Impactful, Quality Music
Posted October 05, 2017
By SarahBassett_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Confession: while I genuinely love southern gospel music, I am not as prolific a listener as some.I had never heard Brian Free before listening to Beyond Amazed, which I now know is a shame.
I've had the privilege of listening to the new Brian Free & Assurance album and letting it steep and settle in to my psyche for a week now, and it really is a privilege. The album starts off with the catchy "Anything Is Possible," and I caught myself singing along with the chorus by the end of song. Immediately following, Free takes the lead for the ballad "He Can Take It." The bright tone of Free's voice is shown off here, but also the immaculate blend between him, lead singer Bill Shivers and baritone Mike Rogers.
After reflecting on God's saving grace in the title track "Beyond Amazed," "Leave With Nothing Left" slows things down again and speaks to living each day to its fullest purpose. It is both a reminder and invitation to evangelism. I love the line "If somehow I could choose it / I'd be the one God uses / to make a difference in what forever means to you."
There's not a bad or even mediocre song on this album. From the production to the lyrics to the vocals and harmonies, Brian Free & Assurance offers the highest quality. In constructing all these parts and pieces seemingly effortlessly, what the listener experiences is simple genuineness. When they sing "Beyond Amazed," they sound (and you) seem to feel that wonder and amazement.
Other standouts include "Everything He Forgot" and "Sometimes You Need A Song." "Everything He Forgot" reminds me of Jason Crabb's "Walk Through The Fire," bridging the tender and introspective with relief and celebration. "Sometimes You Need A Song" illustrates the famous quote "where words fail, music speaks," while also honoring the spoken word: "One can't replace the other / you need both to carry on / Sometimes you need a sermon / Sometimes you need a song."
The Bottom Line: Brian Free & Assurance know how to make impactful, quality music and deliver it in a way that leaves listeners begging for more.
Song to Download Now:
"Sometimes You Need A Song" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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