Beautiful Scars

Style: Modern rock; compare to Lifehouse, Inhabited, Jeremy Camp

Beautiful Scars

Ryan John, Chad Carouthers, Marcus Acker, Charlie Harper

August 10, 2010

Top tracks: “In Too Deep,” “Better Man,” “I Want To Be Home”

At 25, Alabama-bred singer/songwriter Ryan John already logged eight years as a pastor and speaker, which translates to a mature writing style. On this debut disc, he isn’t afraid to expose personal imperfections, while reminding listeners to lean on God no matter how messy life gets. It’s a straight-up modern rock record, but the dynamic shift between charging romps and introspective ballads sounds fresh and inspired. John continues his church commitments, but could also make the cut in Nashville should he decide to pursue music instead.

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