow Jesus, and tell the world! As well as inspiring the believer, "Come To The Cross" is a perfect song for an invitational moment in an Easter worship service.
iTunes
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
To this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful...
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
Buy the I Believe - EP from Crystal Yates on iTunes.
I lost my sweet Maw Maw last year. I watched her deteriorate for two years after a massive stroke. It was tough. I remember the relief I felt the day she went home. It was hard but I was thankful that she was whole and healed completely. One day while I was thinking about her and how sassy she was. I thought about when I first fell in love with Will and told her about it. I told her how nothing else mattered in the world and I was flying! She was quick to put my feet back down to the earth and say ‘honey, you haven't even left the ground!’ Of course me being the young fool, I said to myself, ‘she simply doesn't get it.’ Now after 16 years of marriage I see she was absolutely right. It took this idea into a co-writing session with Jennie Lee Riddle and Don Poythress. We had the sweetest day writing, ‘Feels Like We're Flying’ and to this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful. I can't believe I ever had the silly notion that the high of young reckless love was as good as it gets. No, my Maw Maw was talking about the high of years of devotion and selfless love that stands the test of time. Now that I’m older, quieter and wiser, I remember her stories. Especially the ones that matter most; all the times that she stood by her husband’s side when it was difficult - and was my grandaddy a wild card! I pray we choose the kind of devotion that Maw Maw had. The kind that will see love through all the way to the end.”
CCLITV Top 25 Videos of 2014
CCLITV just released their list of "Top 25 Worship Videos of 2014"...
We are so thankful for CCLI & CCLITV who equip the Bride of Christ with songs for worship. CCLITV just released their list of TOP 25 WORSHIP VIDEOS OF 2014 and we honored to have 3 Videos featured by our People & Songs Community!
#2 Passion Song - Sean Carter
#3 I Stand Before Almighty God Alone - Jennie Lee Riddle, Brandon Collins
#21 Until That Day Comes - Megan Thurman, Crystal Yates, Sean Carter, Brandon Collins
See the complete list at WWW.CCLITV.COM
Crystal Yates "I Believe"
I Believe is a collection of songs that were written for people I love with each song having a specific purpose. Songs convict, heal and resonate with the soul like nothing else...
I BELIEVE
Written by Crystal Yates
I Believe is a collection of songs that were written for people I love with each song having a specific purpose. Songs convict, heal and resonate with the soul like nothing else. I deeply want to be the kind of person, writer and artist that touches another’s soul. After all, that is the only investment that matters. The soul is the only thing that will continue on after we breathe our last breath. God has made us to love, care, and "speak" to one another. Music speaks to the human heart like no other earthly thing. So I hope this offering of music meets folks right where right where they are and helps them to lift their eyes higher.
LET THAT RECORD PLAY ON
“I watched a friend go through so much pain as her husband left her for another woman. This was after two reconciliations over two other affairs. My heart broke for her and I was angry. I wanted him to hear a song that cut him straight to the bone; one that would cause him to stop and return to his wife and children. I decided to write one and started singing the words ‘I'm gonna let that record play on, go down deep and cut you to the bone...let it run through your veins, till you finally feel some shame...I'm gonna let that record play on.’ I recorded a voice memo and sent it to my friend, Jack Doyle. He quickly caught the vision and ran with it. We all need conviction that leads to repentance. It sure would make me smile to know that someone came clean or that this song replayed in the back of their mind before they made the decision to take an unfaithful step… and for those who have been wounded and betrayed, I hope this helps them deal with their anger in a classy way.”
GOODBYE LETTER
“It became clear to me after the papers were filled that my friends husband was not changing his mind, he was not coming back to her and the kids. I remember repeatedly telling her, ‘he is going to continue this destructive cycle, just not with you.’ I had a co-write set up with Jennie Riddle and Jack Doyle. I went to the cowrite with this broken hearted woman on my mind. I wanted to see her reach down and obtain the strength to move on. I took my thoughts and a melody and we all wrote a song that day that accomplishes just that. ‘Goodbye Letter’ was not written for those who aren't happy in their relationship; this is not permission to get out. No, it was written for those who have been punched below the belt by betrayal. A hurt that cuts deep like only infidelity can. It was written to build up after they have been torn down and give courage to move on and live again. I listened as my friend shared enemy accusations. I listened to the harassing questions, ‘why would my husband cheat and leave me?” I listened to the lying conclusions, ‘Maybe I wasn't pretty enough… exciting enough…’ and a bunch of destructive should-haves. We prayed. We cried. I spoke Truth. We do not excuse sin...we forgive. I hope this song brings resolve and hope to those wounded by abuse, infidelity and abandonment. I believe the best days are still ahead for my hurting sisters.”
GOOD THING GOING
“I like this musically lighthearted and upbeat little song. I believe in the message. This is meant to encourage the church and marriages. I brought Charlie Peacock a verse and chorus while we were in studio recording the tracks. Charlie brought his thoughtfulness and musical ideas to the song. We played around with it quite a bit. I ended up proud of the song but even more proud of the message it showcases. This song charges the battery. It charges mine! It inspires a move past circumstances. It helps to turn the proverbial lemon into lemonade and inspires a dance in the rain. It makes me think of the scripture John 16:33 ‘In this world you will have trouble, but take heart because I have overcome the world.’ It is filled with the hope that joy and peace can be found in the midst of trouble. That is the ‘Good Thing Going.’ Real promise and hope. Is it raining? Pouring? Dance anyway. Don't settle for anything else than joy. Tenaciously find reasons to laugh, sing and dance! Have courage! Take heart! Overcome!”
FEELS LIKE WE’RE FLYING
I lost my sweet Maw Maw last year. I watched her deteriorate for two years after a massive stroke. It was tough. I remember the relief I felt the day she went home. It was hard but I was thankful that she was whole and healed completely. One day while I was thinking about her and how sassy she was. I thought about when I first fell in love with Will and told her about it. I told her how nothing else mattered in the world and I was flying! She was quick to put my feet back down to the earth and say ‘honey, you haven't even left the ground!’ Of course me being the young fool, I said to myself, ‘she simply doesn't get it.’ Now after 16 years of marriage I see she was absolutely right. It took this idea into a co-writing session with Jennie Lee Riddle and Don Poythress. We had the sweetest day writing, ‘Feels Like We're Flying’ and to this day I can't ever remember writing a song that feels so good and peaceful. I can't believe I ever had the silly notion that the high of young reckless love was as good as it gets. No, my Maw Maw was talking about the high of years of devotion and selfless love that stands the test of time. Now that I’m older, quieter and wiser, I remember her stories. Especially the ones that matter most; all the times that she stood by her husband’s side when it was difficult - and was my grandaddy a wild card! I pray we choose the kind of devotion that Maw Maw had. The kind that will see love through all the way to the end.”
I BELIEVE
The song "I Believe" was written for people that struggle with addiction. People in my own life. People I love. I'm still watching what sometimes seems to be a losing battle. However, I refuse to lose hope. As long as people breath and live to battle another day, I will hope. I believe. Sometimes we may have to dig deep but we must continue to pray, trust God, and believe. He is able. Romans 5: 6-8 says… ‘You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
I find a lot of faith in this scripture. I am encouraged to demonstrate the love that loves ‘in spite of.” Love, loves. No matter what. Christ didn't justify us because we are good and deserve it. He died for love’s sake. This is what gives me the strength to love freely and keep hope. ‘I believe.’”
Some CLOSING THOUGHTS...
All relationships have hardships. We are each incomplete halves making up incomplete wholes. But, if we know we are in safe arms beautiful things can happen. My husband Will and I joke about our 'no one gets out alive' clause. But seriously! We are going to be a safe place for each other to risk exposure of self. You know, trying to hide self will kill your soul? That's the stuff that rots you to the core; self. If I know that the beams that hold up my house are weak and could collapse at any moment, why on earth would I ignore that? Digging must happen to fix it. We have to recognize our weaknesses, be willing to expose them, and receive the help that makes you stronger. Receive the love and grace that covers. We have to do this with and for and behalf of one-another. We must cover our relationships with love and grace. We need to learn to be a safe place and learn likewise to risk exposure of self. I want "I Believe" to be an album that welcomes the Spirit of God. It is His Breath that fills our lungs and makes us strong. It is His power that brings the change. His is His touch that produces healing.”
“All these songs were meant to be listened to as a complete message with "I Believe" being the string that ties the other songs together as an entire package. I believe that hurts are meant for healing and hearts and meant for love.”