In the summer of 2000, I first heard Andrew Peterson when I listened to his second album, Carried Along. In 2002, I first saw Andrew Peterson in concert not long after his third album, Clear to Venus, was released. Joined by Laura Story and Gabe Scott, he opened that concert with “Land of My Sojourn” by Rich Mullins from his A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band. I had just finished a biography about Rich Mullins. At the same time, I had also discover half.com and I was in the middle of completed my Rich Mullins CD collection.
Andrew Peterson’s music and storytelling struck a chord with me then and it still does now. So, when I hear that he is releasing a new album I immediately pre-order it. The Burning Edge of Dawn is Andrew Peterson’s first full length album since 2012.
I have been listening to three of the songs from the album since early September, and I have had a quick listen through the album this morning since the full download was available. His thoughtful lyrics have already encouraged me.
While I am sure that all of these songs will be my favorite at one point or another, here are a few tracks that have grabbed me so far.
#3 “We Will Survive” – We have all been in a place of cloudy uncertainty. In those times, we need someone to remind us of God’s goodness – to tell us the story we need to hear. We need a voice of clarity to call out above the many voices within us and tell us ” there is nothing left to fear and nothing left to hide.” We all need someone to look us “in the eye and say we will survive.”
#8 “Be Kind to Yourself” – This is a song that he wrote for his daughter. An encouragement for us all to be kind to ourselves, even “when the voices in your mind are anything but kind.” While the love from a father for his daughter shines through, the message of God’s love for his children is crystal clear.
#10 “The Sower’s Song” – This is a powerful song from Isaiah 55 and John 15 with images of God as a gardener who will bring about his purposes.
I am looking forward to many more listens through this album. Listen, download, and buy this album here
Also read Andrew Peterson’s interview at the Gospel Coalition here
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mark t. collins 