If you’ve ever thought the Sabbath was just about rules and restrictions, Al Wordlaw of The Al Ur Pal Project wants you to think again — and he’s doing it with a song so joyful and catchy, you’ll be humming it from sunrise to sunset.
A veteran Chicago-based producer, singer, and songwriter — and a proud Seventh-day Adventist — Al has spent decades blending soul, jazz, and funk into music that uplifts, spreads love and inspires. But with Happy Sabbath Day, he’s created something more than a song; it’s a heartfelt invitation to see the Sabbath the way he does: “a gifted time that God set aside for all of us to associate with Him and each other in holiness.”
Al admits he didn’t always see it that way. “As I grew up, I wasn’t taught about the wonderful Sabbath day, and neither was I encouraged to read the Bible as much as I do now,” he shares. “When I discovered that keeping the Sabbath day holy was a commandment of God, I said, ‘I’ve got to try this out.’ In 2007 I tried it, and I haven’t looked back since.”
From the opening chorus —
“Happy Sabbath day, Happy Sabbath,
Happy Sabbath day unto our Lord…” —
you can almost feel the smiles in the room. It’s not about doing less, it’s about gaining more or your best: more peace, more renewal, and more time in God’s presence.
To bring his vision to life, Al looked for collaborators who shared his faith and heart for ministry. He found them in The Asidors, one of the Philippines’ most beloved family gospel groups — and fellow Seventh-day Adventists — with over 706,000 YouTube subscribers, more than 430 videos, and millions of views worldwide.
“I noticed they were Adventists, heard their sound and talent, and I felt we had a lot in common musically,” Al recalls. “Happy Sabbath Day is the very first song they recorded of mine. We hit it off right away.”
The verses point directly to Exodus 20:8–11, the foundation of the Sabbath commandment:
“Read the book of Exodus… verses 8 through 11 says a plenty,
Hearing words of the Lord so constantly…”
Yet Al’s smooth, soulful arrangement and The Asidors’ heartfelt harmonies and music playing make those words feel alive and celebratory. By the time the refrain rings out —
“Keepin’ it holy the whole day through!”— you’re no longer just a listener… you’re part of the joy.
“When I create music in Jesus’s name, it’s so inspiring and uplifting because every song has a new message,” Al says. That’s exactly what makes Happy Sabbath Day so special — it’s music with a mission.
For fans of CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Take 6, and Donnie McClurkin, this track delivers everything you love about faith-filled music: inspiring lyrics, irresistible grooves, and harmonies that feel like home.
It’s radio-ready, playlist-perfect, and above all, it’s a reminder that the Sabbath is a blessing, not a burden.
🎶 Experience the Joy of “Happy Sabbath Day”
📻 Now Playing Daily on KPIU Radio – Tune in at 2 PM & 6 PM PST
🌐 www.kpiuradio.com
✨ Gospel Glory Sunday Special – 6 AM PST
🎧 Listen & Support the Track:
Amazon Music – Stream or Purchase
Interview With Al Wordlaw aka The AL UR Pal Project:
As a Seventh-day Adventist, what does the Sabbath mean to you personally, and how did that influence your vision for “Happy Sabbath Day”?
Al Wordlaw aka The AL UR Pal Project: The Saturday Sabbath means everyone should appreciate the gift of the day to keep holy regardless of what you’re involved with. As I grew up, I wasn’t taught about the wonderful Sabbath day, and neither was I encouraged to read the Bible as much as I do now.
Pump It Up Magazine: Many people think the Sabbath is a day of restriction, but you see it differently — how would you describe its true purpose and joy?
Al Wordlaw aka Al Ur Pal Project: We are restricted from unholiness. The Sabbath day starts on sundown Friday through sundown Saturday. It is a gifted time that God set aside for all of us to associate with Him and each other in holiness. I grew up going to church on Sunday until I learned better.
Pump It Up Magazine: The Sabbath is often described as a day of rest and renewal. How did you aim to capture that feeling through the music and production?
Al Wordlaw aka Al Ur Pal Project: When I create music in Jesus’s name, it is so inspiring and uplifting because every song has a new message. It’s a day of rest in the holiness of God the Lord and Jesus Christ the Lord.
Pump It Up Magazine: What drew you to collaborate with The Asidors for this project, and how did their style align with your faith-based message?
Al Wordlaw aka Al Ur Pal Project: After many years of writing songs, I became more spiritual and started writing inspirational songs. I had decided that I needed someone or a group to record my songs, so I looked around, noticed that they were Adventists, and heard their sound and talent. I especially felt that we had a lot in common as far as the various styles of music. Happy Sabbath Day is the very first song that they recorded of mine. We hit it off right away.
Pump It Up Magazine: For listeners who may not be familiar with the Seventh-day Adventist tradition, what do you hope they learn or feel after hearing “Happy Sabbath Day”?
Al Wordlaw aka Al Ur Pal Project: When I discovered that keeping the Sabbath day holy was a Commandment of God, I immediately changed my way of believing. I said, “I’ve got to try this out.” In 2008 I tried it and haven’t looked back since. Wherever you are or go on the Sabbath, just remember to be strong and keep it holy. You need not participate in unholiness. There are six other days to choose alternatives.
About The Asidors: Leading Voices in Filipino Gospel Music
The Asidors are Seventh day Adventists as well and one of the Philippines’ most beloved family gospel groups, known for their heartfelt harmonies and inspiring worship performances. With a strong following in the Seventh-day Adventist community and beyond, they’ve reached audiences worldwide through live events, social media, and YouTube.
Their music ministry has produced multiple albums and viral worship videos, revitalizing Filipino gospel music while staying rooted in faith and family values. Popular performances include Jesus Never Fails, One Hour of Tagalog Praise and Worship, and Welcome To The Family. From intimate church gatherings to international stages, The Asidors continue to uplift listeners with songs that celebrate God’s love and bring people closer to Him.
