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What would make the world the best place it could be? That’s the question contemporary Christian artist Lincoln Brewster asked himself before writing his newest album, Perfect Love. For him, the answer lies in the album’s title and in the message of hope and encouragement that comes with each song.

After finding hope in music during a difficult childhood, Brewster’s career has now spanned the past two decades and resulted in 11 studio albums. Perfect Love came nearly right on the heels of 2018’s God of the Impossible, but the pandemic pushed back the initial release. In the meantime, Brewster also released A Mostly Acoustic Christmas at the end of 2019.

With Perfect Love, Brewster goes back to the basics—the simple yet wonderful truth about God’s extension of love and grace. With tracks like “Nobody Like You,” “Who Am I,” and “Have Your Way,” Brewster marvels at God’s qualities and professes a desire to surrender to his plans. Yet in “Love Sweet Love,” he’s honest about his inability to fully grasp the significance of such perfect love. “I'm out of my depth when it comes to this / And I can't comprehend the way that you give,” he sings on that track.

Compared to some other pandemic releases from Christian artists, Perfect Love feels different. It doesn’t seem to hit on the same levels of raw emotion and wrestling. The album opens with an energetic, dance-worthy number, “Move,” and most of the other songs are pretty upbeat in nature. The lyrics tend to be a little repetitive, and Brewster isn’t pushing the envelope in terms of unique worship elements.

But the heart of his message is what’s most important. He’s a seasoned artist—and skilled guitar player—who wants to make a positive impact and point listeners to God. And Perfect Love helps him do that. (Integrity Music)