Leaving Eden (Brandon Heath album)

Last updated

Leaving Eden
LeavingEden.jpg
Studio album by
Brandon Heath
ReleasedJanuary 18, 2011
Genre Contemporary Christian music
Length43:43
Label Reunion
Producer Dan Muckala
Brandon Heath chronology
What If We
(2008)		Leaving Eden
(2011)		 Blue Mountain
(2012)
Singles from Leaving Eden
  1. "Your Love"
    Released: September 14, 2010 [1]
  2. "The Light in Me"
    Released: April 29, 2011 [2]
  3. "Leaving Eden"
    Released: October 2011

Leaving Eden is the third studio album by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath. It was released on January 18, 2011 through Reunion Records. This album received a nomination at 54th Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. [3] During the week of January 21, 2011, the album's first single "Your Love" was No. 1 on Christian Songs chart, which it spent 27 weeks on the chart. [4] [5] Also, the song was charted on the Heatseekers songs chart at the highest of No. 20, and was on the chart for three weeks. [4] [6] The second charted song "The Light in Me" was charted at a peak of ninth on the Christian Songs chart during the week of November 5, 2011, and was on the chart for 23 weeks. [7] [8] This song was made into a music video by Heath. [9] The single "Leaving Eden" was charted at a peak of No. 18 on December 31, 2011 on Billboards Christian Songs chart, and has been on the chart 10 weeks to date. [10]

Contents

Songs

Leaf

This means a time before you knew right from wrong, when everything was correct in your life and your world, and that a time before you knew sin and the fall of man. When was that time? [11]

Apple

This means the thing that steals your existence in this life, and for him it was the news because he is a news addict that likes knowing. Sometimes he wishes it could all be erased from his mind. What is stealing your Eden? [12]

Heart

This means the desires of your heart that you have not acted upon. Heath said it is complex. He said music is his heart, and it was his calling in this life, which he said it is a highly volatile industry. He said he had no other option. He evokes the sense that God loves our heart. What is your heart, and when was the last time you asked yourself? [13]

Release

Leaving Eden was released on January 18, 2011 through the Reunion Records in the United States. It also debuted at No. 1 on Top Current Contemporary Christian Chart. [14] The album was certified gold by the RIAA, and was the No. 1 album at iTunes Christian Albums Chart during the week of January 21, 2011. [15] The song "Your Love" was charted at No. 1 on the Billboard’s National Christian Audience, and both AC Monitor and Indicator charts during the week of January 14, 2011. [16]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
(Jared Johnson)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [17]
Alpha Omega News
(Tom Frigoli)		A [18]
Alt Rock Live
(Jonathan Faulkner)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [19]
CCM Magazine
(Grace S. Aspinwall)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [20]
Christian Manifesto
(Lydid Akinola)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [21]
Christian Music Review
(Kevin Davis)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [22] [23]
Christianity Today
(John Brandon)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [24]
Cross Rhythms
(Tony Cummings)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [25]
Gospel Music Channel
(Lindsay Williams)		(Positive) [26]
Jesus Freak Hideout
(Roger Gelwicks)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [27]
Louder Than the Music
(Jono Davies)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [28]
New Release Tuesday
(Sarah Fine)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [23]
New Release Tuesday
(Kevin McNeese)		Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [23]

Johnson said Heath continues to hone his "storyteller" acumen. [17] Yet, Leaving Eden progress in "songwriting and subject matter" is only "modest[ly]" accomplished. [17] The top track picks according to Allmusic are "The Light in Me", "It's Alright", and "It's No Good to be Alone". [17]

Aspinwall alluded to the thought most listeners would just say about Leaving Eden that it "seems like just another Brandon Heath home run. Well produced, strong choruses and stalwart vocals...been there, done that." [20] Yet, Akinola cautioned that it would be "Wrong. With another listen, it reveals an interwoven concept album, rich with meaning and wrought with themes of yearning and hope." [20]

Akinola longed for more with respect to Leaving Eden because as she sees it, this album is only mediocre at best. [21] At the same time, Akinola sees the radio success of this albums potential as being great with respect to "Your Love". [21] Akinola suggest that this album does not reelect well upon his stature in the Christian music industry. [21] This album is not a bust according to Akinola though. [21]

Davis gave Leaving Eden high marks, when it comes to being cogent in terms of theme, and this is done by focusing on Jesus Christ. [22] Even more glowing, Davis said this album is the standard for the year with no dull songs amongst the tracks. [22] Lastly, Davis noted Heath for having superb "songrwriting and vocals" on this album. [22]

Brandon criticized Leaving Eden, for only having three great front tracks, but nothing to back it up with the others. [24] Brandon reported that Heath got some flack from his record label about the album, about it was lacking for powerhouse songs. [24] However, Brandon was unimpressed with the "underdeveloped" material on this album after the first three songs, which is because it is insufficient in his classic "charm". [24] Brandon said this album "ends up falling flat". [24] Brandon gave three top tracks, which were "Your Love", "The Light in Me", "Stolen". [24]

Cummings highlights the track "Only Water" as a particular one of note with respect to Leaving Eden. [25] This album's first and third songs are diametrically opposite with respect to one giving an illusion of how the world is cold to the gospel and the second an anthem to "shine for Christ". [25] Cummings said this album is "an engaging set from a thoughtful songsmith." [25]

Gelwicks informed the "listners" according to Leaving Eden that they had to keep their "expectations" in check. [27] This is due to what Gelwicks calls the "radio-friendly material" that Heath is known for making, which has risen him up the ranks. [27] Gelwicks said this is done in order for Heath to "thrive and sell records." [27] Gelwicks notes this is not a "boundary-breaking release" that "may not be destined to be hailed as a masterpiece". [27] Gelwicks gives Heath some credit for creating an album that is "full of truthful optimism that will stick around on the radio long into 2011 and beyond." [27] Gelwick compares his radio appeal to the likes of "Tenth Avenue North, Leeland, and The Afters". [27]

Davies gave credence to two noted aspects to Heath that are contained in Leaving Eden as well as his other albums. [28] This is in being a fantastic songwriter that he tells a fantastic story with respect to his lyrical content. [28] In addition, Heath has a great ability to perform live as well. [28] Davies said the "standout tracks on the album are "Your Love", "Only Water", and "The Light In Me". [28]

Fine alluded to the new sound that Leaving Eden is "experimenting" with in terms of "some funky automatic effect" might be unwelcomed by supporters of his former musical style, which drifts away from his "acoustic guitar driven songs (which he does quite well I might add)". [23] Fine noted that Heath in this album is "one of the most honest songwriters in the genera." [23] Fine did say this project was enjoyable. [23]

McNeese had the same reaction to the "longing" he felt to the album Heaven & Earth by Phil Wickham. [23] McNeese said that Heath's "variety" with respect to Leaving Eden would confound inferior artist. [23] This was dealt with "beautifully" by taking some "extra steps on each track". [23] The year end best Christian album according to McNeese was Leaving Eden for 2011. [29]

Williams acclaims Heath in Leaving Eden as having "unique artistry" and touts his "trademark lyrics" that make his a "commercial success." [26] Williams described Heaths' artistry in the album as "a rare breed of viable creativity." [26] This album according to Williams takes the listener on "our journey from the fall of humanity to heaven." Williams said Heath is reminiscent of TobyMac with respect to the tracks of “Might Just Save Your Life” and “It’s No Good to Be Alone”. [26] Williams describes this album as being a "pop masterpiece". [26]

Overall, Leaving Eden received about a 3.8 on a five-point scale and on a ten-point scale it gets a 7.7, according to the reviews.

Track listing

CD track order
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Leaving Eden"Heath, Lee Thomas Miller 5:15
2."Your Love"Heath, Jason Ingram 3:37
3."The Light in Me"Heath, Dan Muckala 4:25
4."Only Water"Heath, Miller, Ross Copperman 3:57
5."Stolen"Heath, Muckala, Nate Campany3:43
6."Might Just Save Your Life"Heath2:57
7."It's Alright"Heath, Michael Logan, Thad Cockrell 3:40
8."It's No Good to be Alone"Heath, Muckala, Ingram3:29
9."Now More Than Ever"Heath, Ingram4:03
10."The One"Heath, Muckala, Ingram4:15
11."As Long as I'm Here"Heath4:22
Total length:43:43

Personnel

Production

Studios

Charts

Chart performance for Leaving Eden
Chart (2011)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [30] 36
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [31] 1
US Digital Albums (Billboard) [32] 24
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [33] 7

Singles

YearSinglePeak chart positions
US Christ.
US Heat.
2011"Your Love"1 [34] 20 [34]
"The Light in Me"9 [35] —
"Leaving Eden"18 [36] —

Year-end

YearSinglePositions
US Christian
2011"Your Love"5 [37]
"The Light in Me"23 [37]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leeland (band)</span> American Christian rock band

Leeland is a Christian rock band from Baytown, Texas. The band was formed in 2004, although lead singer Leeland Mooring had been writing songs beforehand. Leeland consists of Leeland Mooring, and Casey Moore. The band's original line-up included Jeremiah Wood (guitar), who left the band in late 2006 and was replaced by guitarist Matt Campbell in early 2007, Jack Mooring (piano), Mike Smith (drums) and Jake Holtz (bass).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Heath</span> American musician, singer, and songwriter

Brandon Heath Knell is an American contemporary Christian musician, singer, and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. He has released six studio albums: Don't Get Comfortable (2006), What If We (2008), Leaving Eden (2011), Blue Mountain (2012), No Turning Back (2015), and Faith Hope Love Repeat (2017). He is best known for the No. 1 singles: "I'm Not Who I Was" and "Give Me Your Eyes". He was nominated four times at the Dove Awards of 2008 and won in the "New Artist of the Year" category. His second album was nominated for "Gospel Album of the Year" at the 51st Grammy Awards of 2009.

<i>What If We</i> 2008 studio album by Brandon Heath

What If We is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath. It was released on August 19, 2008 through Provident Label Group. The album debuted at No. 73 on the Billboard 200. During mid and late 2008, the album's first single "Give Me Your Eyes" stayed at No. 1 on R&R's Christian CHR format for 13 consecutive weeks, and was the second most played song of 2008 for the same format. The album received a Grammy Award nomination in 2009 for Best Pop Gospel Album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Me Your Eyes</span> 2008 single by Brandon Heath

"Give Me Your Eyes" is a song by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath from his second album, What If We. It was released in July 2008 as the album's lead single and quickly gained success. It sold nearly 6,000 downloads in the first week, and became 2008's highest-debuting Christian track at the time. It soon placed at No. 1 on Christian radio charts, and held the position for multiple consecutive weeks. At the end of 2008, it was the second most-played song of the year on Christian contemporary hit radio.

<i>The Power of One</i> (album) 2009 studio album by Israel Houghton

The Power of One is a contemporary worship studio album recorded and performed by Israel Houghton. The album is released by Israel as a solo project, outside of Israel & New Breed. The disc features performances from tobyMac, Mary Mary, Martin Smith of Delirious?, and Chevelle Franklyn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonny Diaz</span> American singer-songwriter

Jonathan Adam "Jonny" Diaz is an American contemporary Christian pop artist originally from Lakeland, Florida. His song "More Beautiful You" has charted on American Christian music charts. His major record label debut album of the same name has charted on Billboard magazine's Top Heatseekers and Top Christian Albums charts.

<i>Until the Whole World Hears</i> 2009 studio album by Casting Crowns

Until the Whole World Hears is the fourth studio album by American Christian rock band Casting Crowns. Released on November 17, 2009, the album was produced by Mark A. Miller and features a sound that has been described as 'pure American rock', 'soft adult contemporary', and 'CCM'. Lyrically, the album discusses Christian subjects such as God, Jesus, and salvation, with several songs being reinventions of classic hymns. Until the Whole World Hears sold over 167,000 copies in its first week, Casting Crowns' highest sales week to date, and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. In the United States, the album ranked as the 37th best-selling album of 2010 and the 137th best-selling album of 2011; it ranked as the first and third best-selling Christian album in those years, respectively. It has sold over 1.1 million copies and been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>The House Youre Building</i> 2010 studio album by Audrey Assad

The House You're Building is the debut album by Christian artist Audrey Assad. It has been met with positive reviews by critics. In late 2010, it was re-released for Christmas with two extra tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Heath discography</span>

The discography of contemporary Christian musician from Brandon Heath consist of seven studio albums, three extended plays (EPs), two independent albums (IAs), nine music videos and eighteen singles. After making a demo CD, Heath gained a fame in the Christian music industry when he independently released his debut album titled Early Stuff in 2004. On the same year he released his second album Soldier which was produced by Chris Davis. In 2005 another independent album was releases titled Don't Get Comfortable The EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All of Creation (song)</span> 2010 single by MercyMe

"All of Creation" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. The song, written by MercyMe, Brown Bannister, and Dan Muckala, lyrically revolves around the themes of love, life, and belief, as well as the foundation of Christian faith. The song was intended to refer to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus in each verse and has been described as 'pop' and 'worship'.

<i>The Reckoning</i> (Needtobreathe album) 2011 studio album by Needtobreathe

The Reckoning is the fourth studio album from American Christian rock band Needtobreathe, released on September 20, 2011, through Atlantic Records. It is the last album featuring drummer Joe Stillwell. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Album chart, No. 1 on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, No. 4 on the Billboard Digital Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 49,000 copies in its first week. The song "Oohs and Ahhs" was used in a promotional advertisement for J. J. Abrams's drama television series Alcatraz.

<i>More Beautiful You</i> 2009 studio album by Jonny Diaz

More Beautiful You is the first major label studio album by contemporary Christian musician Jonny Diaz. This was his first release with INO Records, released on June 2, 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Love (Brandon Heath song)</span> 2010 single by Brandon Heath

"Your Love" is a song by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath from his third album, Leaving Eden. It was released on September 14, 2010 as the first single from the album. This song achieved the No. 1 spot on the Christian Songs Chart on January 22, 2011, and was on the chart for 27 weeks. In addition, the song got to No. 20 on the Heatseekers Songs Chart on February 5, 2011, and was on the chart for three weeks. This song was the No. 5 song of the year on the Christian Songs chart. "Your Love" is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song at the 54th Grammy Awards.

<i>Heart</i> (Audrey Assad album) 2012 studio album by Audrey Assad

Heart is the second studio album from contemporary Christian music artist Audrey Assad, released on February 14, 2012. The album features songwriting contributions from Matt Maher, Derek Webb, Christopher Stevens and Sandra McCracken. The first single from the album, "Sparrow," was released on November 2, 2011, and is based on the classic hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow."

<i>The Road</i> (Tricia Brock album) 2011 studio album by Tricia Brock

The Road is the first studio album by Contemporary Christian-Worship musician Tricia Brock, released on June 7, 2011 by InPop Records.

<i>Come Home</i> (Luminate album) 2011 studio album by Luminate

Come Home is the first studio album by the contemporary Christian music band Luminate, and was released by the label Sparrow Records on January 25, 2011. The album was nominated for the Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 43rd GMA Dove Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here Goes</span> 2010 single by Bebo Norman

"Here Goes" is a song by contemporary Christian musician Bebo Norman from his eighth studio album, Ocean. It was released on August 31, 2010, as the first single from the album.

"The Light in Me" is a song by contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath from his third studio album, Leaving Eden. It was released on April 29, 2011, as the second single from the album.

<i>Royal Tailor</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Royal Tailor

Royal Tailor is the eponymously named second and final studio album from Christian pop rock band Royal Tailor. It was released on October 22, 2013 by Essential Records, and was produced by Chuck Butler, Aaron Lindsey and Christopher Stevens. The album was well received by Christian music critics, and is Royal Tailor's highest charting release to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I See You (Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake song)</span> 2021 song by Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake

"I See You" is a song by American contemporary Christian musicians Chris Tomlin and Brandon Lake. It was released on August 6, 2021, as the lead single from Tomlin's fourteenth studio album, Always (2022). The song was written by Bryan Fowler, Chris Tomlin, and Jonas Myrin. Bryan Fowler handled the production of the single.

References

  1. ↑ Ruil (October 17, 2010). "Brandon Heath – Your Love – single (2010)". Christian Sonic. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  2. ↑ Provident Music Group (May 19, 2011). "Brandon Heath Announces Fall Leg of 'The Leaving Eden Tour'". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  3. ↑ "59th Annual GRAMMY Awards Winners & Nominees". Archived from the original on December 7, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Billboard. "Your Love – Brandon Heath" . Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  5. ↑ Billboard. "Christian Songs Chart Week of January 21, 2011". Billboard . Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  6. ↑ Billboard. "Heatseekers Songs Chart Week of February 5, 2011". Billboard . Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  7. ↑ Billboard. "The Light in Me – Brandon Heath" . Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  8. ↑ Billboard. "Christian Songs Chart Week of November 05, 2011". Billboard . Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  9. ↑ Provident Music Group (August 24, 2011). "Brandon Heath Unveils Music Video For Latest Radio Single, "The Light in Me"". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  10. ↑ Billboard. "Brandon Heath Album & Song Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 2, 2011. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  11. ↑ Heath, Brandon (October 24, 2011). "Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden: The Conversations - What Is Your Eden?". brandonheath YouTube . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  12. ↑ Heath, Brandon (October 24, 2011). "Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden: The Conversations - What Is Your Apple?". brandonheath YouTube . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  13. ↑ Heath, Brandon (October 24, 2011). "Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden: The Conversations - What Is Your Heart?". brandonheath YouTube . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Brandon Heath Debuts Leaving Eden At No. 1 On Billboard's Christian Sales Chart". BREATHEcast.com. January 27, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Brandon Heath's Leaving Eden Street Week Soars With No. 1 Single, No. 1 Album At iTunes And Riaa Gold Digital Single Certification". BREATHEcast.com. January 21, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Brandon Heath Single "Your Love" Hits NO. 1 At Radio As New Album Releases Jan. 18". BREATHEcast.com. January 14, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Johnson, Jared (January 18, 2011). "Leaving Eden Brandon Heath". Allmusic . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  18. ↑ Frigoli, Tom (February 2, 2011). "Leaving Eden Brandon Heath". Alpha Omega News. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  19. ↑ Faulkner, Jonathan (October 14, 2011). "Leaving Eden Brandon Heath". Alt Rock Live. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  20. 1 2 3 Aspinwall, Grace S. (January 1, 2011). "Leaving Eden". CCM Magazine . Archived from the original on October 21, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 Akinola, Lydia (February 28, 2011). "Leaving Eden". Christian Manifesto. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Davis, Kevin (January 3, 2011). "Leaving Eden". Christian Music Review. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Fine, Sarah (January 18, 2011). "Leaving Eden". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Brandon, John (January 18, 2011). "Brandon Heath Leaving Eden (Reunion)". Christianity Today . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  25. 1 2 3 4 Cummings, Tony (January 18, 2011). "Brandon Heath – Leaving Eden". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 Williams, Lindsay (January 12, 2011). "Brandon Heath, Leaving Eden". Gospel Music Channel . Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Gelwicks, Roger (January 16, 2011). "Brandon Heath Leaving Eden". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 Davies, Jono (January 14, 2011). "Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  29. ↑ McNeese, Kevin (December 26, 2011). "Part 2 of 3: The Top 10 Albums Of 2011". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Brandon Heath Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  31. ↑ "Brandon Heath Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  32. ↑ "Brandon Heath Chart History (Digital Albums)".[ dead link ] Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  33. ↑ "Brandon Heath Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  34. 1 2 "Your Love - Brandon Heath". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  35. ↑ "The Light in Me - Brandon Heath". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  36. ↑ "Leaving Eden - Brandon Heath". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  37. 1 2 Nielsen BDS (December 31, 2011). "Best of 2011: Christian Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.