Melody Noel – “Closer Than I Know” & “So Good”

Released: February 21, 2025 & April 11, 2025 (Influence Music)

4.6/5

Written by: Mike Laxton (April 11, 2025)

There’s a sweet serenity in Melody Noel’s voice that doesn’t just carry a song — it ministers. Over the last two releases, Melody has crafted more than just beautiful melodies; she’s woven together worshipful declarations that remind us of who God is and just how near and good He continues to be.

With “Closer Than I Know,” Melody Noel invites us into an intimate, almost conversational space with God. The song opens with a gentle piano foundation and a spoken-word declaration of God’s promises, grounding the track in Scripture from the start. It’s a modern psalm — honest, vulnerable, and full of hope.

“Whether I’m strong or whether I’m weak / Whether I’m dancing or down on my knees…” she sings — and it’s in that lyrical duality that the strength of the song lies. She doesn’t sugarcoat life’s valleys. Instead, she points us to the truth that God’s presence is not circumstantial. Midway through the song, Melody pauses the melody to reflect on Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, and Psalm 23:4 — verses that remind us that God goes with us, strengthens us, and comforts us, even in the darkest moments.

What stands out most in “Closer Than I Know” is the accessibility of its message. It’s as much a lifeline to the weary as it is a praise offering from the grateful. Musically, it leans into the CCM format with grace — soft yet powerful, lyrically rich, and spiritually anchored. It’s a track that both comforts and uplifts, and in a time where many believers are walking through uncertainty, it hits home in the most personal of ways.

Fast forward to her latest release, “So Good,” which dropped today — and we find Melody transitioning from assurance to adoration. While it carries the same soothing sonic atmosphere as her previous single, “So Good” is far more celebratory. It’s a joyful, dance-worthy reminder that everything God does is — quite literally — good.

“My God, You’re simply breathtaking / Creation rounds with applause,” she proclaims in the opening verse, setting the stage for a worship anthem that celebrates the goodness of God in every corner of creation and in every detail of our lives. Where “Closer Than I Know” was reflective and intimate, “So Good” is vibrant and full of praise. The instrumentation opens up with more energy, and lyrically, it’s a declaration of freedom, mercy, and the abundance we receive through Christ.

The metaphor-rich lines — “Let the ocean waves roar with a chorus of praise” and “Let the wild ones dance to the endless song that you sing” — stir the imagination and inspire the soul. And like she shared in our conversation, this track is not only an extension of “Closer Than I Know” but a natural next step in the worship journey. If “Closer” was a prayer whispered in the quiet, “So Good” is the shout of joy that comes when you’ve seen God come through — again and again.

What’s so refreshing about Melody’s songwriting is how it avoids cliché while still sounding familiar. These are songs that can be sung by a congregation or cried out in personal devotion. They feel like home — songs you can return to on the hardest days and sing with full hearts on the best ones.

In our interview, Melody shared that both tracks were birthed out of a place of real encounters with God’s presence — a closeness she couldn’t ignore and a goodness she couldn’t deny. That authenticity bleeds into every lyric and melody.

Together, “Closer Than I Know” and “So Good” form a thematic duo — a musical testimony that speaks to both the nearness and the nature of God. Whether you’re walking through uncertainty or standing on the mountaintop, Melody Noel offers a soundtrack of truth that echoes in both seasons: He’s near. He’s good. And He’s worthy of it all.