Five-time GRAMMY®-nominated, eight-time GMA Dove Award recipient and Platinum®-selling singer / songwriter Brandon Heath releases his ninth studio record and second LP with Centricity Music, The Ache, Sept. 6. The album holds the tension of loss and longing, sharing the intrinsic ache experienced this side of heaven while pointing listeners to the things that matter most to Heath -- family, faith, community and his ultimate belief that there is life after death.
While The Ache was inspired by hard moments, the album's 11 originals, all co-written by Heath, were also influenced by the life growing all around him, even in the midst of sadness.
"Every record I release is a snapshot of the season I'm in, and I thought this was going to be a record about mourning," Heath admits after watching his mom live out her final days. "But I've learned that two things can exist at the same time. You can talk about heavy things with a joyful spirit, and I have totally embraced paradox in this season. I knew there was going to be sadness, but I also knew there was going to be joy because I knew where my mom was going."
Perhaps the intrinsic ache we all experience this side of heaven points us to the things that matter most. "It feels like a thing that God put in us. It's this ability to feel connected to people," remarks Heath, adding, "This has been my season of sorrow, but it helps me to engage with it just by writing about it. That's what music has always done for me."
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
Another Homerun Album| Posted September 26, 2024 A Christian music mainstay for the past two decades, gifted storyteller Brandon Heath has returned two years after the release of his last album, 2022's Enough Already, with The Ache, a collection of 11 songs that feel like they were ripped from the pages of his journal. It's his second full-length album with Centricity Music and his ninth studio record. In The Ache, you'll hear grief, the processing of difficult emotions, and pleas to God for help, but you'll also hear confidence in Christ, a celebration of God's goodness, and a testimony of God's grace. Like any of Brandon Heath's projects, The Ache may sound even better acoustic, so check out his Instagram for clips of him performing songs from this album--just him and his guitar.
What You Need to Know
Brandon comes to this album carrying the heavy burden of grief. Not only has he recently lost his mom, but he's also reeling from the tragic shooting that took place at his daughter's future school in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Brandon has absorbed the pain around him and uses this album, aptly titled The Ache, to return the hope he found in Christ. He's been talking to God often; The Ache seems like a continuation of already-started prayers. There have been many singles (tied together into an EP) released from this album already, including "He Does," "Gospel Truth" (a song Brandon is particularly proud of), "Scars," and "Highly Favored." On this album, with his signature earnestness and honesty, Brandon Heath confronts insincerity and cynicism with honesty in favor of truth and love.
What It Sounds Like
The Ache sounds both familiar and new. Songs like "The Ache" and "Scars" are deeply nostalgic for long-time Brandon Heath fans, bringing back memories of his Don't Get Comfortable album. Aside from his signature guitar licks, Brandon occasionally embraces a new sound on this album--trading his guitar for a piano with groovy tracks, often featuring choral background vocals.
Spiritual Highlights The Ache testifies to Brandon Heath's deep reliance on God as his source of hope and joy. It shows evidence of an enduring, long-term relationship with God in prayer. There is pain in these songs, but it feels like a banished memory in light of God's goodness and providence. Take the song "Lucky," for example. Brandon gushes about how he's grateful for his many God-given gifts, neglecting the idea that "there's no such thing as luck" for Christians. In his mind, there's every reason to praise God, and he's fortunate.
Best Song
Catchy and upbeat while hitting home a timeless message, "Gospel Truth" is a songwriting feat because it encompasses the past 20 years of Brandon Heath's songwriting. You catch glimpses of past albums in every part of this track: the guitar strum of Don't Get Comfortable, the worship influence of No Turning Back, the upbeat bounce of Enough Already, and something special that makes this song unique to this era of Brandon's life and music.
Bottom Line
Brandon Heath is a man who has seen a lot. The hard stuff, the beautiful stuff--he absorbs it all as the sensitive, open soul he is and takes it to God in prayer. These songs resulted from those quiet moments of prayer: often pleading, often celebratory, always grateful declarations of hope. He's been doing this a long time, so on this album, you'll hear an experienced songwriter who continues to effectively put his heart into a song, trying on some new instrumentals to help paint the picture. - Angela Marie
Gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with truth| Posted September 07, 2024 What You Need to Know Singer/songwriter Brandon Heath last made his mark with his impressive full-length album, Enough Already, which was my top album of 2022. That album included the hit songs "Human Nature" and "See Me Through It." He offers a musical style reminiscent of contemporary artists John Waller, John Tibbs, and Josh Wilson. Brandon has strong vocals, personal lyrics, and a testimony of grace that can be heard in each song. His follow-up single, "He Does," is one of the year's most uplifting, challenging, and encouraging songs. It's the lead single from Brandon's eighth studio album and second LP with Centricity Music, The Ache.
Whether as an artist to set the mood for reflection and worship or for personal times of devotion, Brandon Heath ranks highly among fans of truth-telling singer-songwriters. Brandon's vulnerability and ability to connect emotionally in his songs bring listeners closer to God.
What it Sounds Like Similar to his previous albums, the central theme of this release is discovering our identity in Christ, being truthful and open with ourselves and others, and allowing God's grace to illuminate our lives by showcasing how His strength is flawless in our vulnerabilities.
Brandon is a gifted storyteller, and like in his previous offerings, the highlights are found in his vulnerable prayer songs, including the lead single, “He Does.” It is a powerful song that praises our Savior's loving tributes and mercy. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and biblical truth is perfectly portrayed throughout this album.
“Scars” reminds us to make Jesus the Lord of our life and to direct every activity and thought to His complete Lordship. “The Ache” ties the other songs together, anchored by the yearning refrain.
Spiritual Highlights “He Does” reminds us that our circumstances don't define our joy. Our position in Christ and His unending faithfulness is worthy of all our gratitude and adoration. We spend a lot of time worrying about different aspects of our lives. This song helps us feel more confident and not be consumed by feelings of worthlessness or fear. Let go of your worries and allow the Lord to be your redeemer, especially in this fallen and sinful world.
“He Does” is gorgeous praise for the only one who has the power to save. One of the lessons I've learned in life is that we shouldn't wait to fix ourselves before we step out in faith. Look for ways to obey God and offer your faith to Him. Read your Bible daily and get that reminder not to be afraid.
Brandon writes and sings his breath, given to him by God, into anointed new songs to encourage us. You'll be blessed by this encouraging song, a stand-out upbeat anthem with a convicting declaration: "He knows us/He sees us/There ain't no one love me like Jesus/Found me in the night/Brought me to the light/I'm not who I was/No one loves me like He does."
Once you adopt the words of this song into your heart, you will remember the truth that Jesus has always been, He is today, and He always will be the one who makes way for us, even when it seems impossible. That's something to remember and rest upon. In any situation, God will make a way for His children. As we look at the fallen world around us, we all need to lift our eyes to God and put our faith and hope in Him. It's in our weakness that God is made strong. Only through His grace can we overcome our emotional conflicts of feeling invisible and conspicuous.
Best Song A soft melody frames the transparent, vulnerable, and moving track “Can We Go Home Now.” God promised that His mercies were new every morning. Whatever your situation, know that God is always with you. “Gospel Truth” is a powerful song that praises our Savior's loving and merciful attributes as he achingly sings his story. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and biblical truth is perfectly portrayed throughout this album.
From the opening notes, you’ll be mesmerized by the melody and message of “Scars.” He sings about God’s faithfulness with his unique gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with the truth of the Gospel for those “with ears to hear.”
Final Word If you like singer-songwriters who wear their hearts on their sleeves and sing about the truth of what it means to walk with God and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, then don't miss out on one of Christian music's most treasured artists. Brandon Heath has once again invited listeners into his story of faith. His music is emotional, vulnerable, and authentic.
The Ache is an emotional listening experience. All 12 songs are catchy, personal, and biblically focused. If you liked Enough Already, then you love this album. If you want a singer-songwriter who lays their heart on their sleeve and sings about the truth of what it means to walk with God and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, then don’t miss out on one of Christian music’s most treasured artists. I welled up singing along with several of the emotion-laden songs, especially “The Truth,” “Scars,” “Can We Go Home," "Ache,” “Gospel Now,” “Neverland,” and “The Other Side of the End.” If you are looking for the top male singer-songwriter album of the year, look no further than this stellar offering.
to add lyrics if not listed.
