MercyMe WONDER & AWE
Released: August 8, 2025 (Fair Trade Services)
Written by: Lori Lebel Markwas (August 8, 2025)
MercyMe’s Wonder & Awe is a heartfelt, honest, and refreshingly diverse album that takes listeners on a spiritual and emotional journey through the highs and lows of the Christian walk. The opening track, “Canary in the Coal Mine,” kicks things off with a super catchy, acoustic-driven energy, complete with rhythmic clapping and a backing choir. Though short, it delivers a strong message about how God leads us through trouble. “All God’s People” follows with a bright, upbeat tempo and a funky 1970s flair and a brassy horn section. The repeating line—“All God’s people say amen / All God’s people say alright”—invites listeners into a shared moment of praise, making it an engaging standout track. “Fred Astaire” offers a lighter, feel-good vibe, encouraging joyful freedom through dance. “Overflowing” and “Why Not Now, Why Not Me”, while not stand-out songs musically, still support the album’s themes of seeking God and embracing a faithful life lyrically.
The title track, “Wonder and Awe,” brings emotional depth as a ballad that builds with strings and soaring melody. It reflects on the longing to return to a childlike faith and innocence. “So Many Reasons” is simple yet profound, a slower-paced song that feels honest and grounded. With “Oh Death,” the band blends pop-rock with spiritual boldness, confidently declaring that death no longer holds power over us through Christ. “Trust the One” slows things down again, offering a sweet, sincere song about surrender and trusting God’s presence in uncertainty. “Sing (Like You’ve Already Won)” rises from a slow, thoughtful start then soars, encouraging believers to praise even in the midst of trials, because victory is already won in Christ. “OK”, another shorter tune, brings a reassuring message that, even when we don’t know what’s coming, it’s going to be “okay.” The closing track, “Heartbroken Hallelujah,” is a moving expression from pain to hope. It’s a slow, intimate ballad that acknowledges the heaviness of suffering while turning to worship in the midst of it.
Wonder & Awe is a thoughtful, well-rounded album that showcases MercyMe’s range—both musically and spiritually, and is an invitation to celebrate faith, stand firm in His love and live in awe of a God who is with us through life’s triumphs and trials.
