Worship and Artistry Posted February 06, 2024 By JasminPatterson_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Coat of Many Colors is the follow-up to contemporary artist Brandon Lake's sophomore album, HELP! The project follows a successful Miracle Nights solo tour and a collaborative Summer Nights tour last year with fellow worship artist Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, a solo worship artist and member of Maverick City Music, has impacted many with his voice, songs, and heart for people to experience God's miraculous power. His songs "Gratitude," "Praise You Anywhere," and "Fear Is Not My Future" have made a significant impact on Christian radio and spread like wildfire in churches everywhere. He's also earned multiple GRAMMY and K-Love Fan Awards.
What It Sounds Like
From the moment the album opens with "Coat Of Many Colors," I felt like I was listening to a singer-songwriter, pop, and R&B album. The melody and Brandon's vocal delivery reminded me of the styles of mainstream artists Ben Rector and Coldplay. I loved hearing that style in Christian music. "Count 'Em" follows a rock song with some hip-hop influence and gospel choir background vocals. The grit and edge in this one fit the subject matter of how powerful and victorious God is.
And then, to complete the trifecta of the album's opening songs, we have the corporate worship anthem "Praise You Anywhere." And that is the perfect overview of the album. It's a versatile yet cohesive collection of Brandon's musical influences and the various genres he can sing.
Spiritual Highlights
Several songs on the album center around the theme of being a child of God and explore the implications of this truth. "Coat of Many Colors" is about God's favor, care, and provision that covers us. "Miracle Child" is about how God's grace miraculously brings forth a testimony and transformation in our lives that would not be the case apart from the work of Jesus. Brandon uses the lyrics of "Adoption Song" to renounce false beliefs, rebuke ungodly spirits, and align with God's truth. This is a unique and powerful spiritual practice and discipleship lesson for listeners.
Best Song
I'm giving the best song to "Tear Off The Roof." The opening lyric is powerful: "Tear off the roof/The King's in the house/Just get me to Jesus/I don't care how." The song borrows inspiration from the biblical story in Mark 2 about the paralytic's friends who lowered him through a roof to get him to Jesus so he could be healed.
This song meets me in a season when I desperately need to be reminded to run to Jesus and that there is power in His presence to meet every need I have. And if you need that same encouragement or some helpful language to form your prayers, I know this song will impact you, too.
Final Word Coat of Many Colors is a testament to how Brandon Lake skillfully walks in the balance of worship leader and artist. At the same time, He can lead God's people into passionate praise and prayerful conversation with God, and he's not afraid to play in all the various sonic spaces that different genres provide.
