The song “New Song” by the Who was the band’s first single to reach the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hot 100. The track was included on the band’s eighth studio album Who Are You, released in 1978.
The psalmist exhorts us to sing “a new song” to the Lord. Biblical scholars have debated whether this phrase refers to a literal new song or a familiar one sung with fresh passion and devotion. Both meanings may be present in this command, but it is clear that we should not remain stuck in the old songs and rhythms that we are comfortable with.
A new song is not just a tune, it is a declaration that we are renewed by God and have begun again in Christ. It is a song of praise and thanksgiving to the one who has saved us. This new song is a response to the Lord’s mighty acts of redemption. It is sung in response to his majesty and glory.
This is why the “new song” in Revelation 5:9-10 refers to the newness of God’s redemptive acts rather than the newness of the redeemed people themselves. Although many have argued over who these 144, 000 are, the more important question is what this new song represents and what it reveals about the character of the one who redeems.
After making Afrobeats’ biggest crossover hit yet with his earworm “Turn the Lights Back On,” it could have been easy for Rema to settle into a more commercial sound. But with his latest release, Heis, the singer-songwriter continues to stretch the genre with a track that is pulsing, sweaty and bass-heavy, best listened to after midnight — and with a jaunty piano riff and percussion that will make you want to dance.
In the midst of a world that seems to be getting more divided and hostile, it’s heartening to hear a singer whose message is rooted in the love of Jesus. This is what makes her latest song so powerful.
Gigi Perez is a contemporary Christian music artist, writer and speaker. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, she now lives in Nashville with her husband, David, and their two daughters, Ava and Harper. Gigi has released three albums of original music, including the award-winning New Song, and writes for numerous online publications, including Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and Vox Dei.
New Song is available now for streaming and download on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other digital platforms. For more information, visit the New Song website here.
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