Recent comments
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Alex,
I've haunted this site for maybe a month and have enjoyed your tracks. At one point I went back and found stuff from last year. I enjoy hearing spoken word performance with your cool accent and of course I love the subject matter. Oh, and your dad did a great job with the BGM.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Enjoyed this approach to music. It's familiar and yet different. I like the "throwback" feel and your deliberate marketing using similar language to differentiate your music. A couple weeks ago I had this on repeat for like 2 hours as I cleaned house. When I clean house, I need to feel like I'm already walking on water as it's not my favorite task.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Listened to this whole record last night and went kind of nuts over the "Don't Be Afraid to Shine that Light" track. Also enjoyed the natural approach to vocals, I think it fits the style of your music. For our vocals we had to comp like crazy and Melodyne the heck out of the General Secretary's Nephew's voice to get his privileged tail to sing in tune.
Author: Captain Hogcurl...
Why can't more of you be like your Webmaster here? Unsolicited positive comments to the General Secretary's Nephew's band. We normally have to extract these types of comments after our forced education sessions.
Author: Richard Schletty
This reminds of Monty Python's Flying Circus when they'd say, "And now for something completely different." Your song is entertaining and didactic. I've been reading "Patrology" by Johannes Quasten so your short history of ecumenical councils, heresies and guidance by the Holy Spirit, all as part of Catholic Bible development, resonates with me. Thank you for sharing!
Author: Nothingless
Thank you Richard, my friend
it's a joy to receive your encouraging words
blessings and prayers from Israel
Author: Richard Schletty
A rockin' reflection on all the goodness of our Creator that surrounds us throughout life's journey. Excellent mix and nice imagery.
Happy Easter to you, my friend.
Author: Richard Schletty
This is beautifully done. Guitar and voice are simple and sublime. A heartfelt prayer. Thank you for sharing.
I embedded your YouTube video for you. The instructions are in the blue box at the top of the home page.
Author: Richard Schletty
You have been an inspiration me, Dan Vi. I sang two of the songs we crafted together on Divine Mercy Sunday at the Church of Saint Mary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Author: asiansa09
It is such a treasure to tap into the sainthood direction.
I guess I feel better just to be simple minded when I first know about Saint Faustina through the Divine Mercy of Christ. But when I get to know more about the direction of sainthood in Catholic, I realize it is a tremendous resources that we haven't explore it throughly.
Author: Richard Schletty
You are welcome. This is our original post from September 28, 2017. I sang this song on Good Friday at the prayer vigil sponsored by plam.org in front of Planned Parenthood's abortuary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I also sang God's Gift to All the World.
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Filippo. I am glad you like this. The woman who inspired me to do this is Dan Vi. Her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus runs deep.
Author: Nothingless
This is beautiful!!
I love the st Faustina writings, are really worthy to be sung, you created an intimate and appropriate acompaniement of her message
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Alex, for listening and commenting. Grace and peace.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dear "zorahope",
I'm glad you can help shed some light on the way this song should be sung. I was working blind, never having heard it before I attempted to sing it from the sheet music arrangement in Hymnal for Young Christians. I was confused by the cut time assigned to the piece. The verses seemed to go way too slowly, so that's why I sang them the way I did. I subsequently purchased Blue's original vinyl album. I might post the origonal recording – perhaps the...
Author: zorahope
I know I'm seriously late to this conversation (about 6 years late!), but I stumbled upon it looking for something else and these posts caught my eye because I, too, grew up singing and playing this song in our little Catholic church in North St. Louis, MO.
Richard, on your YouTube version, you are playing the verses twice as fast as your refrain. When I played it back in the day, I kept the same time signature throughout. We actually did it more as a 4 than as cut time, but that...
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
Thanks for you kind feedback. If you don't mind putting up the YouTube links it would be very much appreciated because I have no idea how. So glad you enjoyed the songs and Thankyou for taking the time to listen to them. God Bless, Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
You can embed YouTube videos here. Instructions are at the top of the home page. If you can't figure it out, I would be happy to do it for you.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I am very happy to hear your published God Hop tracks. You and your father did a great job on making your good words distinct and well-paced – with a nice underlayment of beats and instrumental sounds. These narratives speak well of your journey with Jesus Christ. I hope that lots of people listen. God bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
Not bad for an iPad! It is beautiful. Have you created sheet music for this setting of Psalm 23? How do you intend to share/market your psalm settings?
I am very much interested in your other psalm settings.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
I upgraded my microphone to a Rode and I am liking it a lot more. We are almost half way through recording the ebook of lyrics I sent you a link for quite a while ago. There were 17 tracks written there and we are doing them one by one. We will pick our favourite 12 or 13 to put on the album and I will put a link on this site to it. Thanks for the feedback and hope you are well. All the best, Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Definite improvement in the voice level and pacing. Good reflections on your journey with Christ. Congrats to you and your dad. Looking forward to the entire album.
Author: Richard Schletty
Excellent! I like the inspiration behind this song. Let's all endeavor to walk on water today, despite our self doubts!
FYI, you need to click on Source (top left of formatting toolbar) to enter the YouTube embed code into the source code editor. Please make the width 480 and height 270 (to accomodate small screens). I fixed it for you.
Also note that hitting Return gives you a line feed or break <br>. Hitting Shift + Return gives you a new paragraph <p>....
Author: Fr. Maximilian ...
You really went the extra mile for my little post! May God reward you...
I'm using all digital recording equipment (much of the software is able to replicate that classic sound - compressors, amp simulators, etc.), but the vintage vibe comes primarily from the fact that I'm recording actual instruments (real drums, guitars, etc. and featuring others on real instruments like saxophone, harmonica, flute, etc.) and another reason is that I stopped listening to rock music (Christian or secular)...
Author: Richard Schletty
I see you added the YouTube link. Normally, simply pasting in the YouTube video URL (address) will result in the video showing up on this web page. Optionally, you can grab the embed code and paste it into the "source code" view – but that is more geekish. Let's see if pasting in the YouTube video works here...
Author: Living Waters
Thank you so much! I am not sure what that means, but I more than willing to do anything to promote this video.
Author: Richard Schletty
You can paste in the YouTube URL in your original post and it will show up as an inline video. Would you like to do that? It might draw more people to your post to have the embedded video. Looks good!
Author: Living Waters
Mark Lajoie here speaking for Living Waters! The video for this is now over 6000 plays on YouTube. For any who venture here we would be beholden to you if you go take a look at that and subscribe to our site!
LET IT REIGN on LivingWatersUtube!
https://videoapi-muybridge.vimeocdn.com/animated-thumbnails/image/18753964-41e9-4628-b1e1-78d5d2f64189.gif?ClientID=vimeo-core-prod&Date=1615928273&Signature=ff40e86363a6c2bc0a96a495679171c780505cc2
Author: Richard Schletty
This is awesome, Michael. The lyrics overflow with emotion. What a testimony to the transformative power of the Body of Christ. Well produced, well sung! I can see this being perfromed on stage. Thanks for sharing.
Author: Richard Schletty
Fr. Maximilian, these songs sound very good. Sung with passion and artistry. Did you use some classic analog equipment to record?
SiteGround recently switched this website to a different web hosting space – from Apache to NGINX. It has caused some problems with serving up certain files with spaces and caps. I noticed that A Battle Cry Goes Out.mp3 wasn't playing in the MP3 player so I re-uploaded it as A-Battle-Cry-Goes-Out.mp3. I hope to have a fix soon. I also just...
Author: Andrzej
Thank you, Richard, for taking the time to listen/watch and for your kind comment - I appreciate it very much!
Author: Richard Schletty
Thank you, Andrzej, for sharing your evocative music and beautiful imagery.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan Vi, congratulations for being mentioned as a Catholic songwriter in your Providence Associates newsletter. Keep making songs of faith! Here is the paragraph about your songwriting from the PDF file you sent:
"Dan Vi Nguyen has devoted time and creative energy to writing lyrics to uplifting and spiritual music. She collaborates with other artists who compose the music and/or perform the songs. Her lyrics are her personal song of praise and she is happy that these are being shared...
Author: Richard Schletty
Stephanie, this is a very artistic and spirit-led song. Thank you for sharing. Welcome to Top Catholic Songs!
Author: Alexander John
This was a wonderful piece. Thanks for sharing this Richard. It was truely beautiful. Hope you share it on other platforms too.
Author: Alexander John
Unfortunately I'm not very tech savvy but want to learn more about mixing and even beat making myself. I want to research and learn about music theory. I think I will start with some instructional videos from YouTube. Thanks for feedback it all helps as you know what your talking about. I'm not sure if I mentioned but my dad lives in England so our Collabs are not done in person but it's a great way to still feel extra connection with him from a far. All the best. Alex.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, this sounds a lot clearer and flows and finishes nicely in the mix. I appreciate you adding some nice touches. I'm glad you liked the tracks. I haven't recorded any more but still working out what to do next. Blessings and thanks again. I will send a link to my dad. All the best. Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I think your voice needs a boost in Track 1. I ran your audio file through Adobe Audition and used Center Channel Extract to bring up your narration so it's not drowned out by the music. See what you think. Albin can adjust this in the original mix.
topcatholicsongs.com/music/15th-October-2020-RS1.mp3
Richard Schletty
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan, this is very nice. Your songs are being very nicely produced by John Johnson from TuneDesigner. I like the theme of a banquet where we find rest and renewal with the Spirit of the Lord.
Author: Richard Schletty
You are creating some nice dramatic moments with this melding of reflections and sound effects. The tubular bells could be a little less loud. Your voice always needs to stay "on top" of the mix.
Blessings,
Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, keep up the good writing. Your Dad is creating some nice soundbeds that support your reflections on God's mercy and love.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
That is very true. Just wanted also to let you know that once I have finished the album I will share it rather than putting up one song at a time. So far we are 5 songs into it with 12 remaining. Thanks for the feedback, it really is helpful. Check in again soon. God Bless. Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
You are welcome, Alex.
There are a couple "rough edits" in the remix I did of your Dad's version. Maybe I'll smooth out a couple transitions and re-upload the song. Good job! I like your speaking voice and the resting spaces you now have in your delivery. There is no need to emulate the frantic pacing of hip-hop music. Find your own voice and tempo. When we pray internally, our thoughts are not an contant stream of words. We have many resting points as we ponder our...
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard,
Thank you for getting this online. There are more on the way. I received your message and when the next track is done I will upload it the way you showed me. Thanks again and God Bless. Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
I actually recorded this a couple years ago. This OCP song is in my GIA Gather 2 and 3 guitar books.
Good to hear from you! – Richard
Author: asiansa09
I am glad that you still keep in touch with Oregon Catholic Press (OCP).
Author: Richard Schletty
Steve wrote:
"Many thanks for your encouragement, Richard. This site really is an excellent source of material and has really enriched my own ministry in my parish. God bless."
You are welcome. And thank you for your musical contributions to TCS.
Author: asiansa09
The song lyric, All Colors Wish One Wish, recorded at Nashville Song Services.
Author: asiansa09
I find the treasure of our Father
Who stand tall for his believe
Freedom for mankind leading the nation with no slaves
Wild rides with his ambition for the nation.
All colors with one wish
No segregation when it comes to the colors of skin
We all the same in our heart
That we are special create under God’s image
We should respect each other once and for all
That we belong to one human race of mankind
Father once said, let freedom ring for all nation
Start with a dream where mankind is united as...
Author: Richard Schletty
This is really good. And a very timely message in this time of political rancor, civic disturbances, and fading spirituality. I am so glad the lyrics finally came to fruition as this song.
Your singer is excellent. Be sure to give proper credits to musicians and producer. And I would like to see the lyrics posted here so we can follow along.
I hope this song will help to bring us together and heal wounds. I pray that reverence for God and mutual respect among men, women and children will...
Author: Nothingless
Thank you Richard!!! You are always positive, so kind and encouraging! God bless you!!!
Author: Richard Schletty
I really like this snapshot of contemplative, spiritual journeys. Good music. Good imagery. Thanks for sharing. This should cause us all to take time to focus on God and the gifts of nature and human life.
Author: Nothingless
The lyrics of this song are really beautiful. It is very well recorded and sung, but the melody and style of the song were not so catchy to my ears.
Then I went on Margo's website and I discovered there is plenty of beautiful songs, and a lot of variety of styles and moods, and I really loved some of them. I appreciated a lot also she offers everything for free, I definitely recommend to visit her website and browse her songs.
Author: Nothingless
Very nice song, creates a nice spiritual atmosphere. I loved the way you play and sing
Author: asiansa09
The song, "God's Gift To All The World," posted on Drooble.com reach international audience.
Sign up for Drooble.com and search for Vi Nguyen to hear songs.
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan (TCS member Asiansa09) posted this in a separate blog article. She expressed her joy:
Hi Richard,
I just want to share with you my joy regard to the song, God's Gift To All The World, that we worked together on the song a few years ago that I posted the song on Drooble.com that I recently received a recognition for 200 times plays on the radio.
I am also gratified by this news. We hope and pray that our collaborative song to bless many – Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
So happy to know that our song has been getting airplay. Thanks for the good news.
Read about the making of "God's Gift" here: https://www.topcatholicsongs.com/gods-gift-to-all-the-world
Author: Steve Byrne
Many thanks for your encouragement, Richard. This site really is an excellent source of material and has really enriched my own ministry in my parish. God bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
Steve, this is very smooth and infused with devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. Thanks so much for sharing. You have a great voice and excellent audio mixing/mastering. May this song bless many.
Author: msmith
Richard, you are doing a great job keeping the site going!
Thank you for your kind words regarding my voice.
Margo
Author: Richard Schletty
Margo, I felt very fortunate when this site was handed over to me by CAM "charter member" Nick Alexander. I have tried to keep it going as best I can with my limited resources and time. The technology the website runs on is old, but it hasn't broken yet!
Your voice sounds really good! What a blessing when God's gift of singing persists.
Author: msmith
Richard, thank you for your kind words. Thank you also for providing this site for songwriters to share their songs. It's a very generous service you provide for us. Thanks again. Margo
Author: Richard Schletty
Margo, this is a beautiful song. Well written, well played, well sung. In this current age of rage we all need to be reminded of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. It could pave the way to all sorts of healing. Great to hear from you!
Author: Richard Schletty
Filippo: The song is excellent! I love your breathy, inspirited styling and beautiful guitar backing. Bravo.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, thanks very much for taking the time to give feedback and I have started putting pauses between phases in my recordings and your right it makes it much better for the listener to digest I actually e-mailed you a track where I did that, it's a bit of a downer of a track and isn't a catholic one but I think you might like it. I will post up a track with that format soon and yeah my dad has been taking care of all the instrumentals. Hope you and your loved ones are OK during these hard...
Author: Richard Schletty
Another good track. "When my pockets are empty you fill my heart." Post the lyrics so we can follow along!
Keep up the introspective rapping to keep Satan from entrapping. (I just made that up)
Author: Richard Schletty
Good words to ponder. "I make sure to worship the Lord and His mercy is the cure." Amen!
Your mixes are getting better. I like the background soundbed. Is this one also done by your Dad?
Once again, I urge you to put some space in between phrases. It will make the track even better!
Author: Richard Schletty
Good to have both lyrics and chords. Well done!
Author: asiansa09
For The World
Lead Sheet
Intro:
G - D/F# - Em - C
Verse 1:
G D/F#
We are in debt for our sin upon Christ
Em C
But the cross is the only light that shines
G D/F#
To pull us on the path of closer to God
Em C
For his mercy of forgiveness our sin
C add (b5)
We get to become union with God.
Chorus:
G D/F#
When the Lord, Jesus...
Author: Richard Schletty
Dan and Chas: This is very good. Excellent lyrics and musicianship. It would be nice to see the lyrics for the song within your post. Did you publish this at YouTube? God bless you always.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, thanks for the feedback it's much appreciated. I will try put pauses in the right spots on the next recording I do. Thanks so much for the RCS Cut. It was great to hear and I loved the effect you put on my vocals. I tried about an hour ago to upload it several times but it didn't work. Hope your well and will try again tomorrow. All the best, Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Interesting soundtrack with juice harp (Jew's harp) and chorus. I like how your voice is out front on this one. Again, please think about adding more pauses between phrases. The listener needs time to digest each choice thought-morsel. Keep up the good work of expressing your faith journey poetically, accompanied by a music thread.
Author: Richard Schletty
No problem as far as the lyrics. Looking forward to your album! 2020 has been good so far. Hoping the same for you and yours.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, unfortunatly I don't know what I did with the lyrics for this track! The first time I have lost some written verses. My dad did the instrumental to this track and we are going to collaborate on a album/mixtape together with him making the beats and me the vocals. How have you been? Hope 2020 has been good for you so far. All the best. Alex.
Author: Richard Schletty
Sounds good, Alex. Your voice is a little hard to understand in some places where the music and chorus are a bit too loud. At least that's the way it sounded on my MacBook Pro. Might be better understood if I listen in headphones. Thanks for sharing!
Posting the lyrics here might be a good thing so we can follow along.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, I uploaded one more which is more like spoken word than hip hop.
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, after a few years I have finally shared one of my few Catholic Hip Hop recordings. I used to rap prior to being catholic about more negative things so I wasn't sure how to approach putting God worship words to a beat but it's here now and would love your feedback. The instrumental and hook/chorus came from somewhere else but I'm allowed to use it as long as it's not for profit or download. Hope you like it and I might upload another one soon. God Bless and trust you are doing well!...
Author: Alexander John
Hi Richard, what I might do is re-record the two I have left that I kept as I'm still not very happy with them. Give me a week or so as I'm sick at the moment then I will re-record over maybe different instrumentals. I would appreciate the pointers too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too. God Bless.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, if you like you can send me a sample or two of your recording attempts. Maybe I can give you some pointers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the Holy Spirit be with us and guide us.
Author: Alexander John
Thanks Richard, have a blessed Christmas also with your loved ones too! Unfortunately I'm not too happy with how my recordings are sounding so I'm hesitant to post them. I don't know what it is, I used to get great pleasure in recoding with a passion but now as I just like writing them and I have lost the drive and enthusiasm to lay down a good track. Anyway I did put up a link for an ebook I put out with an albums worth of material. Have a safe Christmas and New Years Richard and God Bless....
Author: Richard Schletty
Thanks, Alex, for sharing your lyrics. Looking forward to your recordings! Have a blessed Christmas with your dear ones.
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, good to see you working those words of affirmation. It will be interesting to see how you deliver these words over a Hip Hop beat. I know your conviction and passion will flow. God bless. – Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
Alex, I had heard about Kanye West's embrace of Christianity but have not yet heard his album. Sounds like a good thing! Looking forward to your own Hip Hop album. Best always. – Richard
Author: Richard Schletty
I realize "prosody" is a challenge – matching stressed and unstressed syllables to the music. How about this?
And may the Spirit cover us,
Filling our hearts with peace for evermore...
or
May wings of the Spirit cover us,
Filling our hearts with peace for evermore...
I see that in Chorus Two you wrote "he" but meant to write "his." I recommend dropping the pronoun. How about this? "hold us in peace" can easily be sung in proper rhythm as even...
Author: Steve Byrne
Thanks very much Richard. I think your suggestions are beautifully expressive. I may have to change the synopation of the tune slightly to fit, but always a nice challnege! Thank you very much for the recommendations.
Steve
Author: Richard Schletty
Theresa Moorcroft contacted me by email with the following information:
"Mary, My Mother" was written by my Uncle Barry, Father Warren Smithbower. It was a dedication to his Mother, Lucinda Barry. We sang it at her funeral.
Cheers,
Theresa Moorcroft
Author: Richard Schletty
Steve, a very fine song. What a vibrant expression of faith.
I can understand how some would prefer a gender neutral Holy Spirit. Here are some possibilities:
Chorus one:
We sing a song of peace, we sing a song to share
A peace bestowed by jesus, to show us how to care.
And may the Spirit hover over us,
Filling our hearts with peace for evermore
to bring us always closer to the Lord
Chorus one:
We sing a song of peace, we sing a song to share
A peace bestowed by jesus, to show us how to care...
Author: Richard Schletty
I really like "Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory." I like the chord progressions. I like how the soundscape "opens up wide" at "Christ in you". Really good. I think I'll sing it!
Author: Richard Schletty
Brendan, this sounds and "feels" good. You sing and play earnestly, beseeching God's help and giving thankful praise. Thanks for sharing this! Now you have me interested in the Chord Pro app! I briefly demoed it a few years ago.
Author: Richard Schletty
Amen. We live in the presence of God and earnestly hope that generations to come will honor the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Well written, played and sung. Nice upbeat song.
Author: BrendanDelumpa
Richard,
I will be posting more in the near future. I'm working on a new project - of which Ephesians is part - that is a collection of songs based on scripture. But more pointedly, they're hymns meant to be played at Mass so they'll all be singable. I really don't want to go the pop music route with these.
Thanks!
Brendan
Author: Richard Schletty
Brendan, thanks for sharing your song. I like it. It is infused with Christ-energy. I would love to hear more of your songs. God bless.