Don't Get Comfortable (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Brandon Heath (vocals, acoustic guitar, background vocals); Brent Milligan (acoustic guitar); Chuck Butler (electric guitar, background vocals); Josh Muckala, Alex Nifong (electric guitar); Kristen Wilkenson, Matt Walker, David Angell (strings); Dan Muckala (piano, keyboards, background vocals); Byron House (upright bass); Aaron Blanton, Dan Needham (drums); Matt Wertz (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Dan Muckala; Jeremy Luzier; F. Reid Shippen.

Recording information: Dark Horse Studio, Nashville, TN; Glomo Studio, Nashville, TN; Soundstage Studio, Nashville, TN.

Editor: Jeremy Luzier.

Photographer: Jeremy Cowart.

Don't Get Comfortable was, contrary to its title, one of the smoothest, easiest-to-go-down helpings of smart, contemporary Christian pop to surface in 2006. The album was a strong showing for Brandon Heath, who signed to the heavyweight Reunion Records roster (home to Casting Crowns and Michael W. Smith, among others). The native Nashville singer exhibited a host of skills honed after years of collaborating within the CCM songwriting community. Heath rose from the songwriting ranks to become a fully developed artist, eventually partnering with Bebo Norman, Matt Wertz (who happened to be his roommate at the time), Dave Barnes, Chad Cates, Philip LaRue and Ben Glover. His former aspirations to be behind the music eventually took him behind the mic, where his flavor for storytelling connected with audiences almost immediately. "I'm Not Who I Was" became an instantly recognizable anthem for forgiveness, and "Our God Reigns" received a Dove nomination for best worship song. The album had few inconsistencies, and the quality of Heath's songwriting was of the highest caliber. Don't Get Comfortable was a bright spot for those who sought insightful stories that resonate within one's soul. ~ Jared Johnson minimize