Reigning three-time Gospel Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year, best-selling worship leader Chris Tomlin recently celebrated the upcoming release of his fifth studio project, Hello Love (Sept. 2), his No. 1 single “Jesus Messiah,” and the RIAA Platinum Certification of both his 2004 release, Arriving, and the RIAA Gold Certification of 2006’s See the Morning at a packed party at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville. In addition to sixsteps/Sparrow Records presenting him with the Platinum and Gold records, special guests speaking including sixstep’s Louie Giglio and EMI-CMG’s Peter York, while Tomlin performed for the crowd full of family, friends and industry VIPs.
“I am completely overwhelmed and honored to have the presentation of a platinum and gold record simultaneous to the release of my next album, Hello Love,” exclaimed Tomlin. “I am thankful to share this moment with all the incredible people who have made this a reality. This is so much bigger than one person, and I am humbled to be a part of it. It truly is the favor of God!”
The album’s debut single “Jesus Messiah,” released June 13, is the No. 1 song on R&R’s AC Indicator chart this week, and is currently No. 3 on its Christian AC Monitored chart, No. 2 on the INSPO chart, and No. 23 on the CHR chart, after being the most added song on all formats including CHR its first week out, thus making it the biggest ever add date for a single in Christian Radio history.
“I’ve heard Chris say he feels his calling is to give voice to the worshipping church,” said EMI Christian Music Group/Label Group President Peter York. “It’s a calling he remains faithfully committed to in his concerts and on his recordings, and it’s a continual pleasure and privilege to watch his songs inspire people of all cultures and bring the hope of the gospel to millions of people throughout the world.”
Following his 2006 RIAA Gold-certified record, See the Morning, Tomlin’s latest project communicates what he describes as the “need to introduce ourselves to love again.” Produced by Ed Cash (Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Bebo Norman), Hello Love endeavors to give voice to the church to worship the Creator. This is evident throughout the album on songs like “Love,” “God of this City,” “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and “I Will Rise” to name a few.
In addition to the hit single, the full project is receiving critical acclaim as well:
“This artist needs no introduction. You know him, and if you are a worship professional in a church where the music is primarily guitar-fronted and band-driven, there is no way around it, you need to get this album. You are also a worshiper, and we want to suggest this CD to that side of your persona, as well. Hello Love will help you celebrate, lament, cry for redemption and set your eyes on the grandeur of God. Don’t miss this release, professionally or personally.” Worship Leader
“Tomlin takes seriously his responsibility to use his musical talent writing songs for the church. The songs on Hello Love are surely applicable for corporate worship, but the melodies and message will stay with worshipers long after they have left the building.” Charisma
“Hello Love, Tomlin’s fifth studio LP, furthers this impressive discography yet leans away from previous efforts just enough to give us future glimpses of what could be. Tomin is simply at the top of his game and rides the wave through another album, and the inclination toward a heavier sound receives our applause.” CCM Magazine.com
Tomlin currently is performing new songs and past favorites on Passion’s first world tour, just returning from South Africa, and still to hit Mexico City, Vancouver, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney. For more touring details, please go to ChrisTomlin.com
“With the inception of sixstepsrecords, and our initial signing of Chris Tomlin, our desire was to serve him as a friend, worship leader, artist and a songwriter,” comments sixsteps’ Louie Giglio. Eight years later it’s a little overwhelming to present Gold and Platinum albums to Chris on the same day, each markers of the favor God has placed on his life and the wave of worship his songs has spawned in the global Church. It is a great privilege to thank him and honor God in this way.”
With six records, seven No. 1 radio singles, two Grammy nominations, 14 Dove Awards, one platinum and one gold album to his credit, Chris Tomlin is among the most well-known and influential artists in contemporary Christian music. Referred to by Time Magazine as “the most often sung artist anywhere,” Tomlin additionally has 10 Top 100 CCLI songs with four in the top 25. ASCAP’s 2007 Songwriter of the Year, Tomlin’s “How Great Is Our God” was his first No. 1 on the CCLI Top 25. The award-winning song moved to No. 1 after becoming one of the fasting rising modern day hymns in CCLI chart history. Tomlin continues to tour many dates every year and plays regularly at Passion Conferences in the States and worldwide.
