The world feels pretty delicate right now. After the Brexit decision, the future of the UK and Europe is uncertain. Meanwhile, America is on the cusp of a bitter election season. That's before we even start on the rest of the world. How about some music for the weekend to cheer your heart? Here's 10 records, some Christian, some not explicitly so, which will give your soul a lift...
Gungor – One Wild Life: Spirit
The second of three albums the prolific Gungor will release in a year. Written mainly by husband and wife team Michael and Lisa about their experiences of faith lost and found, this is a brilliantly eclectic mix of musical styles.
Johnny Cash – American III / VI
The great man's last album which showcases some of the most profoundly spiritual works of his career. Songs such as Ain't No Grave and 1 Corinthians 15: 55 ache with pathos.
Civil Wars – Barton Hollow
A beautiful record for a summer's evening. Former worship singer Joy Williams founded the Civil Wars with guitarist John Paul White. They only recorded two albums, including this one. Much missed.
Bruce Cockburn – In The Falling Dark
You could pick any of his 20-odd albums and find spiritual treasures alongside beautiful guitar playing. In The Falling Dark contains some of his most explicitly Christian work including Lord of the Starfields and Festival of Friends.
Mutemath - Vitals
Released in late 2015, the group's fourth album is a gem. If you like things loud and angular, yet tuneful, check it out. The band has a Christian background, but this is more rock and roll than worship music (if you can ever separate the two?)
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
One of the all time great jazz records. Coltrane's masterpiece was recorded after he left Miles Davis' group. It was so spiritually inspiring that a Church in San Francisco meets to listen to it to this day.
Crowder – Neon Steeple
David Crowder's second solo album American Prodigal is due out in September. Until then there's the first Neon Steeple. An usual mix of country and electronica, it contains one of the best Christian songs in many years – Come As You Are.
Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball
Currently in the middle of a massive world tour, Spirngsteen's music has taken on an increasingly spiritual slant as he's got older. His 2012 album Wrecking Ball rails against causes of the economic crash, but he's also finding faith.
Donny Hathaway – Extension of a Man
One of the greatest ever soul voices, Donny Hathaway had all the talent of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Suffering with serious health problems, he died young. This album contains Someday We'll All Be Free.
Explosions in the Sky – Wilderness
The Texas post-rock instrumentalists have steadily grown a large fanbase over the past few years. You may know them from the theme and soundtrack to Friday Night Lights. Their latest album is a rollercoaster ride.
