Breakaway Praise 2: A Soul-Stirring Journey Through Faith and Groove
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when rock, jazz, funk, and gospel collide in a holy mess of sound, Breakaway Praise 2 is your answer. Released way back in '93 by Joyful Heart Music (shoutout to the US!), this album feels like a time capsule—but not one of those dusty ones you forget about. No, this is the kind of record that sneaks up on you, wraps its arms around your soul, and says, “Hey, remember me?” Spoiler: You do.
Let’s talk tracks for a sec. The opening tune, "I Love You Lord," hits hard right outta the gate. It's soft rock with just enough gospel grit to make it stick. Hans Ives’ guitar work here? Smooth but sharp—like butter sliding across warm toast. And then there’s Louie Weaver on drums keeping things tight without stealing the show. This song sticks because it doesn’t try too hard; it lets the lyrics breathe while the music hugs you from behind. Honestly, it’s impossible not to hum along after hearing it once.
Then there’s "Refiner’s Fire." Whoa. If you’re looking for chills, this track delivers. Peter Jacobs—producer extraordinaire—really flexes his arranging muscles here. The keys swell like waves crashing against rocks, and Tim Nienhuis’ guitar solo? Pure fire. Like, literal flames. By the time the vocals kick in, you’re already halfway to emotional overload. I don’t care who you are—if this song doesn’t light something inside you, check your pulse.
The whole vibe of the album is kinda magical. Lanny Cordola lays down basslines so smooth they could melt ice cream, and Chris Taylor + Dave Jahnsen nailed the mix, giving every instrument room to shine. Brian Godawa’s art direction and Joe Potter’s design might be easy to overlook, but honestly? They added that little extra polish that makes holding the CD feel special—even if it’s 2023 and we mostly stream stuff these days.
What strikes me most about Breakaway Praise 2 isn’t just how good it sounds—it’s how real it feels. These aren’t songs made to impress critics or climb charts. Nah, this is music born outta love, faith, and maybe a few late-night jam sessions fueled by coffee and prayers. Tracks like "Season of Change" remind you life moves fast, but God’s still got the wheel. Meanwhile, "Bless His Holy Name" will have you clapping whether you mean to or not.
Here’s the kicker though: listening to this album today feels almost rebellious. In a world obsessed with TikTok trends and hyper-polished pop hits, Breakaway Praise 2 dares to be simple, sincere, and unapologetically human. It’s like finding an old photo of yourself—you cringe a little at first, but then you smile because dang, wasn’t that a great moment?
So yeah, give this one a spin. Not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because sometimes, you need music that reminds you where home is—even if home is somewhere deep in your chest, beating alongside every note.
