Come Alive

Mark Schultz’s first studio album in three years reaffirms his Christian faith in bright sonic colors. Come Alive adds more rock heft to his arrangements, matching his signature piano with big guitar flourishes and billowing strings. “All Has Been Forgiven,” “Grace Amazing” and “Love Has Come” are triumphant expressions of Christ’s promise. Schultz also acknowledges human weakness — “Closer Than I’ve Ever Been,” for one, touches on the singer’s own spiritual need in urgent terms. He presents some telling character sketches in “Live Like You’re Loved” (a celebration of God-strengthened family ties) and “Father’s Eyes” (offering hope to the wounded and friendless). While much of Come Alive veers towards the dramatic, the title track is a more understated slice of summery folk-pop. With production input from such notables as Brown Bannister (Amy Grant), Bernie Herms (Natalie Grant) and Paul Mills (Third Day), the album doesn’t lack in sonic polish, and Schultz sounds vital and engaged, eager to spread his message of joy and redemption.