I Am They Album Review

Self Titled Debut Album Wins Them a Dove Award Nomination For New Artist of The Year

          I Am They have entered the Christian music realm with hearts wide open and a pathway that shines bright upon them from above. Their first single From The Day, off their Self-Titled Debut Album has been streaming quite frequently on Christian radio. 
 
     I was first introduced to this band at the 2015 K-Love Fan Awards. 

On the Red Carpet at the K-love Fan Awards

 They were performing in the fan zone and I was instantly intrigued. The chemistry they shared with one another reminded me a lot of Sidewalk Prophets (who I love).  The difference is that I Am They have two very talented and beautiful women on their team and carry a hint of folk sound similar to Rend Collective.

     Released on January 27, 2015 I Am They through Provident Label Group has received mixed reviews throughout a broad spectrum of music websites.   I am inclined to say that though they are all based on a specific writers taste, obviously fans who have given them five stars and gotten them nominated for a Dove award outweigh anything less than commendable.

     I've never been much of a fan of folk music, at least not that I was aware of. However, the infusion of folk along with pop/rock and acoustic sound with fantastic lyrics and vocals places I Am They at the top of my list of favorite albums to listen to lately.  I would not generalize this as a worship album but as far as contemporary Christian music is concerned they have created a winner.  


     We Are Yours starts off this ten track musical celebration by getting your toes tapping along with beautiful harmonies. Demonstrating the most important thing we have to remember, is that no matter what happens in the world we must stay focused on one thing.  "You can't take away what the world didn't give, we were made for more.  At the end of the day this will remain, forever we are yours.  Forever we are yours."

     As we go through our daily walk sometimes we hit difficult strides.  Calling upon the one who restores our strength, You Awake My Love carries an addictive melody that you will become hooked on.  It's actually one of my personal favorites on the album.  It's fun and leaves you feeling refreshed knowing that He renews our strength."Every burden lifted- every sorrow you washed away.  You're turning ashes to glory and fill my heart with singing."

     Catchy melodies and intertwined wonderful harmonies are what I Am They specialize in. Your Love Is Mine is another example of this as they share in the celebration of being pulled from the miry clay.  The joy that we feel as salvation pours out upon on us when He finds us lost.  "I once was lost and burdened in my shame, but You took the cross and suffered in my place.  You rescued me, I belong to You."

     I have mentioned before that when I first listen to a CD I have a tendency to grasp onto the lyrics and style of one certain song that I often select as my favorite. Over and Over Again is a fitting name, because that's how I listen to it. I am a big fan of Sidewalk Prophets and if someone told me this was them singing I would believe them. I love powerful ballads that build to explosive vocal lyrics toward the end of the song and that is exactly how this unfolds. "In my suffering and in my weakness and When from you I ran; You find me. In the dark of sin, when I'm there again; You find me over and over again."

     King of Love is another example of why this is a great road trip album. "In death's dark veil I will fear no ill.  With thee, dear Lord beside me. Thy rod and staff my comfort still.  Thy cross before to guide me." The harmonies are spot on and the message speaks of the great love that our shepherd carries for us.  

     I don't pick up a lot of folk sound on this album but Even Me definitely sounds more contemporary than most tracks. I would not be surprised if this is the next radio release.  It's very easy to relate to.  All who have been forgiven through the blood of Christ understand how special God considers each one of us. 

     If you have not heard their current radio hit, you can watch the video for From The Day below.  I enjoy every song on the album, but strangely enough I would not have picked this as the first release, personally I would rate this number six in my order of favorites.  Honestly, all the songs are great so that's not a bad thing. 

      One of my favorite songs recently to sing a long to, which I find I have stuck in my head quite often is Make A Way. There is something about knowing and trusting in the promises of God that comforts us no matter what we might be facing.  This is such a pleasant reminder that He will make a way whether we are on the mountain or in the valley.  This song will encourage you and comfort you lifting your spirits as you confess your victories in song. 

     Here's My Heart is melodically and lyrically outstanding. This song is pretty close to beating out Over and Over Again for me.  This is the one song on the album that I would categorize as pure worship.  It's a surrender of our hearts over to the Father for His purpose and plan for our lives.  I cannot express how beautiful this song is you will just have to hear it for yourself.  My opinion to the person who handles releases, get this one on the radio next!!!  The body of Christ hungers for songs like this.  

     All ten tracks on this album are fantastic and any review that states anything shy of that needs to get a tune up done on their ears.  Anyone who loves messages of strength and hope along with catchy melodies and brilliantly orchestrated choruses needs to have this album, yesterday.  

     Closing out the list is the heartfelt adoration in an offering over the messages birthed from tracks one through nine.  Amen portrays the prayers that they sing about through the whole album.  Learning to trust God whatever comes our way.  "You have taught me to say Amen, let Your kingdom come.  Amen, let Your will be done, and through the rise and fall, You're God above it all, Amen we're singing Amen."

     I Am They have a long future ahead in the land of Christian music.  Though that field is getting larger and larger, praise be to our Father in Heaven for giving us a taste of the array of worship that we will be surrounded with and by forever and ever. I would highly recommend you check out this talented group of individuals and if you get a chance you can catch them on tour this year with other amazing artists like Matt Maher, Casting Crowns and many more!

See Full Tour Schedule Here!

Purchase I Am They