In an interview with Billboard's Jim Asker, Daigle discussed the role of faith in her music, explaining that she did not avoid addressing spiritual themes because she believed they communicated sincerity and authenticity. She also described the album as intended to be "a record of joy" and "a record of hope", emphasizing her desire for it to evoke a sense of childlike wonder. She stated that making the record required her to reconnect with her younger self and reconsider "the innocence of [her] childhood".[1] Working again with producers, Paul Mabury and Jason Ingram, Daigle felt the project ultimately fulfilled its intended purpose. According to her, the remark clarified for her that themes of hope and joy resonated beyond genre boundaries, and it led her to conclude that such emotional qualities were widely sought after.[2]
Daigle had initially been uncertain who would embrace her debut release, but years of touring revealed a consistent core audience.[2] She cited John Mayer's interview; she noted that his idea of continually approaching each project as if it were a debut resonated with her and shaped her mindset while working on the album.[3] Addressing the album's marketing, Daigle acknowledged that the "business end of creativity" can at times feel restrictive. She said the team instead chose to remain focused on what felt "naturally fun" and aligned with her personal interests.[2]
Influences
British singer-songwriter Adele (left) and German DJ Zedd (right) inspired most parts of the album.
Daigle had cited artists such as Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse as major influences during the writing and recording of Look Up Child. She pointed to Adele as particularly formative in shaping her confidence as a vocalist; she explained that hearing Adele's distinctive, huskier vocal tone helped her embrace her own natural register. Daigle described the experience as a moment of recognition, saying it was "something I could grab a hold of", which ultimately encouraged her to accept her voice rather than attempt to modify it.[4] Daigle also cited the True Colors (2015) documentary by Zedd as an influence on her promotional approach. She said she was "completely enthralled" by the film's depiction of fan engagement and expressed interest in participating in similarly interactive experiences surrounding her own release.[2]
During an intimate performance at iHeartRadio, she announced the 2020 world tour, set to begin on February at Pensacola; Johnnyswim was the supporting act of the tour.[14] She extended her world tour on February 25, 2019, which would begin on April 25 at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium.[15] On December 11, 2020, a vinyl edition of the album was released, serving as a double LP limited edition.[16]
Singles
"You Say" was released on July 13, 2018 as the lead single of the album;[17] its music video premiered on same day.[18] It impacted Christian radio on July 9[1] and was released to Top 40 radio on January 15, 2019.[19] Daigle performed the track at Good Morning America on December 22, 2018[9] and Billboard Music Awards on May 1, 2019.[20] Upon its release, "You Say" debuted at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100,[21] becoming Daigle's first entry on the chart; it peaked at No. 29 on March 30, 2019.[22] It also entered Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, marking her first entry on the chart.[23] As of February 2019, "You Say" has spent 27 weeks atop the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart.[24] In October, Billboard reported that it has spent 62 weeks at No. 1 on the chart,[25] and in September 2020, the song has spent 100 weeks on it.[26] Daigle premiered the album's title track, "Look Up Child", on August 27 through Zane Lowe's World Record on Beats 1;[27] she performed the track at The Tonight Show on November 8.[28] It debuted at No. 33 on the Hot Christian Songs chart[29] and has reached a peak of No. 3.[30] The song was released to Christian radio on January 4, 2019, being the album's second single.[31]
The third single "Rescue" was released to Christian radio on July 12, 2019.[32] Its music video was premiered through her YouTube channel;[33] it was directed by American director John Gray[34] and filmed for more than two days on Knik Glacier of Alaska.[35] The song peaked at No. 2 on the Christian Songs chart[30] and No. 12 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100.[36] "Rescue" was scheduled to be released to Hot AC radio on July 22, 2019,[37] but was released on August 19.[38] "Still Rolling Stones" was released on August 10, 2018 as a promotional single.[39] On October 24, Daigle performed the song at The Ellen Show.[6][40] It impacted Christian radio on April 10, 2020, becoming the album's fourth single.[41] It debuted at No. 17 on the Hot Christian Songs chart,[42] peaking at No. 4.[30]
As of June 2019, Look Up Child has sold 362,000 copies in the U.S.[47][48] The album has stayed on Top Christian Albums chart for 38 weeks, as of July 2017.[49] It was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA on March 1, 2024.[50]
Look Up Child received widespread acclaim from music critics. Chris DeVille of Stereogum compared Daigle to English singer Adele, noting that "[f]rom her smoky powerhouse vocals to the tastefully inoffensive arrangements they dominate, her record could easily be mistaken for Adele."[60] At CCM Magazine, Mark Geil rated the album five stars out of five, remarking how "This isn't a retread of How Can It Be. The new album is ballad-heavy, so expect passion but not tempo. At times, Daigle's Adele-inspired vocal affectations are a little over-the-top, but her delivery remains earnest. The piano is bright, and the album shines brightest in its playful moments, like "Still Rolling Stones" and the reggae-infused "Your Wings"."[53]
Luchae Williams from Gateway News affirmed that "Lauren Daigle's sophomore offering proves that you don't need dramatics, in order to create a masterpiece. Daigle's voice is enchanting and one can't help but admire the excellence in which she bobs and weaves through each song with her smoky smooth tone."[61] Kevin Davis of New Release Today wrote "All of the songs are memorable and personal, and these moving recordings are poignant songs of reflection. Every song is emotionally captivating, and Lauren's powerful and gorgeous vocals keep me hanging on every word she sings. The standout songs each feature an engaging and emotive musical style while phrasing her prayer-filled lyrics in a creative and personal way, making it one of my top albums of the year."[62]
↑"Lauren Daigle - Rescue". Play MPE. Destiny Media Technologies Inc. June 18, 2019. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
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