7 by JUDAH.
Record Label: Lilhomie Chancho Records
Fans of folk-rock like Mumford and Sons will have a lot to love when it comes to JUDAH., the solo album by frontman, Judah Akers, of Nashville rock band, Judah & the Lion.
There’s everything here; the slow build, the infusion of acoustic and rock n’ roll sensibilities, and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics (also banjos). In his solo effort, Akers leans more into the sensitive folk side, not unlike Jon Foreman’s growing solo discography apart from the band Switchfoot.
In fact, the inspiration isn’t hard to see as Foreman even backs up Akers on Don’t Know If I Believe It.
Akers’ new album, simply called 7, features seven soulful folk/rock songs that explore faith and hope in the face of despair. The songs take on a deeper meaning when considering Akers recently lost a friend to suicide.
His central message is a mature one; he speaks of accepting both the pain and joy that comes with life, and hold them with as much gratitude as our faith allows.
On The Getting Through he sings about the important lessons trials have for us, teaching us to trust in God and his ability to use our hardships for growth:
Cause maybe the point is not the getting over
But the getting through
Take me to my trials
And teach me again
My joy is waiting
At the other side of them.
On You’ve Done The Rest, Akers reminds us:
Your cross, my confidence
Your death, my plea
Your resurrection, my cry of victory
You’ve thought of everything
There’s nothing left
And all I do is come
You’ve done the rest.
Beautiful. Heartfelt. Raw. If you like your folk rock with an occasional banjo, introduce your streaming device to “7.”
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