“Every Time I Breathe” doesn’t break any new ground, but the new material stands up in terms of quality and focus, and their covers of “Let It Rise” and “Trust and Obey” bring an edgy intensity of great appeal. The latter especially is a rousing rendition, percolating with a percussive edge that contrasts nicely with Mike Weaver’s soft vocals. The moving title track has an interesting and unexpected Celtic undertone, offered up with BDW’s usual enthusiasm. A number of tunes cover familiar BDW territory, “All For You” a joyous head-bobber led by exuberant drums, and classic tongue-twisting of buzzy “The Only One” over BDW’s tight rhythm section and thick guitars. “When I See” is lilting and lovely, the warm horns of “All the Same” back up nicely the song’s strong message, and “Wait” is a terrific bouncy interpretation of Isaiah 41’s familiar passage. I enjoyed the sweet violins of the warm ballad, “Hold Me Jesus,” as well as the closing vocal tag of “I Surrender All.”
Another standout track is the lyrical “Who You Are to Me,” a melodic and loving worship track, rich with unexpected changes and sparkling keyboards. Breaking new ground? No, but oh, Big Daddy Weave covers their own turf like nobody’s business. Check out “Every Time I Breathe,” released from Fervent Records on September 26th.
And if it's story-telling pop music you like, you'll also enjoy Casting Crown's "Lifesong Live," released today, Oct. 3, and Mark Shultz' "Broken and Beautiful."
