Joel Stein is a Catholic singer/songwriter who believes in his mission as a man of faith. He strives to live everyday committed to God, his family, his work, and his Church. His debut CD titled Always Forward, released July 2007, expresses his passion for his faith in 14 smart, fun, and inspiring songs. With a focus on "hope" and "Heaven," Joel has much to share about God's work in his life. He currently resides in the St. Louis, MO, area with his beautiful wife and daughter.
Track List:
- Thy Kingdom Come
- Satisfied
- Future Full of Hope
- Unchanging
- Save the Family
- Jesus, Redeem Me (with Prepare the Way)
- Heaven (Satisfied Reprise)
- Time and Eternity
- Something's Gonna Come
- Take Me
- Keep Your Lamplight Burning
- Following His Lead
- Every Thought and Every Word
- Press On
About the Songwriter:
Joel Stein released his first professionally recorded album in August of this year. Stein's interest in music began in Odessa, MO where he learned to play the guitar and started composing music, performing in small venues with his high school band. His musical pursuits blossomed at the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he continued to write music and play live with his new college band, and at his church. However, it was not until Stein graduated and moved to St. Louis that he began writing the songs to be recorded on his first professional CD.
Stein began the recording project in earnest after participating in a "music mission" in Trinidad, where two women took an interest in his popular song, "Save the Family." These women donated the money for Stein to record his first track, and he chose David Smith of Icon Music Studio in Indiana to record his album. With the recording project underway but having no additional money for the rest of the CD, Stein began to fundraise. He came to Odessa for a concert to help pay for recording costs. He credits his hometown for helping to make the CD project become a reality. "I was touched by the support of the St. George community."
The rest of the funding for the CD soon arrived, and Stein finished the project in July of 2007. He also credits his family in large part for all their support. His sister, father, and wife all sing backup vocals on the CD. "Always Forward" was released in August at an international Catholic conference in Atlanta, GA, where he and his sister Erin performed for over 1,000 youth. "It was quite an honor to sing to that many people." Stein currently resides in St. Louis, MO with his wife Heather and two-year-old daughter Lucia.
Moving "Always Forward" with his dream of recording a professional album was a big part of Stein's success, but his album title is about much more than that. To Joel Stein, "Always Forward" means pressing on in this life as preparation for what's next. Prayerful, energetic, and clever, many of his songs are fueled by reflections on hope for the future and a new life in heaven.
