Mercyme: Bart Millard (vocals); Barry Graul, Mike Scheuchzer (guitar); Jim Bryson (piano, Hammond b-3 organ, synthesizer); Nathan Cochran (bass instrument); Robby Shaffer (drums).
Recording information: 2004.
Christian Rock band MercyMe is a classic example of a group succeeding through talent and perseverance. Started by passionate vocalist Bart Millard in the early 1990s, the band slowly grew from a duo to six members by 2004. MercyMe released independent record after independent record through the late '90s, gathering a substantial fan base through touring, until breaking out with a huge major label debut, ALMOST THERE, a record still selling significantly as its third record UNDONE was unleashed.
UNDONE continues MercyMe's legacy of earnest, melodic, devotional rock with just a tinge of crossover country, lying musically somewhere between Restless Heart and Five For Fighting. Lyrically, the sextet is similar to bands like Sixpence None The Richer in its ability to balance its religiously provocative lyrics with just enough subtlety to reach the most secular of ears. Ballads like "Where You Lead Me" and "Everything Impossible" are both eminently hopeful and immediately engaging, perfect ear candy for pop radio fans while remaining true to the spirit of glorification. On UNDONE, MercyMe again shows that it has something to offer both the Christian and pop worlds.
