Even when it hurts like hell

When talking about something that will inevitably stir emotion – I think it’s important to state from the outset that this is my opinion. It’s how I see it, and it’s not meant to offend but rather present how my conclusion was made.

I love creativity and I love art. When both are done well. I’m also a believer in God and His Son Jesus, so when something comes along and fans that flame whilst fulfilling my creative and artistic flares, I really appreciate it. It’s not secret I’ve always been a fan of the music that the band UNITED produce, but their latest album release left me so impressed that I needed to write a blog post about it…

Deeper than the music, there is a heart behind this album that I would describe as open, exposed, humble and honest. For me personally, I often struggle with ‘Christian’ lyrics and songs where I get a sense of a song for songs sake. By that I mean, a guitar riff over a set patterned array of recycled lyrics. These often result in my inability to push passed the song and utilise it as the tool it was (hopefully) intended for – to worship God. So to have a worship album that doesn’t concentrate on the safe and sometimes repetitive lyrics is extremely refreshing.

I think more than this, the lyrical heart behind the songs in this album seem to be written from a place of reality rather than a wishful, perfect state.  By this I mean, that the album lyrics often acknowledge that life is tough, that we as believers don’t have it all-together and that it’s through the desperation and often heartbreak that God meets us where we are. He doesn’t need us to get it all together or perfect our lives. He’s waiting for us as we are, and His love doesn’t change in any way.

I have heard some people criticise the album because of its sometimes ‘gritty’ lyrics. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think it’s worth noting that just because you don’t like it doesn’t make it any less of a powerful tool.

I can’t speak on behalf of the writers and I don’t know all the stories behind the songs on this album – but I can tell you how this album has helped me, and imagine has helped others. On bad days, in rough times – when it hurts like hell – this album helps me to somehow – in the midst of it all – continue praise God. And that’s quite a powerful tool to have on my smartphone when I need it most.

My original plan here was to add my favourite track below – but the truth is, I’m at a point now where I probably couldn’t separate them. So here’s the highlight for me…