Producer: Ricky Free
Record Label: Daywind Records
Website: www.brianfreeandassurance.com
Brian Free and Assurance have released their second album since the return of being a full time trio. Fresh melodies, production and heart make up their newest project Beyond Amazed. And… It’s quite possibly the best album released thus far in 2017.
Beyond Amazed starts out with the 80s era type of music on “Anything Is Possible.” Be not confused with the title, as they released a song by the same title on a previous record. Kenna West and Lee Black penned a hit on this one. Fun piano and guitar licks kick the album off.
Following is the current single, “He Can Take It.” West teamed up with Sue C. Smith and Jeff Bumgardner to create a song that invites us to the table of surrender. Healing is found in this song.
Other mention-worthy tunes are the title cut “Beyond Amazed,” “The Voice Of Jesus,” and “Sometimes You Need A Song.” All three are more upbeat tunes with very timely messages. Writers like Don Koch, Lee Black, Marty Funderburk and Sue Smith fill this album with amazing melodies and lyrics that challenge and encourage the listener.
Production wise, let me note – Ricky Free produced this project and completely outdid himself on this recording. I can’t say enough about the creativity and overall “fun” sound on this project. From the first guitar lick on track one, to the final cymbal swell on “Unheard,” you are listening to a musical work of art.
Beyond Amazed is the standard of which all future Brian Free & Assurance albums should match up, lyrically. I say that with high conviction. An album of restoration and grace. It’s not often I find an album that hits me in the chest and yet restores me at the same time. Well done, boys.
Track Listing:
Anything Is Possible
He Can Take It
Beyond Amazed
Leave With Nothing Left
The Voice Of Jesus
Everything He Forgot
At The Cross
Sometimes You Need A Song
The End Of Grace
Unheard
