On today's episode, we chat with 3-time guest, Selah! What could a well-established, veteran group that has sold over 4 million records (including 2 Gold Albums), won 11 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and has over 900 million streams across all digital music platforms do for their next project to keep things interesting for themselves and their listeners? This was the question that Todd Smith, Amy Perry, and Allan Hall pondered as they began work on their 22nd album.
Allan eventually hit upon an interesting idea that the group realized they had never done in their 27-year career: for this album, EVERY song would be written, co-written, or spoken into by at least one group member! The three had certainly written songs for Selah albums before, but those original compositions were always accompanied on their album projects by covers of classic Gospel and CCM songs, original songs by other songwriters, and Selah’s own arrangements of powerful hymns of the Christian faith.
The fresh concept resonated strongly with Todd and Amy and the timing was good, especially since the two previous albums had covered Selah’s more “traditional” side. The group decided to head in a more contemporary direction for the new album, and the idea for every song to be an original sparked strong creativity and energy.
The timing of an “all-original songs” album ended up working out well, as each member of the group had been walking through various situations in their own lives.
The poignant, bittersweet song “The Rock Is My Foundation” addresses how, when life doesn’t go as expected and events turn out differently than we planned, we have a promise from our Lord that He is our refuge in difficult times, seeing the full picture and knowing what’s best for us even when we can’t see it ourselves. This song was born out of Allan’s profound sense of loss and the struggle to find hope amidst grief as he dealt with major personal tragedies over the past four years with the deaths of numerous friends and family, sadly culminating with the passing of his mother in October 2023.
Amy and her husband, Jake, were on an incredibly challenging foster care journey — the young child that was placed into their home had severe multiple trauma issues, and after several years of loving on the child and doing their best to bring love, peace, and healing to him, God revealed to Amy and Jake that they would not be his “forever family.” This was devastating to them, and they continue to navigate this heartbreaking situation as they trust God’s wisdom and leading. Out of this wrenchingly emotional experience flowed the songs “He Is Still” and “You Don’t Leave Me,” anchored by Amy’s powerful and deeply felt vocal performances.
Todd, as he kept deepening his study of the Bible, was becoming more and more aware of spiritual warfare and how the topic oftentimes seemed to be “glossed over” or outright ignored in the modern church. Todd wanted to write songs that let Christians know that they are ALREADY conquerors because of the power of Jesus Christ, and that Christians need to root themselves boldly in that fact and act from a place of power and authority in their lives. The songs “Victory” and “Higher Name” in particular speak to this. As always, music would be the avenue for Selah to bare their hearts and souls and invite listeners to join them on the journey of LIFE — with all of its ups and downs and joys and sorrows.
The November 1, 2024 release of the new album, Higher Name, represents more than just a collection of songs; it’s a reflection of Selah’s journey, both individually and as a group. What sets this album apart is the depth of emotion and vulnerability that permeates every note. Each track is a testament to life — faith, hope, struggle, heartbreak, disappointment, victory, triumph, joy — all woven together with the threads of Selah’s signature melody and harmony.
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