The Hurt & The Healer

Artist: MercyMe
Label: Fair Trade Services
Genre: Pop, Contemporary

True to form, MercyMe delivers another project full of tunes both spiritual and easy-on-the-ears. Radio seems to agree. The first single is rapidly climbing the charts right out of the gate.

To get to the point of releasing The Hurt & The Healer, Bart Millard and his crew have weathered quite a storm. Reeling from the death of his cousin in the line of duty, Millard faced struggles both personally and professionally. But ultimately the reward surfaced, and MercyMe emerged with a project the members can be proud of, and perhaps relish in their creative freedom more than ever before.

MercyMe’s likability is undeniable. Even after “I Can Only Imagine” went gang busters, they’ve continued to deliver high-quality stuff. Their signature sound, anchored by Millard’s sweet Southern twang, is never far from the course, but they always manage to throw in a few surprises simultaneously. In their worship tracks, their sing-a-long-worthy tunes, and their rock-leaning gems, they seem to have a knack for keeping their authenticity without sacrificing experimentation.

On The Hurt & The Healer, “Take the Time” is a download-worthy treat featuring guest vocals by NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bear Rineheart. Tracks like “Don’t Give Up On Me” and “Best of Me” boast a quiet synth-pop building into killer rock beats, while “You Are I Am” and “The First Time” remind us of the sweetness of MercyMe’s quieter, more worshipful moments.

For going down on the books as the album that almost never was, it takes a surprisingly polished tone. But given the group’s veteran status, it’s not too hard to imagine the members praying hard and pushing through. We’re glad they did.