Songs for Healing Posted September 15, 2024 By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Contemporary artist Hannah Kerr’s debut album, Overflow, includes the hit singles “Your Love Defends Me” and “Warrior." It was one of my Top Albums of 2016. She followed that up with the singles “Split the Sea,” “Grave,” and “Same God.”
With comparisons to contemporaries ranging from Kelly Clarkson to Natalie Grant, Hannah’s seemingly effortless, rich, and pure vocal tone exhibits the passion and confidence of a seasoned artist. Hannah’s songwriting is real, honest, vulnerable, positive, determined, and confident.
Hannah's songs are upbeat and catchy, and she's a great role model for girls. Her songs are loaded with positive, grace-filled messages of hope, addressing life's pressures. Hannah understands that true happiness and her identity only come from her relationship with God. Her catchy single, “Changed,” is the first single from Hannah’s much anticipated second studio album, As I Am, a mature effort that finds the songstress wrestling with her insecurities in the light of grace, questioning God’s goodness in the face of hardship, and ultimately accepting the sovereignty of a loving Father in the wake of uncertainty.
Hannah's album, As I Am, showcases her thoughtful pop and vulnerable balladry. She co-penned each of the collection’s 14 tracks, including “Changed,” “If I Were You,” and “Church Hurt.”
What it Sounds Like “As I Am” is an engaging song with Hannah’s passionate vocals setting the tone for this exceptional album. Over the years, several of Hannah’s songs have been accessible pop and worship songs that are deep in meaning and content, and this album is no exception. So many people can relate to the messages of these songs. The standout tunes include “Jesus is Why,” “If I Were You,” “Changed,” “Fear Not,” “Church Hurt,” and “Same God.” These songs beautifully depict our dependence on God with poetic biblical descriptions of Him and our identity as His sons and daughters. Hannah's vocals are so strong and pure. “If I Were You” and “Fear Not” each feature a soft melodic vibe and are standout anthems that are convicting and moving songs.
The album showcases Hannah’s gifts as a songwriter and her shimmering, emotion-laden voice. It's loaded with positive, grace-filled messages of hope. Her songs address the pressures of life, and she understands that her identity only comes from her relationship with God.
Spiritual Highlights Hannah has consistently impressed me with her mature faith and sincere desire to serve Jesus. These powerful songs stand out as anthems with convicting declarations like "I'll Bless You." “As I Am” reflects the thematic and biblical proclamations in Psalm 139. There are several scripture passages about our identity in Christ. This song is in that same vein. After repeated listens, the song's truth gets more profound with the comforting messages of the Bible that God is love, and we love because He first loved us.
The message of “If I Were You,” which sings, “Whatever I would do You do it better, better, better God if I were You/It would've taken me forever/To put the pieces of me back together,” is based on several biblical truths. The comfort and rest Jesus offers are beautifully captured in “Changed.” Hannah beautifully depicts the message of identity that we all need to hear: “He changed my wound into healing/And my broken into praise/It's a miracle of mercy/That I'm standing here today/Changed.”
Best Song My favorite song on the album is “Fear Not,” and the lyrics deeply move me, “You're telling me to fear not/You're holding me together when I'm lost/When I keep forgetting that You're here God/You're here God/I'll take Your hand and fear not.” This song provides a glimpse of the healing touch of God that He wants all of us to pray for as His children. “As I Am” is best described as a stirring, empowering anthem to sing over ourselves and against fear, worry, and anxiety. Hannah sets the tone with the opening lyrics, “Sometimes I tell myself/That Your love is waiting on my heart to fix itself/As if I don't need Your help/Like there's a thousand miles/Between who I turned out to be and who You had in mind/I'll deserve Your love when I'm A little less anxious, a little more kind.” Musically, the song's intensity matches the lyrics, leaving a lasting impact similar to “Your Love Defends Me.” This song is an excellent companion to sing over your life. The moving musical arrangement of “Jesus is Why” takes me on an emotional journey that causes me to excitedly sing along with the stirring lyrics every time I hear it. “If I Were You” is another standout ballad.
Final Word I love Hannah's intentionality and focus on God's provision. She is a uniquely gifted singer/songwriter with a big, memorable, dynamic, yet intimate voice. These songs have biblically-based lyrics that poignantly capture life's simple yet vital messages. I'm engaged by these sacred songs' emotional vocals and prayerful lyrics. Hannah’s vocals will soothe your soul, and the vertical lyrics will direct your attention and focus on Jesus. Several songs are heartfelt, especially “As I Am,” “If I Were You,” “Changed,” “Fear Not,” “Church Hurt,” and “Same God.” If you like female singers who make you think while you enjoy their catchy and empowering songs, As I Am is for you. This is easily one of my top albums of the year, filled with songs for healing.
