New Song is a collection of the best music from across genres and decades, with tracks from Jack Harlow & Doja Cat, Sturgill Simpson, Morgan Wallen, and more. The service is free, with occasional ads. Listen on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and everywhere else you get your music.
The phrase “new song” is used nine times in the Bible: Psalms 33:3, 40:3; 96:1, 98:1; Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9-10. In all these cases, the new song reflects a fresh experience of God. The singers have been refreshed and renewed by God, and they are motivated to share this experience with others.
It is not surprising that the new song is described as an expression of praise to God (Psalms 103:1). The death of Jesus Christ marks a cosmic turning point, focusing and culminating the work of creation and redemption. The new song of Revelation 5 praises the Lamb who has been worthy to carry out this redemptive plan. It is not certain which of the 144, 000 people redeemed from every tribe, language, and nation will sing this new song (Revelation 7:9). The specific identities of these new songs have been debated, but the central issue is that the Lamb deserves praise for his work of creation and redemption.
The new song of the saints is also a response to the revelation of God’s redemptive power. It is the song of those who have been made alive by God’s resurrecting power. Its evocative phrases are reminiscent of the exodus melodies of Israel’s early history. Revelation emphasizes the fact that this redemptive plan is universal: “from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
The evocative merengue-pop of Karol G’s new track is a perfect summertime soundtrack. Its jaunty piano riff is an instant earworm, the percussion will get you moving, and the sultry vocals are radiant. It’s a breezy daydream, one that should be enjoyed with a drink in hand under a sunny sky. –J.C.