"What you hold in your hands is the result of MercyMe surfacing from our concern for what others might think of us, and allowing ourselves to come up for air, catch our breath and breathe deep the grace and freedom of God," says Bart Millard of his band's latest release Coming Up To Breathe. This is some of his introduction letter to the listener that I completely agree with. So much variety of sound exists on this album, ranging from soft rock to southern gospel. MercyMe definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting for what kind of sound is next.

In the title track, some extra high notes come from Bart as he sings on gasping for the fresh air of Jesus. "Coming Up to Breathe" is an upbeat reminder that God is the only one we need to stop from drowning into the world around us.

MercyMe's first single of the album, "So Long Self," is one of my favorites. If any song had to break the record of most added onto Christian radio, this song deserves it. You really can't help but sing along. The catchy tune and lyrics offer advice on how to tell yourself "goodbye" in order to pick up and follow Christ, including, "Don't go away mad, but by all means, just go away."

During "Hold Fast," the anticipation you feel from the tune is in strategic parallel to the words. The song is directed towards "everyone who's hurting, to those who've had enough, to all the undeserving," with a side note included that these "should cover all of us." This is one good song to help leave behind our worries and look forward to when Jesus comes to the rescue.

Track four's lyrics are very reminiscent of Todd Agnew's "This Fragile Breath." MercyMe reminds us all in "Something About You" that there are no words good enough to describe God, but something about Him keeps us striving towards Him. An added bonus is the incredible guitar riff mid-song.

"Bring the Rain" is rising to the top as one of my favorites. There's something about a band cleverly reiterating the parts in the Bible about going through the good and the bad, all to glorify God. The background choir adds more power to the song, singing "And I know there'll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that's what it takes to praise You, Jesus bring the rain."

For fans of Millard's album, Hymned, the ending of "No More No Less" will be a treat. Bringing in the old time southern gospel sound strengthens the song and makes it more fun to listen to another time around. "One Trick Pony" brings in a similar sound as well, diversifying the album like no other MercyMe album has done in the past.

A tribute to a young missionary concludes the album. "I Would Die For You" recounts the life and death of B.J. Higgins, a 14-year-old missionary who died from a mysterious disease after traveling to Peru to lead many of its inhabitants to Christ. The song is a great encouragement to live life to the fullest, knowing that death is inevitable, and the after death freedom we all need in Jesus Christ.

After a six minute "moment of silence," Millard belts his southern sound yet again to advise us all to "promise you'll honestly have fun in what you do."

Coming Up To Breathe reflects the diversity of the band's sound and is a refreshing listen. Millard sums it up nicely, explaining in his letter, "Our prayer is that this project will somehow draw you closer to Christ, whether through an intimate time of worship, or through the joy of knowing it is OK to have fun." So pick up your copy and just have fun dancing to the tunes.