Returning to Nostalgia Posted May 03, 2024 By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know
The hit movie Unsung Hero is out in theaters now. It tells the story of the Smallbone family's immigration to the United States and their early foray into the music business. Joel and Luke Smallbone, better known as for KING + COUNTRY, are at the forefront of contemporary Christian music in 2024. This collection of songs serves as their latest album and an "inspired by" soundtrack, a testament to their collaborative effort in producing the film.
What It Sounds Like
The album is primarily composed of various covers relevant to the brothers Smallbone. These songs from the 1980s and 1990s are given sonic updates to fit with the current popular sounds of for KING + COUNTRY. Iconic contemporary artist, Michael W. Smith's "Place in This World," was a big hit in 1990, but the original sounds a tad dated by today's musical standards. for KING + COUNTRY magically updated the song so well that one could be forgiven for forgetting that it's not one of theirs. Iconic contemporary artist Amy Grant's "Lead Me On" is another song that follows such a tradition. It helps that both original artists make guest appearances on their respective songs. These songs make me wish more popular classic Christian hits could be updated by the band.
The band also recorded a few mainstream covers, such as Rod Stewart's "Rhythm of My Heart," and the results are equally as good. Worship standard "I Surrender All" and Rebecca St. James hit "You're The Voice" also help round out the track listing. While I would have preferred a different Rebecca St. James song than one that was already a cover to start, I can't argue that the Smallbone brothers still do a good job. The only real misfire on my end is the rapped verses of "To Hell With The Devil." While I respect the effort to offer a radically different interpretation of the song, the result clashes with both the original song and for KING + COUNTRY's stylistic strengths.
There is some original material to be had here. "Checking In" is a country duet with Curb labelmate Lee Brice that fits well with the album's parental themes. "She Believes" is a classic for KING + COUNTRY song both thematically and musically. It is classic, as the song was originally done when the duo was still playing as Joel and Luke. While this could easily be a one-off track, there are a lot of old songs from before they were signed that I would like to revisit. The title track originally from What Are We Waiting For (and its transition track outro) reappears here. The song was a highlight of their last album, although I would've liked it to be reimagined some if it were to be reused again. Or at least to have the two tracks made one for playback ease. But these are minor nitpicks in the grand scheme.
Spiritual Highlights
The album tackles mostly relationship themes, although some of these relationships are more parent-child than romantic. The title track's tribute to the Smallbone parents remains touching, as does the paternal "Checking In," which should be a perfect song for Father's Day. The coming-of-age journey of "Place in this World" remains relevant.
Best Song I have to give this one to the stellar cover of "Place in This World," which is a solid update of a timeless classic.
Final Word
This is a very well-done project from start to finish. Whether longing for the nostalgia of hits past or a new fan eager to devour the latest from one of Christian music's premier acts, this album is a winner. I hope we see more projects like this in the future.
