Review by Jamie Vaughan

Mercyme is definitely a band who strives to be different. The band has proven that power ballads with heavenly lyrics are popular among their many fans, but this time the genre lines were blurred from I Can Only Imagine. As a matter of fact, this recording is nothing short of a “breath of fresh air.� I believe that their “sound� has truly been defined with this recording. As a matter of fact, I believe that fans will enjoy the new selection of songs as much or even more than anything that has been released by Mercy Me to this date. So Long Self was the debut single from the recording and it has been making great strides at radio according to The M Collective. Let’s take a closer look as Mercy Me comes up to breathe.

Coming Up To Breathe is definitely a great first impression for a refreshing new recording. The lyric and the hard hitting melody combine to define the recording. Have you ever been under so much stress or felt like you’ve hit rock bottom not knowing which way to turn? Coming Up To Breathe is a tune that ensures us that with God, we are on our way out of the pit, we are on our way up and with His strength and grace. Safe And Sound has a melodic arrangement similar to 80’s light rock. The message of the song is deep in that no matter how big the problem or the storm, God is bigger than both and will protect His children because of the love that He has for us. So Long Self is the song that is putting this record on the map and playing a huge part in defining Mercy Me as a progressive, competent band. The melody is a heavy hitter with a “bouncy� arrangement feel and a clever lyric. After one has accepted Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit takes residence in their heart. Our responsibility as a Christian is to listen to the Holy Spirit and not ourselves. Although, it is a difficult break up it’s worth it! You’re To Blame has a clever lyric as well. At first listen, I wasn’t actually sure of the hook line to the song, but I found out later that it is a modern rock anthem with a positive message. When we think of this phrase, we often associate it with a negative connotation, but the song is actually saying that God is the one to blame for the change after salvation. It’s not my favorite song on the recording, but I must admit, the lyrics are extremely catchy and clever. 3:42 am (Writer's Block) proves to be another clever song about absolutely nothing. Actually, I take that back, the song has a strong message in that the Holy Spirit should control our lives, speech, and thoughts. Other songs on the record include Something About You, The Rhythm, Bring The Rain, Last One Standing and other hard hitting songs that are sure to make you want more! I would have to say that my favorite song on the recording is I Would Die For You. The song shows off Bart’s honest yet powerful vocals on this ballad. The song is a song of sacrifice, a song of praise, a song of encouragement. The lyric are so strong that it is very difficult to give it much justice. Take a listen for yourself; you’ll see exactly what I mean. Don’t forget the bonus track at the end of this song; it’s really not a thirteen minute song!

Mercyme has definitely out did themselves as a band. With uncompromising lyrics mixed with outstanding vocals and musical arrangements, this recording will be one that you will have a difficult time ejecting from your CD player once you put it in!

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