Brandon Heath

Leaving Eden
Provident Label Group LLC, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment

Brandon Heath’s third CD, “Leaving Eden,” continues his inward-looking view of our world that began with his previous critically aclaimed album “What If We.” The title track, while a thematically simple view of life today, is rich in color and texture, with powerfully moving drums leading the way. Drummers, take note.

“Your Love,” the album’s featured song, begins with a subtle familiarity — a nod, perhaps, to Heath’s big hit “Give Me Your Eyes.” It quickly shifts into a moving contra-point vocal play, pointing the way to our singular need for God’s love. One of the standout tracks is “Only Water,” a simple acoustic ballad recounting the earth-changing effects, both for good and bad, of water. The theme resolves with Jesus’ first miracle, the changing of water into wine.

Heath has again in 2011 received a male vocalist nomination for the Dove Awards — well deserved, based on the strength of this CD. Heath will be touring this summer on the Leaving Eden Tour with Dave Barnes and Kristian Stanfill, and is currently touring with the Toby Mac Winter Wonder Slam.