“Sound of Heaven” isn’t a typical worship album. The album, released by singer-songwriter Danny Gokey on July 26, was composed in partnership with a variety of artists, and the songs chosen reflect the variety of cultures, languages and people groups that represent the children of God.
“The concept is interesting because I grew up in a really diverse community,” Gokey said. “My hometown is representative of the United States. The United States is a melting pot, but there are some cities that are just super diverse and that’s where I’m from — Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“You know, the Bible talks about in Revelation that every nation, every tribe, every tongue gathered at the throne will worship the Lord. It’s one of those things where I feel like it’s just a taste of heaven because heaven’s going to be just this beautiful sound,” Gokey said about his fifth album.
Changes in the industry
In the past it would have been difficult to release an album like this. The radio industry separates artists and songs into genres such as Christian, country, rock or Hispanic, and these artists and songs are marketed accordingly. Everything is compartmentalized.
Gokey said it’s different now due to the popularity of streaming. It’s possible to include several musical styles on one album without having to make them fit into one category.
When he wrote the title track, “Sound of Heaven,” he knew he had the key to the album even though its lyrics don’t mention heaven’s diversity.
“Although that song itself is a pop song — a very wake-up-in-the-morning encouragement song — it rounds out the idea of the album, which is that heaven has a sound.
“So I went back to that verse about every nation, every tribe, every town worshiping the Lord. I just feel like that title — ‘Sound of Heaven’ — brought everything together and was the piece that just made it all function well.
“I was really grateful that that all came together like that,” he said.
Collaborations
Gokey not only grew up listening to different styles of music, but he also got a chance to train in a variety of singing methods and styles when he competed on the eighth season of “American Idol.” He finished third.
“I feel like it came a little bit natural to me, just because of where I grew up and how I grew up. But still I think it was good practice. I mean you’re never perfect, you know.”
Songwriters often work in teams but for “Sound of Heaven,” Gokey made a special effort to choose particular collaborators and was grateful when they all said yes.
Their contributions depended on the song’s needs. When an outside artist was strong in a particular musical style or lyric writing that Gokey wasn’t, he depended on them to help finish the songwriting.
Other times the help he needed was close to home.
For his song “wannabe,” Gokey’s family participated in the video. The song’s lyrics are about wanting to be like Jesus, but he added an angle that shows what children want to be as grown-ups. In the video, his two youngest children dress up as a firefighter and police officer, and his daughter plays with makeup.
However, their involvement didn’t come easy — or cheap.
His youngest decided that he didn’t want to cooperate during the day of the shoot. It took about an hour and a half to get him to “stop being pouty” and participate.
“Just to see my interactions with them and see my kids be a part of it was really, really sweet. But I had to bribe them with toys.
“I would tell them I’m buying something from the store, basically saying, ‘You’re working for me, and so your payment is a toy,” he said.
Though “wannabe” was a lot of fun to make, the most popular song from “Sound of Heaven” is currently “I Got You.”
He attributes the regard for the song to its universal theme. Everyone understands dealing with anxiety and fear — and how Jesus is there during those times.
“I think we’re all feeling that way — you know, that the devil’s working overtime. We’re all just having to fight the good fight,” Gokey said.
Stretched
Overall, this album has stretched Gokey in new ways. One might think that with experience, something like writing lyrics would come easier. However, he says that it’s just the opposite.
“I just see myself growing in my music, especially in the writing area. I’m pickier about the lyrics. I sit with songs longer because I feel like I can do better, so I’ll improve a song more as opposed to just finishing and putting it on a record.
“Even though I couldn’t see the whole picture of the album, there’s a diverse sound that God saw, and I just had to keep seeking and keep fishing for it.”
Another favorite that Gokey wrote is “Only for a Moment.”
“Even here there is hope buried in the hurt/ … Something beautiful is on the way/ … So keep holding on/ It’s only for a moment.
“His plan for you is perfect/ And this season has a purpose/ It’s only for a moment.”
Gokey joined Tauren Wells for the 12-city “The Takeback Tour” for the end of 2024. To find out more about Gokey and his music go to www.dannygokey.com.
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