Spoken's ninth studio album, aptly titled IX, is bursting with messages of hope as powerful as the hard rock riffs that characterize their sound. From the single "Stronger" to the worshipful closer "In My Sight," this album doesn't hold back in its earnest messages of redemption.

Lead singer and founder Matt Baird walks us through those messages as they appear in each song on IX.

"This is Not The End"
Sometimes we have conversations with people, and they only talk about surface things until we actually ask the question "How are you doing?"

It's a question that all of us desire to hear, but so often the question isn't asked. We all decide our situation is probably something that nobody else can understand or relate to. "This is Not the End" is simply about holding on and believing your current situation can change, if you keep facing forward.

"Stronger"
Stronger is about realizing once you decide to move on from a tough situation, you can break free from it. You don't have to continue in the valley. Often times we get so used to the pain or struggle that we fail to realize we don't have to just "survive" anymore. We can experience freedom.

"Dying Without You"
We need Jesus. We need to know the One who holds our future in his hands. I know that in my own life, I desperately desire to hear the voice of God. "Say my name, and I will run to you." Being desperate to hear the voice of God is the only way we actually take the time to listen.

"Silence"
Silence is about refusing to listen to the voices in our heads that say we'll never make it, we're never going to be good enough. We were created for a purpose, and we can't talk ourselves out of that because of doubt. 

"I Will Not Fade"
We make mistakes daily. We choose to do things that might not be the most beneficial for our lives. When we stop and embrace the grace of Jesus, we decide to believe it's never too late to change the course of our lives. 

"Remember The Memories"
What are some of your favorite memories? What are some of the best decisions you've made throughout the ups and downs of your journey? Have you made the best of what God has given you? 

"Pages Of The Past"
As long as you have breath in your lungs, you have purpose. If you're still breathing, you can play a part in changing the lives of those around you. We're never promised tomorrow, but we still have this moment. What are you going to do with it?

"The Light"
My wife has been the most influential person in my life. She's wise beyond her years, and has always been the first to make a stranger feel like the most special person in the world. I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing if she wasn't there to be my voice of reason and source of encouragement. God gave her to me, and He knew I'd fail without her. 

"Sleepless Nights"
Being away from home can be tough sometimes. Making memories and making the best of the moments is something that we need to keep in mind as we navigate this life. It's easy to feel incomplete when you're away from the one who challenges you to be better and helps you fulfill your purpose.

"In My Sight"
Confusion, mistakes and failures are all things we find ourselves dealing with all too often. "In My Sight" is realizing when we're in those valleys, we can reach out and communicate with the One who overcame every ounce of darkness that tries to block our view of the top of the mountain, the goal, the end: the light of Jesus.