Hope Breaking Through Posted November 04, 2024 By BraddenFord_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know: Grace Graber is an upcoming rock/pop/punk artist who has taken the indie music world by storm. After a Hawk Nelson song stopped her from taking her life as a teen, Grace has made it her mission to help others know that they're not alone through the gift God has given her with music. Since her debut EP in 2021, In My Head, her honest songwriting on God and dealing with mental health has gained her a strong social media following. Her new album, The Breakthrough, is her best collection yet, filled with powerful songs of hope and breakthrough found in Jesus.
What It Sounds Like:
Grace does not play by what many consider "the box of Christian music." The Breakthrough is filled with rock, alternative, pop, and contemporary all done in a fresh way that makes The Breakthrough a breath of fresh air for every listener. Some of the best moments from the album are those songs that sound more radio-friendly like "Grace of God" and "More Than A Miracle" for the beautiful lyrics and amazing production that tie the album together. Other songs lean into punk ("In Between" & "Superficiality), rock ("As I Am," "Greater," & "The Signs"), and pop ("Solo" & "No Regrets (feat. PEABOD)") with Grace finding her sound and owning it with confidence.
Spiritual Highlights:
Honestly and vulnerability is right up front on this project. Several songs dive into these themes of brokenness, feeling lost, hopelessness, trying to put up a facade, and life itself in all the ups and downs. However, The Breakthrough combats these by showing the truth of Jesus so strongly. The song "If You're Like Me" especially carries this beautiful message for listeners to know they're not alone in their doubts, fears, and darkness. The song is a prayer Grace sings over them to know how much God loves them right where they are and how much good He has in store. "Breakthrough" and "More Than A Miracle" are two other standout tracks that carry this powerful message to turn our eyes to Jesus and know how much He understands our brokenness and how much He truly loves us.
Best Song:
It's hard to pick a favorite song but the title track "Breakthrough" comes out as my personal favorite. The song is an alternative rock/pop song with such a bold declaration of who God is and how He will restore in our lives. Originally released in March 2024, I've come back to this song as a lifeline to grow my faith in the promises of God through the battles that come. The song really ties together the heart of the album and Grace's heart in this season; just like how God has come through in her own life, He will break through any wall to save us. Songs like "Solo," "The Signs," & "If You're Like Me" are all 10-out-of-10 and come out close but "Breakthrough" wins out as my favorite song on this flawless collection of anthems.
Bottom Line
The Christian music scene is filled with so many amazing albums every year that blow my mind. Yet even as an independent artist, Grace Graber has put together one of my favorite albums not just of the year, but of all time with The Breakthrough. The album is a wonderful balanced mix of so many styles coming together in a fun and powerful way to impact listeners with the truth that they belong and God isn't done in their lives. From the production to Grace's soaring vocals, this album has impacted my life with hope and to live life with faith in Him even more. I've had the chance to talk with Grace on this album and have been blown away by her heart for God and reaching listeners from all walks of life. This album is an impactful rock/pop collection that shares God's heart for listeners powerfully and cements Grace Graber as one of the most promising new artists to watch.
