The comeback kid is back for another round, and in keeping with classic B. Reith candidness, he tells you exactly how he got there. Born out of a host of struggles and trying circumstances, along with a few “beautiful experiences,” the theme running through this record is that of persevering through hard times.

 

Starting out in the fast lane, “Next Move” introduces the album with fun and funky Reith rap. Probably the jumpiest song on the record, this is almost a dance/pop sequel to Brian’s summer single “Knocking on My Door.”

 

Transitioning from “Next Move” comes the silky, romantic strains of “Simple Days,” a song about a couple wanting to get back to their first love and focus more on each other than on the various “things” that they’ve acquired.

 

“Lonely Hearts Club” melds B.’s melodic voice with his top-notch rapping for a ditty about love gone wrong. Or … love that’s run away.

 

“2 Steps Forward” is another catchy beat with clever lyrics and the story-telling style reminiscent of “Go On” and “Comeback Kid.” One of those totally honest behind-the-scenes peeks at the life and business struggles of B. Reith as he navigates the choppy waters of the music industry.

 

Lecrae and Lisa Gungor join in as the first of the album’s cameo artists on “Made For More.” Lisa breathes out the hauntingly beautiful chorus while Lecrae’s familiar rap style takes over a few verses.

 

“Moments Like This” is for anyone who’s ever stepped back and wondered if following the dream of their heart is really worth all the trouble. Those who know they have an extraordinary calling on their lives, but can’t see how they’ll ever make it through the fog. Having weathered through a few of those moments recently, B. said in a video interview, “I’m really learning how in my weakness God’s ability is made known to me. That doing what you’re best at doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it’s so worth the fight.”

 

Another cameo, PJ Morton brings a jazzy, R&B feel to “For Once in My Life.” He and B. blend well in this smooth-textured song about making our life count by standing up and taking action.

 

The lovely “New Found Love” is about encountering the extravagant love of our Savior in a brand new way, while “I’ll Get By” speaks to all those coping with life’s most difficult circumstances and gives hope that God can help them through.

 

The title track is a perfect sum-up for the theme of How The Story Ends and a soothing encouragement to anyone who doesn’t understand the current situations in their life story. It urges us to hold on because “the Author of your story had the end in mind when He wrote this page.”

“Not Who I Am” issues a challenge to become more than who we are at the moment. It’s a challenge to refuse mediocrity and to always push ourselves to be more of the person God made us to be. Dave Barnes makes a great addition to this track.

 

So how does the story end? I think it ends with victory. Not only B. Reith’s victory in producing another album of amazing music, but the victory, the hope, that is available to every believer who chooses to trust God for their next move.

 

Brian said it this way: “I think making this record is a parallel to living life. It’s a series of obstacles. It’s a series of coming face to face with our biggest challenge which actually is one of our biggest opportunities.”

 

We know how the story ends. And it’s good. So good.