Brandon Heath

By Jenny Bennett, Digital Content Coordinator, GospelMusicChannel.com

What makes singer/songwriter Brandon Heath easy to relate to is the relevancy of the stories he tells and the way he chooses to tell them. The success of “I’m Not Who I Was” (nominated at this year’s Dove Awards for both Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year) from his first album hinges on that quality, as well as the easy-going, engaging arrangements on guitar and piano.

When Brandon tells a story, he exposes the weaknesses of his personal failures and experiences, but talks about them in the context of a powerful, comforting hope. I think that’s just it: it’s comforting to know that a young guy, a talented musician, selected as the 2008 Dove Awards’ New Artist of the Year and nominated as Songwriter of the Year, goes through the same things we all do.

His ability to relate to people stems from a personal belief in community, and it’s that belief that helped him give the album its name: What If We. (Instead of choosing a title track, he gave it another name altogether.)

“Every part of that phrase, ‘what if we,’ is important,” Heath says. “I don’t even look at it as incomplete – dot, dot, dot – because the ‘what if’ part is about possibilities, obviously. But the ‘we’ part is saying, ‘let’s do this together, let’s not do this alone.’”

In addition to offering a compelling message, it’s refreshing that nothing’s copycat about the sound. “Give Me Your Eyes,” “Wait and See,” “Trust You,” and “Sunrise” are all stand-out tracks on an overall rock-solid album.

“Give Me Your Eyes” is an earnest plea to God for the ability to see other people through His eyes. It’s is a strong start to the album and a prime example of Brandon’s talent for expressing the spiritual desires of the heart in a gripping way. “Sunrise” has real staying power and quickly became my favorite song on the album; it's an "hakuna matata" message without leaving out the scary stuff.

“No Not One” starts out sounding like a typical praise & worship song, but the stirring chorus definitely gives it some stickiness. “Fight Another Day” is the only song that sounds a bit too close to being something I’ve heard before, but it’s still enjoyable and would do well on radio. “When I’m Alone” and “London” are the only songs on the project that drag a little.

“Sore Eyes” has a catchy, rockabilly feel to it. The chorus and verses morph into a velvety, Beatles-like bridge that keeps things interesting. An interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13, “Love Never Fails” is a quiet reflection on the beauty of love; the simplicity of the message comes through amidst a classical stringed arrangement. And “Listen Up,” (appropriate for the guy who's been named Gospel Music Channel's August/September LISTEN UP artist) though not heavy on spiritual content, really rang true with me as a common experience between two married people or close friends.

The laid-back style and smooth vocals of Brandon Heath are defining today’s Contemporary Christian scene. The palatability combined with originality of this album makes it one that as a music fan – not even just a Christian music fan and regardless of style preference – you need to buy. The more time you give it to settle into your bones, the more you’ll find yourself hitting repeat.

brandonheath.net
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