Limitless Faith Posted April 26, 2023 By SelenaSchulz_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Colton Dixon is a popular artist in the Contemporary Christian Music genre who has been releasing music for over a decade now. He first gained popularity on the show American Idol; he did not win, but he certainly blew the audience away. From then on, he has crafted brilliant melodies, combining several different sounds under the purpose of praising God. "Through All of It," "More of You," and "You Are" are some of his classic anthems.
Most recently, he released the CanvasEP featuring a newer favorite, "Build A Boat," as well as a collaboration version of the song with Gabby Barrett. Over the course of 7 songs, Colton tells a story of redemption, one I couldn't stop listening to. I hope it impacts you with a message of grace just as much as it wrecked my heart.
What It Sounds Like
The first song I heard on the record was "Build a Boat (feat. Gabby Barrett)." I'll preface the rest of this section by simply saying, I cannot get over those harmonies. Her vocal range is impeccable and combined with Colton's familiarly amazing voice, the melody was jaw-dropping. "Build A Boat" already had my heart because of its easy-to-sing-along substance and perfectly positioned drum beats. The introduction of Gabby Barrett and her sweet, but also awe-worthy tone, rocketed the tune up to an ultimate favorite of mine. No doubt this talent is carried throughout the entire record, but it especially shone through here.
Spiritual Highlights
On an upbeat album such as this, I am sometimes wary going in because I know how difficult it can be to successfully incorporate God's truth in between the beats. However, Colton Dixon pulled off such a feat with perfection. In "My Light," he admits, "I've tried on my own strength, but I just trip and fall/Put my faith in the wrong things, turns out after all." Relatable as this may be, it was the next line that really got me. Colton declares, "You're the answer for every problem/You're thе grace when I hit the bottom." So often we skip any description of the bottom in order to gloss over our stories as much as possible. But that is where true salvation comes into play, when God is still present in the pain. Colton recognizes this truth and skillfully weaves it into the song.
Best Song
As was probably evident by my gushing earlier on the Gabby Barrett version of this melody, "Build A Boat" is my favorite track on the Canvas EP. It holds near and dear road trip memories for me, but even beyond that, it is simply an amazing melody for all occasions. Contrary to our human instinct of skirting the edge of danger, "Build A Boat" extends the offer of sacrifice in order to grow closer to God. Colton sings, "I'll build a boat, so let it rain." He is so clearly confident in the presence of our Heavenly Father as he proclaims, "I'll ride the storm 'cause I got You by my side." This conviction stands strong and is a large part of the reason why this anthem will forever remain my favorite "belt it out loud in the car" song!
Final Word
Following Colton's career for many years now, I have seen only improvement. And although that is a very true statement, it is difficult to support because of how much I absolutely adore the relatively old melody, "Limitless." Even going back to listen to it in preparation for this review, I felt tears once again spring to my eyes. Colton's lyrics have always held such weight, no declaration spoken without a firm belief behind it. That fact makes singing along intensely rewarding and I am honored to say this listener experience has not once gotten old over the course of Colton's musical journey.
Canvas EP is not just another incredible accomplishment to hang alongside his other successes, although it is indeed a huge accomplishment. No, this album is a clear story of a heart discovered by God, a heart that will never be the same again. As a human, I know Colton's creativity isn't endless, but with God, the impact he can have on this industry is limitless (pun intended). This record is proof of the faith that makes such influence possible. Give it a listen as soon as possible, I promise you won't regret it.
