The Hurt & The Healer by MercyMe

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

After their "I Can Only Imagine" megahit the band fronted by Bart Millard went through something of a dull patch but in more recent times have bounced back with some of the strongest material of their entire career. Bart said about this album that it "is a celebration of that moment when two worlds collide: the deep need for healing and the God who provides it." The opening track "You Better Know" is one of several gems here. Over some nicely distorted guitar the song deftly portrays the struggle we have in allowing God to keep in control ("You'd think I know by now who's running the show/And what really matters/But I keep picking a fight with letting go/And keep getting hammered"). Equally strong is "Best Of Me" which cleverly uses electronic distortion as it pinpoints modern Christians' tendency to be lukewarm in their faith ("Why would I want to try and meet you half way?/Why would I back down when there is still fight in me?"). The title track is possibly the best song of all and elegantly portrays the moment when revelation finally surges through or, as Bart sings, "When grace is ushered in for good/And all our scars are understood." Undoubtedly, 'The Hurt & The Healer' is one of the standout albums of the year and everyone, including producers Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala, should be proud of having created such an uplifting, and potentially heart-changing, set of songs.