MercyMe - Coming Up To Breathe

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In an illuminating sleevenote the band's frontman Bart Millard writes about the pressure of people's expectations, "Some days it is the expectations of our ministry or the music industry. Other days we wonder if a song we've written will be embraced by our listeners." There, of course, is the rub. Having written a "I Can Only Imagine" people are continually asking whether these pop rockers from Texas can deliver another one. Chances are they can't and have clearly come to a place where they're not at all concerned by the lack of a potential multi-million seller. To quote again them that sleevenote, "The music and message of this album is all over the place and we love it! There are songs that go deeper than we have ever gone before, there are songs that are as shallow as some of the swimming pools my brother and I wrestled in. And the good news is.it is OK!" The songs here bristle with sincerity - themes explored including the need to hold on to the things of God ("Hold Fast"); dying to the tyranny of being in control ("So Long Self"); recovering from the knockdowns of life ("Last One Standing"); and two songs tied up with the whole songwriting experience, "Something About You" and "3.42am (Writer's Block)" which explore the paradoxes and frustrations of trying to write about a God who eludes all our efforts to encapsulate him in words. Throughout the album the melodies are strong, Bart's voice retains its rough-hewn bluesy quality while the production by studio maestro Brown Bannister is an exemplary example of pitching rock at Top 40 radio. Also outstanding are the string arrangements (recorded at Abbey Road no less) while the gospel choir on "Bring On The Rain" is a delightful touch. Expect to hear a lot of these songs on the radio in the months ahead.