Coming Up to Breathe (CD - 2006)

CCM outfit MercyMe had four albums to their credit before releasing 2006's COMING UP TO BREATHE. While the effort boasts the group's usual blend of pop-rock structures, accessible melodies, and faith-based lyrics, COMING UP TO BREATHE finds MercyMe refining their craft to offer up some of the best songwriting and playing of their career.

The driving, soaring title track opens the album with an effective punch, and also establishes singer Bart Millard's lyrical stance of seeking Jesus Christ in times of trouble, a theme repeated often throughout the album. But if MercyMe delve deeper into rock territory on this album, they sacrifice none of their penchant for pop hooks (as on the immediately catchy "So Long Self") or expansive, inspirational choruses (as on the lilting "Something About You"). Naturally, messages of Christian praise and worship are central to the music, making COMING UP TO BREATHE a winner for all CCM fans. minimize