Released 20 years ago
Coming Up to Breathe
MercyMe · 2006
65 min · 13 tracks · contemporary Christian music
A blend of uplifting melodies and introspective lyrics that resonate with the struggles of faith and hope.
Top tracks — play these first
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Coming Up to Breathe Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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So Long Self — The track showcases an engaging chorus that captures the essence of self-discovery and letting go, making it an anthem for personal growth.
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Bring the Rain — This song stands out for its poignant exploration of faith amidst hardship, resonating deeply with listeners facing their own challenges.
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Where I Belong — With its reflective lyrics about yearning for a place of comfort and belonging, this track encapsulates the overarching theme of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features solid songwriting and production but follows familiar themes within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first track introduces a gradual build-up with layered instrumentation, leading into the more upbeat second track.
- Several tracks feature a recurring lyrical theme of self-reflection and faith, often using personal narratives to convey messages.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- uplifting melodies for renewal
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- heartfelt themes of hope
- patient unfolding towards climax
- morning motivation and inspiration
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified MercyMe's presence in mainstream music after earlier success.
- Themes
- spiritual renewal· personal reflection· finding strength in adversity
- Career context
- Coming Up to Breathe is MercyMe's fourth studio album, released during a period of rising popularity following their breakthrough success with the single 'I Can Only Imagine'. By this time, the band had established themselves as a prominent force in contemporary Christian music, building on their previous work while exploring deeper themes of personal faith and resilience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Casting Crowns· Chris Tomlin· TobyMac
Tracklist
- 1 Coming Up to Breathe Start here 4:18
- 2 So Long Self 4:03
- 3 Hold Fast 4:38
- 4 Something About You 4:55
- 5 You're to Blame 4:14
- 6 No More No Less 5:46
- 7 Where I Belong 4:39
- 8 Bring the Rain 5:30
- 9 Last One Standing 3:39
- 10 One Trick Pony 3:26
- 11 3:42am (Writer's Block) 3:35
- 12 Safe and Sound 3:43
- 13 I Would Die for You 12:49
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Lifesong
Casting Crowns
Shares themes of hope and personal reflection with anthemic melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Arriving
Chris Tomlin
Features uplifting songs centered on spiritual renewal, with a similar emotional resonance.
Portable Sounds
TobyMac
Combines upbeat melodies with messages of resilience and faith, mirroring the uplifting spirit.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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