New Wine’s New Wine: A Soul-Stirring Journey You Can’t Ignore
Alright, let me just say this upfront—New Wine by New Wine isn’t your typical album. It’s one of those records that sneaks up on you, wraps itself around your soul, and doesn’t let go. With its mix of funk, soul, folk, rock, and gospel vibes, it feels like a spiritual potluck where everyone brought their best dish. And trust me, you’ll want seconds.
The album comes straight outta the US, released under Prestige Productions Records, with some serious talent behind it. You’ve got Allen Jones killing it on drums AND vocals (talk about multitasking), Bret Moreland laying down smooth basslines, and John Shaw shredding on lead guitar like he’s channeling heaven itself. Oh, and shoutout to Kenny Wallis for engineering this masterpiece—it sounds crisp, warm, and alive, like you’re sitting right there in the studio with them.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that hit me square in the chest: “Just Believe Him” and “Thank You.”
“Just Believe Him” is… wow. It starts off slow, almost hesitant, like it’s inviting you into a conversation you didn’t know you needed. Then Allen’s voice kicks in—he’s not just singing; he’s testifying. By the time the band locks into that groove, with Dan Killman tickling those piano keys and Shaw’s guitar crying out like an answered prayer, you can’t help but feel something shift inside you. This song stayed stuck in my head—not because of catchy hooks or flashy production, but because it felt real. Like someone reached through the speakers and reminded me what faith sounds like.
Then there’s “Thank You,” which might as well be renamed “Cry In Church But Make It Cool.” The harmonies are tight, the rhythm is steady as a heartbeat, and when the whole thing swells toward the end? Forget it. I’m undone. There’s something so raw and unpolished about how they pour their gratitude into every note. It’s less of a song and more of a moment—a reminder to stop scrolling, look up, and actually feel thankful for once.
What gets me most about New Wine is how effortlessly it blends genres without losing its core identity. Sure, you’ve got the funkiness of basslines, the earthy warmth of folk, and the punchy energy of rock, but at its heart, this is gospel music. Not the kind that preaches at you, though. No, this is the kind that meets you where you are, holds your hand, and says, “Hey, we’re all figuring it out together.”
And honestly? That’s rare. Too many albums these days try too hard to impress, to fit into playlists or trends. But New Wine doesn’t care about any of that. It’s here to remind you why music matters—to connect, to heal, to lift.
So yeah, give this album a spin. Maybe light a candle, grab a cup of coffee, and really listen. Let it mess with your emotions a little. Because if nothing else, New Wine will leave you wondering: When was the last time music made you believe again?
Oh, and here’s the kicker—they managed to make a gospel record that even non-believers could vibe with. How wild is that?
