Let my heart cry holy Posted October 20, 2022 By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know MercyMe has topped the charts for more than 20 years since they released their multi-platinum single "I Can Only Imagine," which is the most downloaded song in the history of Christian music. They have followed that up with hit after hit, including "God with Us," "All of Creation," "Beautiful," "The Hurt & the Healer," "Greater” and “Even If." Always Only Jesus has been one of my most anticipated albums of 2022. It has songs with inspirational story-style lyrics that will immediately cause you to worship and sing along with these ultra-talented musicians, lead singer Bart Millard, guitarists Mike Scheuchzer and Barry Graul, bassist Nathan Cochran, and drummer Robby Shaffer. The very relatable and transparent words of these songs perfectly depict our daily walks as believers wrapped around catchy songs.
All the tracks really display the musical and lyrical excellence and intentionality of MercyMe. These are catchy melodies and biblically-based lyrics reflecting unashamed faith. Every song on this stellar collection displays the band’s heart of what they do, leading people in worship of our Savior, reminding us that “better days are coming.” In the vein of “Almost Home,” these songs help remind us that we weren’t made for this world, as followers of Jesus who have put all their hope in Christ know that eternity in Heaven awaits us when we leave this fallen world and remember, there is “Always Only Jesus.”
What it Sounds Like This band can really write a hooky and truth-filled chorus, and the single “Then Christ Came” is catchy, relevant and worshipful like their previous hit songs “Almost Home,” “Say I Won’t,” and “Even If.” The chorus is very stirring and convicting, “Then Christ came, changing everything, He took my sin and shame away.”
“Always Only Jesus” features Bart Millard’s tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God and to live out the commandment to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.” If you’ve always liked MercyMe, this album will absolutely connect with you.
Spiritual Highlights “Then Christ Came” reminds us, “Jesus You gave me purpose, Jesus, You told me I’m worth it.” Other highlights include “Better Days Coming,” “To Not Worship You,” “Grace Amazing,” “Lost in You” and “Always Only Jesus.” Poignant song “To Not Worship You” is a stirring testimony song reminding us of our salvation with a convicting declaration: “Raise my hands and surrender, You’re the One who makes mountains move…who am I to not worship You?" Like previous MercyMe albums, these songs are all filled with spiritual truth. The hope of the Gospel is heard loud and clear, “Let my heart cry holy and my hands be raised for one Name only” in the standout “Always Only Jesus.”
Best Song on the Record I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. “Better Days Coming” is an upbeat and catchy song in the vein of “Greater,” and “Move,” which are among my favorite MercyMe songs. There are several stand-out songs, and “Then Christ Came” is an uplifting offering of praise to the only One who has power to save. It is a very sing-able song. In many ways, the main message of this album is, “You are the One I was made for, Jesus You gave me purpose, Jesus You told me I’m worth it.”
Final Word Always Only Jesus is a great collection of confessional and authentic expressions of faith, yet another "best" album from MercyMe. Once again, the songs are poignant and powerful, and in recording the new tunes the band brings a more seasoned level of musicianship, intensity and intentionality. This album challenges me to think about how I’m living out my faith. Every song released by MercyMe completely focuses me as a listener on joining in praise, worship and adoration. These are very passionate songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics.
These songs will certainly connect with listeners and showcase the multi-talented band’s trademark balance of vocal tenderness and lyrical intensity, beautiful and stirring musical arrangements and, above all, songs with a sense of hope and inspiration.
This has been one of my most anticipated albums of 2022, and I’m pleased to say it exceeds my expectations as I could not “imagine” they could outdo themselves. This incredible band has once again released their newest best album. It has a very warm musical style that will immediately soothe your soul and cause you to worship and sing along with these ultra-talented musicians.
