Nichole Nordeman- Every Mile Mattered

Radio Ready: The Sound of Surviving, You're Here, Lean

iPod Picks: Dear Me, The Sound of Surviving, You're Here, Every Mile Mattered, Anywhere We Are

The Short: What a triumph of an album! Someone please send "Sound of Surviving" to radio (CCM and mainstream), someone else make books out of "Dear Me" and "Anywhere We Are". Perfect balance of honesty and pop relevance. Thank you Nichole. Your voice has only grown stronger with time.

After a very long wait, Nichole Nordeman's first full-length album in 12 years proves true talent and insight only grows with time and that the experiences that make us who we are and show us who God is truly can be a blessing to others- no matter how painful they may be.

Nichole Nordeman has always been one of those rare artists that simply has a way with words. Her writing has always been thoughtful, thought-provoking and rooted in a deep love for Christ, His Church and His Word. She's always been a searching soul, never quite satisfied with the simple answers but willing to trust her God when that's all He gives her.

Recently all she knew was tested as by fire as the marriage she gave up her career for came to a crashing end. However, as her new release Every Mile Mattered, and her 2015 EP, The Unmaking, before it show, Nichole's faith, though battered and tried, is stronger than ever and she has gleaned new insights into what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Every Mile Mattered, in many ways, feels like a direct sequel to her 2000 release This Mystery. Set to a modern pop musical backdrop, the music and melody never take precedence over the lyrics, even on the epic "Dear Me" (which seems musically inspired by her work on the soundtrack, The Story), and the music is used as a vehicle to present honesty and truth. This at times can cause the songs to run together a bit but each track is given its own distinct musical identity so they can each stand on their own.

"You're Here" and "Sound of Surviving" are Nichole's most radio ready songs since "Brave" (someone please send "Sound of Surviving to both CCM and mainstream AC radio right now!) and the title track, "No Longer," "Lean," and "Listen to Your Life" could fit well on any Soft AC radio playlist as well.

However, its in the stark ballads where Nichole has always shined. "Dear Me" is truly a show-stopper and forces the listener to reconsider what they feel they know and deserve. This song seems to provide some resolution to the questions and "mysteries" addressed on several of the songs found on This Mystery ("Please Come", the title track, "Small Enough") and reminds us that we will never have all the answers this side of Heaven, therefore, we should be humble.

"Anywhere We Are" seems like an answer song to her last full-length album's (2005's Brave) closing track "We Build." "Hush Hush" follows a musical path few CCM songs are willing to take with its minor chord progression and unresolved ending. Even her a capella take on U2's classic "Beautiful Day" feels like an original song by Nichole and is virtually unrecognizable from the original version (in a good way).

On Every Mile Mattered Nichole Nordeman has topped all her previous releases, and probably all the other releases from CCM artists this year! This is a must buy for everyone.