Style: Modern praise; compare to Matt Redman, Coldplay, John Mayer, Over the Rhine
Top tracks: “Dry Bones,” “Brighter Day,” “Please Be My Strength,” “We Will Run”
Whether operating under the Michael Gungor Band moniker or simply its leader’s last name, this unconventional praise act is known just as much for its epic anthems as its earthy introspection. Both sides of the band permeate Beautiful Things, which, despite its sunny title, wrestles with subjects like struggling to find the heart of worship and being disillusioned by the world’s countless social injustices. But there’s plenty of praise here too, with foot-stomping romps and heart-wrenching ballads both more fitting on a funky street corner than in a cozy mega-church.
Copyright © 2010 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
