Sometimes our endless search to bring Aleteia readers the finest music of faith leads us to a song that makes us just sit in wonder. Today we’re discussing a song that we listened through three full times before we could even remember to take notes. It’s a brand-new release from a band we’d never heard of before, but one that will be on our playlist forever more: The Red Clay Strays.
Released at the tail end of July, “God Does” is an exceptional song that is filled with lovely Christian lyrics, with a musical accompaniment that would feel at home on radio stations from pop to country, and maybe even classic rock. Driven by acoustic instruments, the music almost feels like Creedence Clearwater Revival, with harmonica filling in the spaces.
Lead singer Brandon Coleman does a remarkable job on vocals, with a clear crisp tenor that has lovely vibrato on the tender notes, while almost sounding like Bob Seager when he belts out the choruses. The way he sings the beautiful melody with such emotion makes the song all the more poignant and feel like a very personal moment.
In an interview with Grammy Awards, Coleman explained that most of the time the band is not trying to write “worship songs,” but that they write songs about what they know. That their lyrics are so Christian is simply a byproduct of living their faith. Still, while the band does not seek to preach or proselytize, they do recognize that God is a driving factor of their music. Coleman said:
“I mean, God’s really the driving force in all of it. He’s why we do this. Everyone’s wondering why they were put here on Earth and what their purpose is. Once you’re able to get an idea for what that is, that’s often what you end up doing. Our music is about our lives and living on the road, and God is a big part of all of it.”
Hear more from the Red Clay Strays at Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred streaming service. Be sure to follow them to hear more.
And today we celebrate...