25 Records of Christmas, Day 17: Brandon Heath

One of the few Christian albums that made my list this year almost didn’t make it. I almost missed Brandon Heath’s album. He’s been one of my favorite Christian artists, simply because there’s always been a unique feel to his music. It’s much better than the other contemporary stuff that’s out there, particularly on Christian radio. Heath always has a way about him that makes his songwriting stand out, and not sound cheesy when he sings. Blue Mountain takes his artistry a step further.

Upon hearing the opening track, “The Harvester”, if you’ve ever listened to Brandon Heath, you’ll know he doesn’t usually venture into country or folk. Well you can mark that off his bucket list. Blue Mountain is a straight country/folk/pop record, which matches Heath’s style almost perfectly. The single “Jesus In Disguise” reminds me of the “Give Me Your Eyes” single from a few years back; super catchy but not your typical Christian radio single. The song also stretches Heath as a vocalist with his high notes during the chorus, giving him a new dynamic when it comes to writing and performing harmonies. 

Brandon Heath has easily written the best Christian album of 2012.

The title track is so simple, with a distant-sounding guitar tone, mixed with Heath’s reverbed vocals, making for a classic country track. The back porch feel is definitely present, and stays there for most of the record. Heath’s hometown of Nashville has definitely influenced his music, and for the better. More down-home folky type tracks are scattered throughout the 11 tracks, including “Paul Brown Petty” and “Diamond”, featuring some deeply moving lyrics in the chorus: “I got treasure up in heaven / I got dirt all over me / I have only scratched the surface of the man I’m meant to be / I got something down inside of me / that only you can see / help me dig a little deeper now / and set that diamond free”. 

Love songs have also always been a staple when it comes to Heath’s songwriting. I first experienced it through his classic “London” a few years ago. But the tracks on here, particularly the cover of David Barnes' “Love Will Be Enough For Us”. It takes you to a happy, relaxing place, giving you hope for the simpler way. I was so impressed with this record when I first heard it. I’ve been a fan for a while, but Blue Mountain made me love Heath and his style of songwriting even more than before. In a world of bland and mediocre music, flooding the Christian airwaves, Brandon Heath not only gives new life to it, but he strengthens the genre. Even if you don’t like Christian music, you need to hear Heath’s best material so far.