Brandon Heath Blue Mountain Album Review

Blue Mountain is the album Brandon Heath was always meant to make.  While Heath could have easily released another slickly produced collection of the thinking man's pop songs he is known for, the singer-songwriter has instead opted to dig a little deeper and has created the best album of his storied career.  Bathed in country and bluegrass instrumentation with subtle yet effective hip hop beats and replete with descriptive lyrical imagery and storytelling, Blue Mountain takes listeners on a complete life journey from its beginnings ("Love Will Be Enough For Us", "Blue Mountain") to its last breath ("Dyin' Day". "In the Dust", "Paul Brown Petty", "He Pain It All") and everything in between ("Love Does", "Jesus in Disguise", "Hands of the Healer", "Diamond", "The Harvester").

"The Harvester" opens Blue Mountain with a jubilant bang as producer Dan Mukala's propulsive beats set the foundation for a banjo, dulcimer and acoustic guitar led jam that is an anthemic cry to believers to join in The Great Commission and "harvest this field from sunrise to sunset". Lead single "Jesus in Disguise" follows suit and while I was fairly critical of the song upon its initial release to radio, in the context of the album, it not only makes sense but is a key bridge between the songs that are more poetic and allegorical and those that are more straightforward in their message.  Heath continues to wear his country lovin' heart on his sleeve on a series of twangy acoustic ballads including the title cut, "Tom Brown Petty" (a tribute to his "Grand-Dad") and "Love Will Be Enough For Us", the latter of which is a tad effeminate (phrases like "butterfly grass" seem out of place coming from Brandon Heath's mouth) but would be a bit hit if Martina, Reba, Faith or Carrie had recorded it (if Brandon was smart, he'd send a demo over to one of these ladies' managers).  Elsewhere he continues his patented "country-hop"/pop hybrid sound on potential future singles "Diamond" and "Love Does".  What is most refreshing about this album though is that the back half of the record is just as strong, if not stronger than the front half!  "In the Dust" and "Dyin' Day" both contemplate mortality in a way that is musically and lyrically similar to the most artistic and profound moments on Heath's last CD Leaving Eden with line such as "from the ground we were created, to the ground we will return" alongside deep propulsive drums and moody-programming.  However, Blue Mountain ends on a hopeful note with the jangley "Hands of the Healer" that reminds us that "if we're gonna pray about it, there's no use in worrying and if we're gonna worry about it, then why are we prayin'?" followed by the instant classic southern gospel ballad, "He Paid It All".  This album closing duet with Deana Carter (of "Strawberry Wine" fame) is the crown jewel of the album with its plaintive and doctrinally sound lyrics set to a classic Gaither-influenced melody and a killer guitar solo.  The track leaves the listener in awe of our Savior's sacrifice and with a longing to be in His presence, which seems to be the end goal of the entire record.

In the end, Brandon Heath has gone above and beyond expectations with Blue Mountain and has truly found a beautiful balance between pop music and art.  While some fans of Heath's radio gems may be a bit put off by the many laid back southern tracks or moody contemplative fare, those who give this album a chance will find this collection of songs to be an arresting faith-filled and thought-provoking journey through the human experience that just keeps getting better and deeper with each listen.

Radio Ready: "Jesus in Disguise", "Love Does", "Diamond", "The Harvester", "Hands of the Healer"

iPod Picks: This is an album that should be heard from beginning to end so I recommend just putting the whole thing on there, but if you MUST choose, pick "The Harvester", "He Paid It All", "Love Does", and "Dyin' Day" (and "Jesus in Disguise" and "Hands of the Healer" and "Diamond" if you have room too! HAHA!)