The City Harmonic – Heart: Review
Canadian worship band The City Harmonic today release the follow up to their debut hit album I have a dream. In the time between that album and the newly released Heart Eric was diagnosed with cancer (he is currently in remission following treatment), and the song Strong is written from the heart of the struggle he went through, and is a powerful reminder that God’s love is strong enough to bring us through the pain of life.
If you heard their first album you will know they bring a fresh energy and passion to the Christian music scene, with a Brit-pop vibe, sing-a-long anthems and Christ centred lyrics. Heart is very much an album that had Jesus at the centre. These aren’t abstract songs that could be about Jesus but could also be about a lover. Listeners are left in no doubt who these songs are addressed to. These songs aren’t afraid to show that as a band, The City Harmonic struggle. They go through not just good times but bad times. Life brings trouble their way, but through it all, Jesus is faithful. This theme is particularly evident on one of my favourite songs on the album, Take Heart, which reminds us that “His unending love remains, it may look dark, but dawn’s about to break”. Other particular highlights include Love heal me, a song longing for a healing that hasn’t yet come, and Praise the Lord, a song that is a powerful reminder to praise God not just when things are going well, but also when things are a struggle for He is still faithful and His love still endures.
Fans of Rend Collective Experiment, The Fray, or Arcade Fire will particularly enjoy the sound of this album. This is an album you will find yourself singing along to, and is full of songs that are deeper than your standard worship album, not just songs of full-on praise (like the excellent Glory) but also many songs that speak into the very real struggles of life too. A highly recommended album.
{Disclosure: I was provided with a free review copy by their management. I requested this album as I like the band and was not obliged to post a positive review}