Beyond Amazed - Brian Free & Assurance - CD Review

Brian Free & Assurance released its latest CD Beyond Amazed the last week of September. The quartet turned trio has become known and loved for its unique, progressive sound.

Brian Free is known for picking top-notch songs and this project is no exception. This collection of songs is one of the strongest to be released this year. The album credits contain a who's who of songwriters.

The project kicks off with "Anything Is Possible." It has the same sound we've come to love from this group. It's not the same song that was recorded on the group's Never Walk Alone project.

Brian takes the lead on "He Can Take It," which is the current single. It's a great reminder of the power of God. All our fears, doubts, questions, troubles - He can take it. Not only that but He can take whatever we have, take it and heal it. It's a powerful reminder how God can use whatever we might be going through for His glory.

Mike Rogers steps up to mic on the title track as well as "The Voice of Jesus." The latter is definitely more on the progressive end. It's a great uptempo number that reminds us to simply listen to the voice of Jesus. No matter what the world is saying or how tough the situation we are facing is, we can listen to Him.

"Leave With Nothing Left" is one of the slower songs on the album. It's an inspiration to really make the most of the time we have here on earth. Bill turns in a powerful performance on this song.

The lyrics of "Sometimes You Need a Song" will grab your attention. It's one you'll find yourself repeating to allow the truths of the song to sink in. Sometimes music can speak to us in ways that a sermon or other things can't.

"At the Cross" is another one of those songs that just has the Brian Free and Assurance sound. Brian takes the lead on this one that might not be what listeners expect from the title. Brian also has the ballad, "The End of Grace." It's the type of song that Brian just shines on.

"Unheard" is the closer of the album. It's one that you should not miss. When we can't even find the words, there's not a prayer unheard. Also, I never realized how similar Mike and Bill sound until this song.

It's impossible to find a song that is not going to speak to you on this project. Beyond Amazed is one of the projects you definitely need to add to your collection.

Songs to Turn Up - "Anything Is Possible" and "At the Cross"
Song to Put on Repeat - "He Can Take It"
Song to Give a Second Listen - "Sometimes You Need a Song" and "Unheard"

Song List -
1. "Anything Is Possible"
2. "He Can Take It"
3. "Beyond Amazed"
4. "Leave With Nothing Left"
5. "The Voice of Jesus"
6. "Everything He Forgot"
7. "At the Cross"
8. "Sometimes You Need a Song"
9. "The End of Grace"
10. "Unheard"