Customer Reviews

Coming Up to Breathe

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Since their mainstream debut in 2001, Mercy Me has become one of the most popular bands in Christian music. Thanks to the huge cross over success of "I Can Only Imagine," they have become known for their contemplative ballads amidst pop/rock sound. With this CD, they take a step in a different direction and head into solid rock territory.

The title track opens the CD. "Coming Up to Breathe" is at once a statement of dependence on God and a declaration of the freedom He gives. With its infection beat and catchy tune, it's the perfect opener.

The last few years have been hard for the band with several personal crises. Some of that was dealt with in their last release, Undone, but several songs on this CD focuses on their growth through the process. "Hold Fast" is a great song that reminds us that "One thing greater than my strife/Is His grasp." As a statement of continued faith in God despite trials, they offer "Bring the Rain," a song that feels like some of their best ballads of the past. "Last One Standing" is a declaration that, while down, with God's help, they will never be out.

Interestingly, two songs deal with the struggle of a songwriter to find new ways to say what God wants them to say. "Something About You" is a great expression of how inadequate any human is to praise God. "3:42 AM (Writer's Block)" is a very fun song about the struggle to find what God intends for them to say. This song isn't as universal as some of their others, but the look at the struggle they go through to create their great music is enlightening.

My favorite song on here is "So Long Self." This very upbeat, positive song is a break up song. The speaker is breaking up with their own desires in favor of following God. The lyrics are very funny and the melody is easily singable. Along the way, the truth of the song begins to seep into your brain.

Close behind it on my list is a song blaming God. "You're to Blame" places the blame for the good changes in our lives squarely on His shoulders. So often, I know I try to take the credit for the good I do, so this is a good reminder. Another catchy tune and lyrics that express the surprise that God even cares to help us change make this another winner.

While I state that this was a step into decidedly rock territory for the band, that doesn't mean that their established fans won't like it. I'll admit it took me a couple listens, but I love it now. This could easily become my favorite of their releases. They mix the upbeat rhythms of the first few songs with slower power ballads, mid tempo songs, and even the southern flavored "On Trick Pony," which features a great response to the common admonishment that Christians need to open their minds.

This release is the strongest from one of Christian music's most popular bands. Fans will love it and it will catch the ear of new listeners as well.

I just purchased this cd to add to my MercyMe collection, and I am not disappointed. Instead of saying that their sound has "changed", I would say that they've tweaked it. They don't sound completely different from their past release.

This cd really focuses on us needing to focus on God and not worry about all of our problems. He is all we need to focus on. I especially appreciate the tracks which I believe sum up their album, "One Trick Pony", "Bring The Rain" and "I Would Die For You".

"One Trick Pony" talks about how many Christians are accused of not having an open mind to accept the things in this world that are absolutely against God's Word. I was so glad to hear a song rejoicing in the fact that we don't have to have the "open mind" that many say we do. I also like the sound that this track has. I would call it a "Southern Conservative" sound, or a country type sound. Like it says in the lyrics, we believe that there is a life after this, how much more open minded do we need to be- AMEN!

"Bring the Rain" is an awesome worship song that talks about how you should praise even through your problems and everything you have gone through. You even hear hints of the classic hymn "Holy Holy Holy". It is a wonderful song to the Lord.

Finally the most heart-tugging song, which was appropriately saved for last called "I Would Die For You" has a double meaning. It was written about a young man who contracted Bubonic Plague while on a mission trip and died before he was 16. The words are also words that should come out of each of our mouths. It brought tears to my eyes and made me re-evaluate my relationship with Him- would I really be willing to give my life for Christ when the time comes?
If you let the song continue past the 11 minute mark, there is a hidden track which playfully ends their album.

This album has a full array of sounds and themes, but instead of the album seeming disjointed, it makes me see how versitile MercyMe is. I hope you will borrow or purchase this cd. The music will touch your heart and truly help you to "wake up and smell the roses."

MercyMe's new disc, "Coming Up To Breathe," is a great addition to their catalog. From the lead-off single, the rockabilly-tinged "So Long Self," through every other song on the album, it comprises a great hour of unique, interesting music. This disc is different than their first two CDs - the addition of second guitarist Barry Graul, who has toured with DC Talk and just about every other Christian act from the 1990s and early 2000s, has added crunch and depth to an already talented band. Graul joined the band for the group's third disc, "Undone," and continues to push the band musically into a wonderful, edgy sound. Fans of "I Can Only Imagine" shouldn't sweat the new disc, though, since there are some mellow passages to be found on "Coming Up To Breathe." Simply put, the slightly grittier sound that began on "Undone," coupled with a different approach in sounds and arrangements, make the new album a must-have for fans.
I've also had the wonderful fortune of interviewing Jim (keyboards) and Mike (guitar), and they are sincere music ministers. Their honesty and passion for Christ spill into the band's fresh, energetic sound. MercyMe is here to stay ... Oh mercy ..... yes indeed!
Peace!

This is the best CD from Mercy Me to date! My daughter died several months ago and this CD helped to pull me out of the depths of my grief, especially with the song "Hold Fast"! I'm ordering another copy for some friends who have also lost their daughter. I'm so grateful for the truthfullness within the words. The Lord has used them and their music to truly minister to me.

This album is the best yet...you can tell that Bart and the gang have reached into their souls and written an album that will easily please any music critic. If you can sit and listen to the entire cd without stomping your feet and singing seek medical attention.. If you listen to this album once you will have 5 favorite new songs, twice and that number could double. Even my son who is a throwback to the rock of the 70s and 80s, LOVED One trick pony

In writing this review one thing comes to mind; I went to a concert to see Michael W. Smith a couple of years ago. Michael came out on stage and sat at a piano when this burly guy stepped up to a microphone. I thought what is that roadie doing with the mic. Then he started to sing it sent chills up my spine. It was possibly the richest voice I have ever heard. I asked my wife if she knew who that was she said yes its Bart Millard. Yes I have been a fan ever since!

To finish my ramble... Buy the album... this is the first and maybe only time I write a review... I just couldn't help myself! I own over 1,100 CD's and consider myself a music fan. This album would be # 1 on my desert island list.

I never heard MercyMe's stuff before this album, so I don't have anything to compare it to, which I think is nice; it's good to have a fresh ear. I never knew they did "I Can Only Imagine." (I wasn't a big fan of that song, so it's just as well.) I just happened upon this CD one day, and bought it just for kicks. I'm so glad I did. Turns out I really, really enjoy it, and have listened to it over and over without getting tired of it.

This CD is uplifting, but it's also full of excellent music that I can jam to. Those back-up vocalists are fantastic; they add a really rich dimension to the sound that you can't get from paper-thin, generic arrangements that abound out there these days. It's just different enough to set it apart from other artists, but not so different that it alienates its listeners.

I like the message. I like the sound. That's really everything I could ask for.

This is the first MercyMe album I've owned, so I can't give a thorough comparison to thier other cd's. I have listened to samples on Amazon, but I wasn't a big fan of what little I did hear, to be honest. The past albums sounded a bit too "pop/boy band-ish" for my taste. This album has a wonderful, positive message but with an organic, rockin sound that uplifts! I'm a big fan of music in general, and I have to say that this album can definitely compete (and outdo in some cases) with the 'secular' bands of today. Fans of good Christian rock would definitely love this album!

I'm not a big fan of rock music, but the music on Mercy Me's "Coming Up to Breathe" album is an exception.
The music is catchy, and the lyrics are right on in expressing the human conditon, yet lift the mind and the heart in praise.
The harmony on "Let Me Introduce Myself" and "Bring the Rain" are stunning, with the richness of the basses mixing so well with the lighter voices of the sopranos.
I thought it was extremely clever to write a song about the frustration of writing a song in "3:41 a.m.".
I think that this album is a valuable addition to the Christian contemporary music genre, and I'm anxious for Mercy Me to give us more.

The first time I heard this CD all the way through, I didn't really care for it. I was thrown off because only Bring the Rain and Safe and Sound have the sound that I liked so much on the Undone CD. But after a few times, I actually LOVE this CD.

While still lyrically great, this album is quite different compared to their others. There are various music styles arranged next to one another- rock, comtemporary, and even one with a good southern feel (you'll know when you hear it). Yet prior to this CD, I thought of Mercy Me as Contemporary Christian only (but that's ok cause I liked them that way, and now appreciate their talent even more).

It's refreshing to listen to something a little different by an artist/group that you think you've already pegged (especially when it comes to Christian music). People who are looking for the same type of music as in prior cd's may be disappointed at first but (with an open mind)will probably end up liking at least a couple songs if not more. God bless.

I love this CD, it is one of my favorites. I like that hte acoustics and vocals are highlighted in these songs. Although I am a Christian, my opinion is that much of the music coming out of Christian artists is too cheesey, manufactured, or pointless. This record has a great message and great delievery.