After the wildly successful “I Can Only Imagine,” and all of its accompanying stresses…er,… I mean blessings, MercyMe’s “Coming Up to Breathe” is aptly titled.
Success brought the band members, among other things, 250 performances a year, and the pressures faced by all overnight hits: the riveted attention of a nation and its press waiting for a misstep. In the midst of this, they also faced a season of great personal challenge, including the passing of several people close to their hearts. Sure, fame and popularity are pleasant, I'm sure, but at what cost? I'm guessing any one of the six men of MercyMe had days when all they really wanted was to catch their breath.
Their newest project, "Coming Up to Breathe," released April 25th, bears a compelling sense of freedom, of release delayed but finally delivered, and it only adds to the magic. Revealed in all the exuberance and joyous rocking is not just a sense of liberation but of vigorous health, musically speaking. It all fits, it feels gloriously true.
Once again, they worked with producer Brown Bannister, who pushed them to make the record they always dreamed of making. Lead singer Bart Millard says of the result, "Whether it's good or bad, it's completely us." See, the afore-mentioned freedom. You gotta love it. From the first exuberant strains of the title track, you know MercyMe is committed to this album and its truth. Energetic throughout, the band roars through 13 original songs that go from edgy rockers to worshipful ballads to Brit pop to southern blues, not a clunker among 'em. Longtime fans will be surprised and hopefully happy to see MercyMe break out more than ever before. Liner notes make it clear that the band feels fine with whatever response these songs bring. Again: freedom. Delicious, wonderful freedom, and who deserves it more than these guys?
There's much to like in "Coming Up...", but standout tracks include the pounding excitement of "Something About You," the wisdom of "So Long Self," and the deeply worshipful "Bring the Rain." The blistering "No More, No Less" surprises you nicely with its mid-song addition of a bluesy gospel choir. "One Trick Pony"s southern rock adds to the party feel of the track. "I Would Die For You" is more traditional MercyMe, deeply moving, powered by Millard's brawny vocals. All in all, very much their best, and it couldn't happen to a nicer band.
