Gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with truth Posted September 07, 2024 By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Singer/songwriter Brandon Heath last made his mark with his impressive full-length album, Enough Already, which was my top album of 2022. That album included the hit songs "Human Nature" and "See Me Through It." He offers a musical style reminiscent of contemporary artists John Waller, John Tibbs, and Josh Wilson. Brandon has strong vocals, personal lyrics, and a testimony of grace that can be heard in each song. His follow-up single, "He Does," is one of the year's most uplifting, challenging, and encouraging songs. It's the lead single from Brandon's eighth studio album and second LP with Centricity Music, The Ache.
Whether as an artist to set the mood for reflection and worship or for personal times of devotion, Brandon Heath ranks highly among fans of truth-telling singer-songwriters. Brandon's vulnerability and ability to connect emotionally in his songs bring listeners closer to God.
What it Sounds Like Similar to his previous albums, the central theme of this release is discovering our identity in Christ, being truthful and open with ourselves and others, and allowing God's grace to illuminate our lives by showcasing how His strength is flawless in our vulnerabilities.
Brandon is a gifted storyteller, and like in his previous offerings, the highlights are found in his vulnerable prayer songs, including the lead single, “He Does.” It is a powerful song that praises our Savior's loving tributes and mercy. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and biblical truth is perfectly portrayed throughout this album.
“Scars” reminds us to make Jesus the Lord of our life and to direct every activity and thought to His complete Lordship. “The Ache” ties the other songs together, anchored by the yearning refrain.
Spiritual Highlights “He Does” reminds us that our circumstances don't define our joy. Our position in Christ and His unending faithfulness is worthy of all our gratitude and adoration. We spend a lot of time worrying about different aspects of our lives. This song helps us feel more confident and not be consumed by feelings of worthlessness or fear. Let go of your worries and allow the Lord to be your redeemer, especially in this fallen and sinful world.
“He Does” is gorgeous praise for the only one who has the power to save. One of the lessons I've learned in life is that we shouldn't wait to fix ourselves before we step out in faith. Look for ways to obey God and offer your faith to Him. Read your Bible daily and get that reminder not to be afraid.
Brandon writes and sings his breath, given to him by God, into anointed new songs to encourage us. You'll be blessed by this encouraging song, a stand-out upbeat anthem with a convicting declaration: "He knows us/He sees us/There ain't no one love me like Jesus/Found me in the night/Brought me to the light/I'm not who I was/No one loves me like He does."
Once you adopt the words of this song into your heart, you will remember the truth that Jesus has always been, He is today, and He always will be the one who makes way for us, even when it seems impossible. That's something to remember and rest upon. In any situation, God will make a way for His children. As we look at the fallen world around us, we all need to lift our eyes to God and put our faith and hope in Him. It's in our weakness that God is made strong. Only through His grace can we overcome our emotional conflicts of feeling invisible and conspicuous.
Best Song A soft melody frames the transparent, vulnerable, and moving track “Can We Go Home Now.” God promised that His mercies were new every morning. Whatever your situation, know that God is always with you. “Gospel Truth” is a powerful song that praises our Savior's loving and merciful attributes as he achingly sings his story. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness, and biblical truth is perfectly portrayed throughout this album.
From the opening notes, you’ll be mesmerized by the melody and message of “Scars.” He sings about God’s faithfulness with his unique gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with the truth of the Gospel for those “with ears to hear.”
Final Word If you like singer-songwriters who wear their hearts on their sleeves and sing about the truth of what it means to walk with God and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, then don't miss out on one of Christian music's most treasured artists. Brandon Heath has once again invited listeners into his story of faith. His music is emotional, vulnerable, and authentic.
The Ache is an emotional listening experience. All 12 songs are catchy, personal, and biblically focused. If you liked Enough Already, then you love this album. If you want a singer-songwriter who lays their heart on their sleeve and sings about the truth of what it means to walk with God and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, then don’t miss out on one of Christian music’s most treasured artists. I welled up singing along with several of the emotion-laden songs, especially “The Truth,” “Scars,” “Can We Go Home," "Ache,” “Gospel Now,” “Neverland,” and “The Other Side of the End.” If you are looking for the top male singer-songwriter album of the year, look no further than this stellar offering.
