Ian Yates’ sixth album, ‘Between The Joy And The Sorrow,’ is a collection of honest songs about living in the tension of life’s joys and sorrows. The collection has been released in two parts – ‘Part 1’ (June 24th 2022) and ‘Part 2’ (Sept 30th 2022).

Musically, Yates found inspiration in a number of singer/songwriters including, 70’s folk singer Nick Drake, Foy Vance, Alexi Murdoch, Bob Dylan and the ‘Nebraska’ album from Bruce Springsteen. Many of the songs are stripped back musically focusing on the lyrical content.

Yates says, “I wanted to write really honest songs, I’ve always tried to write songs of truth and authentic songs of hope. These songs are born out of the last two years as we’ve navigated this pandemic. Throughout this time I have come back to a simple trust in God.

Often I found myself disappointed with the things I’d seen. I found myself getting frustrated and lost in the opinions of people, the many perceptions of God, the incorrect prophecies, the politics and politicians. But at the end of the day I’m only responsible for myself and I had to look at myself and say, am I living a life of true devotion and worship? Am I living the way of Jesus? There’s a lot of strong voices out there and am I listening to Gods voice? Over the last 2 years I’ve felt like I’ve been living in the tensions of God’s faithfulness and provision, yet facing struggles and wrestling with the things I’d seen. My prayer is that these songs bring hope to those who have been disillusioned and remind those who have been disappointed that there is a light in the darkness, there is a Father who loves his children.”

Between The Joy And The Sorrow – Part 2 is available now.

Ian Yates releases the second single from his forthcoming new album ‘Between The Joy And The Sorrow Part 2’. Earlier this year (June 24), Yates released Between the Joy and the Sorrow Part 1.

‘Never Alone’ is about getting lost in the things we’ve seen. Losing site of what is right in front of us. Remembering God is and was always holding us. It’s about living in the tension of feeling alone, but we are never alone. It’s about looking back and seeing God’s grace, God holding us though the times we thought he’d left us.

‘Home’ is inspired by the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). It is the first offering from Yates’ Between the Joy and the Sorrow Part 2 album. Last month (June 24), Yates released Between the Joy and the Sorrow Part 1.

In someway we’ve all been the prodigal son. The song is about coming to the end of yourself, making mistakes, getting lost and deciding to return home empty handed with the intent to beg the father to accept you back. Yet the reality is the Father was always there, waiting for the son, he welcomes his son and throws the biggest party.

Ian Yates’ sixth album, released in two parts – Part 1 (June 24th 2022) and Part 2 (Sept 30th 2022), ‘Between The Joy And The Sorrow’ is a collection of honest songs of living in the tension of life’s joys and sorrows.

Musically, Yates found inspiration in a number of singer/songwriters including 70’s folk singer Nick Drake, Foy Vance, Alexi Murdoch, Bob Dylan and the ‘Nebraska’ album from Bruce Springsteen. Many of the songs are stripped back musically focusing on the lyrical content.

Yates says, “I wanted to write really honest songs, I’ve always tried to write songs of truth and authentic songs of hope. These songs are born out of the last two years as we’ve navigated this pandemic. Throughout this time I have come back to a simple trust in God. Often, I found myself disappointed with the things I’d seen, I found myself getting frustrated and lost in the opinions of people, the many perceptions of God, the incorrect prophecies, the politics and politicians. But at the end of the day, I’m only responsible for myself and I had to look at myself and say, am I living a life of true devotion and worship? Am I living the way of Jesus? There’s a lot of strong voices out there and am I listening to God’s voice? Over the last 2 years I’ve felt like I’ve been living in the tensions of God’s faithfulness and provision yet facing struggles and wrestling with the things I’d seen. My prayer is that these songs bring hope to those who have been disillusioned and remind those who have been disappointed that there is a light in the darkness, there is a Father who loves his children.”

Ian is a Christian worship leader and songwriter from Liverpool, UK. He leads musical worship at his home church Bootle Elim and is part of Elim Sound, the national worship department for the Elim movement. Ian is married to Kate, they have 3 young children, Jackson, Elijah and Abiah.

‘Even when I don’t understand, I know I am held in Your hands’

“God You’ve Never Failed Me,” the second single from Ian Yates’ upcoming album, is now available to download/stream. The track will be featured on Ian’s upcoming Between The Joy And The Sorrow record. Part 1 of the new collection is slated to drop on June 24.

“God You’ve Never Failed Me” was written in September 2021. Ian already had the chorus idea and was inspired by his close friend Tim, who was going through his journey with cancer. Tim and his wife Tash’s updates on a friends and family Facebook group shaped the rest of the song and Ian dedicated this song to Tim. Before Tim passed, Ian had the pleasure of sharing the song with him.

Ian is a Christian worship leader and songwriter from Liverpool, UK. He leads musical worship at his home church Bootle Elim and is part of Elim Sound, the national worship department for the Elim movement. Ian is married to Kate, they have 3 young children, Jackson, Elijah and Abiah.