Music Review: Coming Up to Breathe by MercyMe

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: A more rocky sound, but a great disc
Cons: Might take a couple listens to fully appreciate it
The Bottom Line:
MercyMe goes rock
But fans will appreciate
Lyrics still solid





Decided Step into Fresh Territory

Since their mainstream debut in 2001, MercyMe has become one of the most popular bands in Christian music. Thanks to the huge cross over success of "I Can Only Imagine," they have become known for their contemplative ballads a midst pop/rock sound. With Coming Up to Breathe, they take a step in a different direction and head into solid rock territory.

The title track opens the CD. "Coming Up to Breathe" is at once a statement of dependence on God and a declaration of the freedom He gives. With its infection beat and catchy tune, it's the perfect opener.

The last few years have been hard for the band with several personal crises. Some of that was dealt with in their last release, Undone, but several songs on this CD focuses on their growth through the process. "Hold Fast" is a great song that reminds us that "One thing greater than my strife/Is His grasp." As a statement of continued faith in God despite trials, they offer "Bring the Rain," a song that feels like some of their best ballads of the past. "Last One Standing" is a declaration that, while down, with God's help, they will never be out.

Interestingly, two songs deal with the struggle of a songwriter to find new ways to say what God wants them to say. "Something About You" is a great expression of how inadequate any human is to praise God. "3:42 AM (Writer's Block)" is a very fun song about the struggle to find what God intends for them to say. This song isn't as universal as some of their others, but the look at the struggle they go through to create their great music is enlightening.

My favorite song on here is "So Long Self." This very upbeat, positive song is a break up song. The speaker is breaking up with their own desires in favor of following God. The lyrics are very funny and the melody is easily singable. Along the way, the truth of the song begins to seep into your brain.

Close behind it on my list is a song blaming God. "You're to Blame" places the blame for the good changes in our lives squarely on His shoulders. So often, I know I try to take the credit for the good I do, so this is a good reminder. Another catchy tune and lyrics that express the surprise that God even cares to help us change make this another winner.

While I state that this was a step into decidedly rock territory for the band, that doesn't mean that their established fans won't like it. I'll admit it took me a couple listens, but I love it now. This could easily become my favorite of their releases. They mix the upbeat rhythms of the first few songs with slower power ballads, mid tempo songs, and even the southern flavored "On Trick Pony," which features a great response to the common admonishment that Christians need to open their minds.

Coming Up to Breathe is the strongest from one of Christian music's most popular bands. Fans will love it and it will catch the ear of new listeners as well.

CD Length: 54:54

Tracks:

1. Coming up to Breathe

2. So Long Self

3. Hold Fast

4. Something About You

5. You're to Blame

6. No More No Less

7. Where I Belong

8. Bring the Rain

9. Last One Standing

10. One Trick Pony

11. 3:42 AM (Writer's Block)

12. Safe and Sound

13. I Would Die for You