New Music: Shawn McDonald's "Brave"
Singer-songwriter Shawn McDonald has taken a bolder approach in his latest album.
And one result: the title song, “We Are Brave,” became the veteran artist’s first No. 1 Christian radio hit.
Ever since his acoustic-driven break out hit “Gravity” nearly 10 years ago, the artist has occasionally surfaced with new material, mixed in with a couple of live projects.
“Brave” carries more “electronic” effects than his early work. Some of the songs were produced by David Garcia, providing a more pop-influenced sound for McDonald.
The new collection is more bright and upbeat, after the artist emerged from a period of personal trials a number of years ago. The song “End of the Day” restates his passion for wanting to leave a legacy of a faithful walk. “Firefly” (with its supportive string arrangement and sensitive vocals) is an encouraging cry to hold on during life’s difficult passages.
McDonald has a West Michigan connection. Several years ago he was part of Impact Church in Lowell where pastor Jason Holtridge served as the artist’s mentor of sorts, while going through what McDonald termed in one interview “a season of fog.”
“Hope is Right Here” is a song in which the title itself speaks to a promising outlook for the days ahead.
See him:
McDonald performs at 7:30 p.m. Sun. July 27 at Worship on the Waterfront in Waterfront Stadium, downtown Grand Haven. Free-will offering received. Visit www.worshiponthewaterfront.org or call 616-842-6600.
(A music video for the song “We Are Brave” can be seen at www.shawnmcdonaldmusic.com).
