Cory Asbury “Pioneer” Album Review

Prime Cuts: These Are the Days, Kind, Pioneer
Overall Grade: 2.5/5
Cory Asbury garnered international recognition when churches began singing his hit song "Reckless Love." However, as much as "Reckless Love" is a blessing, it's also a curse. Ever since the song's success, Asbury has been trying to prove that he's more than just his hit record. On the track "The Promise is the Same" on this new record, Asbury shares his struggle transparently, "They might say I'm a sinner if I don't sing `hallelujah'/That I'll be forgotten if every song I sing's not to You." In defiance against critics who advise him to craft another "Reckless Love" worship song, Asbury has gone the opposite direction.
Instead of offering a palette of pop-centric congregational-focused songs, these 11 songs are more folk-country reflections about life, children, self-doubt, fears, and faith. Ditching the usual worship music scribes, Asbury has partnered with country songwriters such as Lori McKenna, Tom Douglas, Shane Stevens, and others. Therefore, we get more folk songs that Luke Combs and Chris Stapleton would be proud of.
Kudos to Asbury for bearing his soul as he recounts the precious moments he spends with his kids in "These Are the Days." Meanwhile, "White Knuckled" speaks of our need to redeem the time. In the tender "Kind," Asbury encourages us to be more like Jesus in our dealings with others. Meanwhile, a faith-filled life is the theme of the title track "Pioneer;" not to be missed is the tender "Only Jesus for My Pain."
But there is a significant problem with this album. Again, it is expressed in "The Promise is the Same." In the third verse, Asbury sings, "Still praying for a melody." Yes, the whole album lacks melodies. Every song sounds almost identical: they are all set in a similar balladry tempo, and the tunes play second fiddle to whatever theme Asbury is trying to narrate. After a while, the album gets frustrating and boring to listen to, and you wish he would stick to "Reckless Love."
Tags : cory asbury bethel music Cory Asbury “Pioneer” Album Review Cory Asbury Pioneer
Hot Trends
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Eva Crabb, Daughter of Adam Crabb, Drops Debut Single
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Colton Dixon's "Miracles" Certified GOLD by RIAA
-
Randy Travis Honored with ACM Milestone Award at 18th ACM Honors
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
The Grace Effect 2025 to Feature Gospel Powerhouses Jekalyn Carr, Joe Mettle, and More
-
Dante Bowe Criticized for Wearing Questionable Shirt on Instagram
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Stevie Wonder Added to List of Performers for Today’s Funeral Service for Gospel Legend Andraé Crouch
-
Kingdom Bound Festival Poised To Grow Again In 2018
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Cory Asbury Apologizes to Forrest Frank, Emphasizes Grace and Growth Amid Viral Song Trend
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Eva Crabb, Daughter of Adam Crabb, Drops Debut Single
-
What We Know About "American Idol" Winner Jamal Roberts' Faith
-
Colton Dixon's "Miracles" Certified GOLD by RIAA
-
Randy Travis Honored with ACM Milestone Award at 18th ACM Honors
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
The Grace Effect 2025 to Feature Gospel Powerhouses Jekalyn Carr, Joe Mettle, and More
-
Dante Bowe Criticized for Wearing Questionable Shirt on Instagram
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Stevie Wonder Added to List of Performers for Today’s Funeral Service for Gospel Legend Andraé Crouch
-
Kingdom Bound Festival Poised To Grow Again In 2018