Brandon Heath "Leaving Eden" Review
Posted January 28, 2011
By gizmodad,
With multiple GMA Dove Award victories, Grammy nominations and a bundle of smash hit radio singles to his name, Brandon Heath is no stranger to success in the industry. That fact will certainly remain a reality with the release of his brand new offering titled Leaving Eden. Brandon's much anticipated third studio album is everything that is expected from him,but with a few little surprises also thrown in to the mix. It's an album full of encouraging and upbeat adult contemporary hits that you're sure to hear on the radio throughout 2011..
Kicking off the album is the title track "Leaving Eden", a song which reminds us that the world is rapidly collapsing with each coming day. The lyrics are very similar to "Give Me Your Eyes", as he describes a handful of real life situations where Brandon feels like he's leaving the perfect world that God created. "I just waved to a stranger, he didn't wave back/....Teacher is hiding her bible, but at least she's got a job/ My local Salvation army just got robbed." Musically, this song is typical of Brandon, but it's the blend of rhymes that really make this song shine.
Following the title track is the first single "Your Love" and the exclusive pre order download "The Light In Me". "Your Love", which is already a powerhouse in Christian radio, highlights that God's love is all we'll ever need, while "The Light In Me" has a simple chorus which states that God is the one who puts the light in our hearts. I was a little disappointed that these two songs sounded very similar to his previous hit songs "Give Me Your Eyes" and "Wait And See" off his What If We album.
The acoustic driven "Only Water" is my personal favourite off the album. It sounds similar to "Love Never Fails" off the What If We album. It's such a peaceful song with Brandon passionately singing in the chorus "It's only water/And it washes over me/Like a single river stone/Changes everything/But has no power on its own." Brandon's perfect voice is at its best on this track and fits excellently with the low violin. It was great to see a song on this album that didn't have the expected hip hop beat like the others.
"Stolen" is a catchy and upbeat track that describes the captivating love of Christ, with its worship style chorus, "You catch me like a thief in the night/You hold me when I put up a fight/You chase me when I run from Your light/Because You love you won't give up."
"Might Just Save Your Life" sounds like a bit like a TobyMac track and it's the most unique off the album. It has some awesome electric guitar solos backing the pop beat. "It's Alright" is a piano driven song that is written in the perspective of Jesus talking to someone, comforting them saying that "It's alright/Everything will be okay/You just hold tight/I'll be with you all the way."
"The One" broadcasts the fact that is only takes one person to make a difference in the world, and someone just needs to step out and make a move. "As Long As I'm Here" is a perfect closer to the album, and has an airy feel and describes how one day we will be reunited with Jesus in heaven, so we need to spread God's word while we're here.
The main theme of Leaving Eden is temporary life on Earth, and the fact that we need to use this time to make a difference. The theme was one of the greatest factors of the album, and I believe that this a mission every Christian should strive to accomplish.
Overall, Leaving Eden, was a very enjoyable listen. The straightforward songs that are Brandon's speciality are excellent as well as the songs that contained new sound I didn't expect such as "Might Just Save Your Life" and "It's No Good To Be Alone". Long time fans of Brandon Heath might not enjoy the new sound as much, but I know I certainly enjoyed the mini transition. This album is not what you would call "Album Of The Year" material, but I am confident that it will bring more success to this profound singer/songwriter. This is Brandon's best work to date and also the first must have album for the year!
Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ 9/10
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Top 3 Songs:
1. Only Water
2. Might Just Save Your Life
3. It's No Good To Be Alone View All Music And Book Reviews By gizmodad | View gizmodad's Profile
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