"Brandon Heath, fresh off his surprising win as Best New Artist Dove Award Winner 2008, entered the studio to record his 2nd album What If We, released in August. Buoyed by the great success of the stand-out single Give Me Your Eyes, released over the summer, Brandon followed his own path as with his stand-out single I'm Not Who I Was, from his solid debut album Don't Get Comfortable, from 2006. If you like Bebo Norman, Matthew West and Mat Kearney, then you should truly enjoy Brandon Heath.
What If We is a great 2nd album and a slight improvement in my opinion, which is refreshing. In addition to the amazing opener Give Me Your Eyes, the album continues in the same personal and introspective way as his first album. The next 2 songs Wait And See and Trust You are great examples of Brandon's autobiographical and catchy writing style. Some stand-out songs of the album happen next with London and Sunrise, which remind me of catchy and personal songs by fellow Dove Award Winner Chris Rice like Me & Becky and When Did You Fall.
For me the highlights come later in the album, particularly the beautiful and biblical Love Never Fails, certainly a great choice for weddings and the closing song No Not One, written with Christy Nockels (Watermark). Both songs have great sweeping string musical arrangements and beautiful lyrics and melodies. This is truly a great 2nd album by Brandon Heath and just misses my top 10 of 2008.
"
Wow!
T. Krueger | North Carolina USA | 09/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My daughter and I heard the first track on the radio one day and sat in the car with our mouths hanging open. I ordered the CD that night.
The first track, "Give Me Your Eyes" is life changing! The other tracks very from catchy to profound.
The music is rich without being overbearing and on many of the songs the music could sand on its own.. Together the music and lyrics support each other completely.
As much as I liked the CD on my first listen, it has continued to grow on me and I am constantly hearing things that I missed the previous 30 listens.
"
Brandon Heath Returns With More Good Songs
Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 09/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While it took Brandon Heath's debut a little while to grow on me, I was hooked on this one right from the start. Of course, it helps that I loved the first four songs.
"Give Me Your Eyes" opens things off with a bit of a hip hop vibe as Brandon prays to look at the world and see their pain because he has God's view of them.
"Wait and See" is easily my favorite. It returns to the acoustic sound of the first CD (which Brandon keeps for the rest of this disc). It's probably because I need the reminder myself right now, but the idea that God is still working in our lives is so encouraging.
"Trust You" reminds us that God is absolutely trustworthy. If He gave His life for us, there's no reason not to trust Him.
"London" is a piano based piece with an evocative feel. It's a song about two people in love who are apart. I'm curious to know the back story but really love it as is.
Other highlights include "Love Never Fails," another ballad that describes love so beautifully, "Listen Up" which reminds us to truly listen to others, and "When I'm Alone" which reminds us that God is there no matter who else may be there for us.
After the variety in styles of the first four songs, I was hoping that this would carry out to the rest of the tracks. Alas, that is this disc's only real failing. Many of the songs fall into the mid tempo pop/rock mold and all blend together for me. There are some good songs there, but they need something to help them stand out more.
Even so, this is a good second disc. I know I'll be listening to it for a long time to come."
What If Everyone Made Music Like This?
Scandalous Sanity | Texas | 11/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Brandon Heath's light, familiar style is on display on this album. Heath's strength is combining poppy tunes with deep lyrics. "What If We" is a prime example of this talent.
In "Give Me Your Eyes" Heath asks God for the vision to see those around him, including the downtrodden, poor, and brokenhearted. It is the lead single from the album, and is a refreshing break from "me" centered Christianity. "Wait and See" is a little biographical, with Heath reminding himself that God has a plan for his life. "Trust You" is especially revealing, describing all of our reasons for not trusting God. It is honest to the core: "Are you growing weary/of all my good intentions/'cause I know that/you don't work that way." "Sore Eyes" sounds like the Monkees converted to Christianity, but is deep and meaningful. "Love Never Fails" is a beautiful acoustic track stacked with violins.
This is a great album. It has depth and soul without being sappy. You can almost feel Heath's self-deprecating humor seep through the tracks. I recommend buying this CD.