Coming Up to Breathe - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
They set out to nail down a defining moment in their career, the MercyMe golden spike if you will. The goal for Coming Up to Breathe was a genre groundbreaking release such as Amy Grant's Lead Me On or U2's The Joshua Tree. While it's hard to go that far, it's safe to say that MercyMe's artistic integrity has met commercial appeal somewhere in the middle with Coming Up to Breathe. The one-time worship band certainly know how to write a hit and they bring us more of the same with radio-ready tracks like "So Long Self," "Last One Standing," and "Safe and Sound." But lead man Bart Millard digs a little deeper on the self-revealing "No More No Less" and "One Trick Pony." Lyrically both tracks reveal a band unapologetic about their faith and creative destiny. "Pony" is a pleasant divergence with its slide guitar and Mississippi mud atmosphere, conjuring up images of the band sitting at a crossroads somewhere in the Southland. MercyMe has never been afraid to show their musical influences on their sleeve. That's why you shouldn't be surprised by the Edge-like guitars on "Something About You" or even the pounding rhythm chords of "Hold Fast," which evoke Coldplay comparisons. So it's that struggle between creating something new and holding true to your principles that the band spells out for us. Perhaps Millard sums this up best on "3:42 AM (Writer's Block)" when he sings of a man out of words but not out of passion to allow God to speak through him. That's always been the aim of MercyMe and in this case, their hammer has driven this spike solidly into the ground. --Michael Lyttle

Album Description
Certain albums are obvious landmarks in the history of Christian music. These are the times when vision meets talent in a divine appointment that produces a collection of songs that help define an artist's career: WhiteHeart's 'Freedom', Amy Grant's 'Lead Me On', dcTalk's 'Jesus Freak', and Michael W. Smith's 'Eye 2 Eye', among others. MercyMe's new release, 'Coming Up to Breathe', is one of those albums. Singer Bart Millard is pleased with the success of MercyMe's previous albums, but admits there's a special satisfaction in this one. "We've always joked about wanting to make our 'Freedom' or 'Lead Me On', and time will tell if that is ever the case," Millard says, "but we just gave it everything we had. There was no holding back on this record. Regardless of what you are going through in life, regardless of what you are consumed with, regardless of what fills up your everyday life, there are times you have to stop and surface and take a deep breath and remember what's important. That's what this album is for us. It's addressing everything we've gone through and realizing the one common denominator in all this is Jesus. That's what is worth taking a breath for."

Album Description
Import pressing includes two bonus tracks.

Customer Reviews: Read 30 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

A Decided Step into Fresh Territory April 28, 2006
27 out of 28 found this review helpful

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.

4 out of 5 stars

4.5 Stars for a 10-star band! April 25, 2006
14 out of 16 found this review helpful

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!

5 out of 5 stars

Wake Up and Smell the Roses- This Album is Nothing Less Than MercyMe's Best! July 16, 2006
14 out of 15 found this review helpful

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."

4 out of 5 stars

A (different?) opinion **** October 27, 2006
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

It's always good to get a wide variety of opinions on a CD or movie or anything, for that matter. I believe my opinion on this CD could be of considerable worth because of who I am. Read on; questions and comments are always welcome.

I've always been a huge fan of music. I own several hundred albums, and like to listen to a lot of different styles. This year (2006,) I have been listening to a lot of Christian music (The Fold, 10 Years, Switchfoot, etc). Over the years, I have noticed that there are two different types of Christian artists; one who tries to be less controversial, almost burying the fact the he is a Christian; and a second who allows his belief in Christ not only define who he is, but define his music as well. I have always been drawn to the second. Mercyme's "Coming Up to Breathe" is perhaps the most overtly Christian album of the CCM movement since Jars of Clay's self titled 1995 album, a record I absolutely loved in high school (and the only album of which my mom aproved.) I guess my opinion is of worth on the subject because I'm Mormon, one of the most misunderstood religions in the world. But, suffice it to say, that Mormons, Protestants, and Catholics all believe as their central doctrine that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of all Mankind. The differences are in the details. I guess I'm saying I can relate to, appreciate, enjoy, and increase faith in Christ through this music as much as anyone else, which makes it a powerful (and catchy!) album.

I saw Mercyme on a late night talk show performing "So Long Self." I couldn't really understand the lyrics (I thought it was a typical love song) but there was something about them that made me tell my wife "I bet they're a Christian band." I bought the album a couple weeks later and was happy to learn I was right. The band's spiritual insight and commitment to Christ blew me away. Lines like "Clear the way for One who's worthy of all my Praise," would stick with me for days. I, of course, learned that "So Long Self," wasn't a love song, but a dismissal of selfishness in order to follow Christ;

"Believe it or not, but life is not apparently about my anyway. But I have met the One who really is worthy so let me say so long self. Well, it's been fun but I have found somebody else."

While my mom (Mormon, also) was in town visiting me and my wife, I was playing the album in the car. When "Hold Fast" came on, it made her cry. She mentioned that she has found the trials in her life (she has had many unfortunate health problems for the latter half of her life) easiest to take when her reliance on the Savior is the strongest.

Largely, the lyrics of this album defines what we as Christians believe, the roots of what defines us. If we come from different camps of thought, but don't have a problem with the core message and roll of Christ, we shouldn't have problems with each other. After all, aren't we all brothers and sisters with a loving Father? If our mission is to follow Christ and become more like Him, we should treat each other accordingly. I LOVE this album! I'll share my favorite line from "One Trick Pony" to close.

"If I hear just one more time that I should try to me more open minded I think I just might scream. The world says this is all there is, yet I believe the One who says there's life after this. Now tell me how much more open can my mind be?!"

Amen. Overall: 8 out of 10.
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5 out of 5 stars

Best album in last 10 years........Maybe longer May 13, 2006
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

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.

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