Destination Jam: Our top five songs by 'American Idol' finalist Chris Sligh that will uplift you
Chris Sligh, a finalist on Season 6 of 'American Idol', is currently battling with Covid-19-related pneumonia. To share our support and give the singer-songwriter and his family some strength, we would like to pay tribute with a Destination Jam playlist of our favorite Chris Sligh songs. Check out our top five below.
'Empty Me'
With words that resound true on many levels, Chris Sligh not only has a powerful voice, but finds a way to pull on our heartstrings with meaningful lyrics as well. Opening with piano, this soft rock ballad challenges listeners to "empty" themselves of "the selfishness inside. Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride And any foolish thing my heart holds to." The song was released in 2008, a year after leaving 'American Idol' as a finalist, and bears the same name as his successful contemporary Christian album which reached number six on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Charts.
Listen to 'Empy Me' here.
'One'
'One' takes a step beyond religious restrictions and seeks a more unifying message. Over an island-esque guitar riff, the song swells in brighter tones as Sligh emphasizes a message of love and unwavering strength. "Keep trying to find the balance. Of our love and our convictions. 'Cause we know that life in You. Moves far beyond religion," he sings. The song featured on the soundtrack for the film 'October Baby'.
Listen to 'One' here.
'Broken (Beautiful)'
On 'Broken (Beautiful)' a stunning track that reveals Sligh's ability to those dreaded high notes with ease. The song, which released in 2010, also features on the soundtrack of 'October Baby'. Sligh lets his voice reach out to audiences who feel broken by contrasting the pain with hope. Painting a "beautiful" aesthetic instead, Sligh sings, "We're giving into sweet desperation. When all this is through, we'll give in, give in. Channels of grace give off the aroma. Of love mixed with pain and hope raised again."
Listen to 'Broken (Beautiful)' here.
'In A Moment'
With all the strangeness and difficulties that 2020 has given the world, it is easy to get lost in or distracted by both the bad and the good news. Every day may require us to just stop for a second, think about what truly matters most, and deal with the moment we are currently in, even if it is step-by-step. One step forward is still progress and, likewise, a thought toward the betterment of oneself or one's surroundings is still added strength. Sligh's song, 'In A Moment' reflects on similar thoughts as it juxtaposes a prison of darkness with the freeing release of light.
Listen to 'In A Moment' here.
'Arise'
'Arise' is a sure-footed leap out of the above-mentioned prison and goes straight into a brisk run. The rock-charged track uses splashing cymbals, hard-hitting drum rhythms, electric guitar, and powerful belting out of Sligh's vocals to drive its energy. In the chorus, Sligh lets out his innermost unction, singing, "Arise, arise with the morning. Arise, Your mercies are new. Arise, arise with the morning. That finds me running back to You."
Listen to 'Arise' here
All the very best, Chris, and stay strong.
Destination Jam is a daily list of songs that will keep you entertained and grooving up top in lieu of feeling drained and losing the plot. Look out for a fresh selection of great tunes from MEAWW to refresh your mood every day!