Love Will Have the Final Word

Last updated
Love Will Have the Final Word
LoveWillHavetheFinalWord.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 4, 2014 (2014-03-04)
Genre Contemporary Christian music, folk rock, acoustic
Length41:29 [1]
Label Centricity
Producer Jason Ingram, Cason Cooley
Jason Gray chronology
A Way to See in the Dark
(2011)
Love Will Have the Final Word
(2014)
Where the Light Gets In
(2016)
Singles from Love Will Have the Final Word
  1. "With Every Act of Love"
    Released: October 22, 2013

Love Will Have the Final Word is the fourth studio album from Christian singer and songwriter Jason Gray. The album was released on March 4, 2014 by Centricity Music. The producers on the album were Jason Ingram and Cason Cooley. The album achieved commercial charting successes and it received critical acclaim.

Contents

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [2]
CCM Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
CM AddictStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [4]
Cross Rhythms U+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgU+25A0.svgSolid white borderedS.svg [5]
Indie Vision MusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [6]
Jesus Freak HideoutStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Louder Than the MusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
New Release TuesdayStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [10]
The Phantom TollboothStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Worship Leader Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [13]

Love Will Have the Final Word garnered critical acclaim from the ratings and reviews of music critics. Grace S. Aspinwall of CCM Magazine rated the album four stars out of five, writing how "Redemption resonates through this project with beautiful results", which she says that "Jason's vocal is spot-on and hopeful", and the album as "By far his strongest work, the record is steeped in love and hope, finished off with a fresh fervor for truth, compassion and grace." [3] At Cross Rhythms, Dr A T Bradford rated the album nine out of ten squares, saying that "This is one of those rare albums where every track is musically and lyrically excellent." [5] Jay Akins of Worship Leader rated the album a four-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking how "Painful yet redemptive and grace-filled themes flow throughout this stunningly beautiful release." [13] At New Release Tuesday, Kevin Davis rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that this as a "stellar offering" that offers "an emotional listening experience" on which "All eleven songs are catchy, personal and biblically focused." [10] Matt Collar of AllMusic rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, indicating how the release "finds Gray moving in a more mainstream, radio-friendly direction with pleasing results", and this is done with "an inspirational presence on record and here he applies this energy to a handful of songs that showcase his warm vocals and uplifting lyrics." [2]

At Jesus Freak Hideout, Jen Rose rated the album four stars out of five, stating that this is "an important record, a reminder that all things will be made beautiful in time, even in a world where that doesn't seem to be happening." [7] Jesus Freak Hideout's Mark Rice rated the album four stars out of five, writing that this release "has upped the ante even more with eleven contemplations on the topic of love." [8] Jonathan Andre at Indie Vision Music rated the album four out of five stars, stating the album "a gem" that Gray "has been able to weave together 11 songs full of rich themes of gems of truths to take from each song whenever someone listens to it." [6] The Phantom Tollbooth's Bert Gangl rated the album three-and-a-half tocks out of five, writing that Gray is going more towards the "radio-friendly material", which he states that it is "hardly a bad thing" to be going in that direction on the release. [11] At The Phantom Tollbooth, Michael Dalton rated the album four tocks out of five, saying that "One reason why I like Love Will Have the Final Word and each of Jason Gray’s releases is that he continually reminds me of my need for grace." [12] At The Sound Opinion, Andrew Greenhalgh gave a positive review, remarking that the release touches on the frailty and failures of humankind, and does so in "a powerful combination of tones that Gray plays against one another effortlessly." [14]

Amanda Brogan of Christian Music Review rated the album a 4.2 out of five, stating that on the release "Jason dives deep into the rich ocean of God's unfathomable love and brings us along for the journey." [15] At Christian Music Zine, Joshua Andre rated the album 4.75 out of five, and according to him the release is "sure to touch many lives and relate to many struggles and issues we're are all facing today", which even more than that it is "sure to strike a chord with even non-Christians!" [16] Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music rated the album four out of five stars, writing that on a release that deals with subjects like "loneliness with maturity and dignity", Gray "shows in these songs that God is always there, he doesn't shout it down your throat, he gently reminds you of God's love." [9] In addition, Davies states that "Only honest and talented songwriters can do that." [9] CM Addict's Brianne Bellomy rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that the release "is a beautiful way to help us all know it’s ok to hurt, it’s ok to struggle, but in the end, God’s love covers it all." [4] At The Christian Music Review Blog, Sarah Aten rated the album a perfect five stars, writing that the release is "beautiful mix" on which features a "remarkable sound" of "maturity", and states it is "a great example of art imitating life and doing so beautifully." [17] Felicia Abraham, reviewing the album at Charisma , writes, "This soul-stirring collection of music speaks directly and powerfully to very real and complex circumstances. The album illuminates humanity's lowest and highest points and shows empathy as well as advice for successfully making it through even the toughest situations." [18]

Commercial performance

For the Billboard charting week of March 22, 2014, Love Will Have the Final Word was the No. 141 most sold album in the entirety of the United States via the Billboard 200 and it was the No. 11 most sold album in the Christian Albums market. In addition, it was the No. 2 most sold album in the breaking-and-entry category by the Heatseekers Albums chart.

Track listing

No.TitleLength
1."Laugh Out Loud"3:34
2."With Every Act of Love"3:36
3."Not Right Now"4:22
4."Love Will Have the Final Word"3:41
5."Love's Not Done with You"3:22
6."Begin Again"3:46
7."I Don't Know How"4:00
8."If You Want to Love Someone"3:59
9."Even This Will Be Made Beautiful"3:50
10."The Best Days of My Life"3:48
11."As I Am"3:31
Total length:41:29

Charts

Chart (2014)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [19] 141
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [20] 11
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [21] 2

Related Research Articles

<i>Blueprints for the Black Market</i> 2003 studio album by Anberlin

Blueprints for the Black Market is the debut studio album by the band Anberlin. It was released on May 6, 2003, barely a year after the band formed, and was the only album that was released with guitarist Joey Bruce in the band line-up. Blueprints had two singles, "Readyfuels", for which a music video was filmed and "Change the World ". Although the album has sold over 60,000 units, its success pales compared to Anberlin's later albums, failing to chart on the Billboard 200.

<i>For the Love of the Game</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Pillar

For the Love of the Game is the fifth studio album from Christian metal group Pillar, which was released on February 26, 2008. According to their website, Pillar defines the title as: "For the love of" = the passion of, and "The game" = the pursuit of Christ. This is the last album to include longtime drummer, Lester Estelle, and bass player and founding member, Michael Wittig until they rejoined the band in 2012. During live performances of "Smiling Down", Rob Beckley plays acoustic guitar.

<i>Christmas in Diverse City</i> 2011 studio album by tobyMac

Christmas in Diverse City is TobyMac's first full-length Christmas album and fifth full-length studio album. It was released on October 4, 2011.

<i>Closer</i> (Shawn McDonald album) 2011 studio album by Shawn McDonald

Closer is the fourth studio album by American Christian singer-songwriter Shawn McDonald. The album was released on March 22, 2011 by Sparrow Records, and was produced by Christopher Stevens. The album saw commercial success and positive reception.

<i>Miracle</i> (Third Day album) 2012 studio album by Third Day

Miracle is the eleventh studio album by Christian rock band Third Day. This album released on Essential Records label, and it was produced by Brendan O'Brien. The album sold 29,000 copies in its debut week. The lead single from this album is "I Need a Miracle", which has had chart success.

<i>Release the Panic</i> 2013 studio album by Red

Release the Panic is the fourth studio album by American Christian rock band Red. It was released on February 5, 2013 through Essential Records and Sony Music. It was produced by Howard Benson. The first song released from the album, "Release the Panic," was released on Friday, November 9, 2012 on their official VEVO channel on YouTube. The first single from the album, "Perfect Life," was released on November 29, 2012 on their official VEVO channel on YouTube.

<i>Inland</i> (Jars of Clay album) 2013 studio album by Jars of Clay

Inland is the eleventh full-length studio album by rock band Jars of Clay, which was released on August 27, 2013 by Gray Matters label. The album was produced by Tucker Martine at Flora Recording & Playback in Portland, Oregon. It has seen significant charting successes, and has garnered critical acclamation. It was nominated for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year by the GMA Dove Awards.

<i>Overcomer</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Mandisa

Overcomer is the fifth studio album by contemporary Christian music singer Mandisa. The album was released on August 27, 2013 on Sparrow Records. The album has achieved commercial charting successes, as well as critical acclaim by music critics. It also won a Grammy Award in the category of Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

<i>1 Girl Nation</i> (album) 2013 studio album by 1GN

1 Girl Nation is the eponymous debut studio album by contemporary Christian music girl band 1GN, which was released on the Reunion Records label on August 20, 2013, and was produced by Casey Brown, Jason Ingram, Joshua Silverberg, Jonathan Smith, Jon White and Kipp Williams. The album has been met with commercial charting successes and positive criticism.

<i>Christmas Is Here</i> (Brandon Heath album) 2013 studio album by Brandon Heath

Christmas Is Here is a holiday studio album from Christian Contemporary Christian musician Brandon Heath, released on October 15, 2013 by Reunion Records and produced by Ben Shive. The album achieved commercial success and critical acclaim.

<i>Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy</i> 2012 studio album by Jason Gray

Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy is the first holiday studio album by contemporary Christian musician Jason Gray, which the album as produced by Cason Cooley, and it released on October 9, 2012 by Centricity Music. The album has seen commercial success and critical acclamation.

<i>Oh for Joy</i> 2011 studio album by David Crowder Band

Oh for Joy is the first holiday studio album and tenth album overall from Christian rock group David Crowder Band, and was produced by the band as well. The album was released on October 4, 2011 by sixstepsrecords, and has attracted generally positive critical attention.

<i>Fireflies and Songs</i> 2009 studio album by Sara Groves

Fireflies and Songs is the sixth studio album and ninth overall album from Christian singer and songwriter Sara Groves, and it released on November 17, 2009 by Fair Trade, Columbia Records and Integrity Music. The producer on the album is Charlie Peacock. This release became critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

<i>Im Not Your Suicide</i> 2014 studio album by Michael Sweet

I'm Not Your Suicide is the sixth studio album from the Christian music musician and Stryper frontman Michael Sweet, who helmed the production on the album. The album released on May 6, 2014 by Big3 Records. This album charted at No. 154 on the Billboard 200 and it was awarded a five star rating by CCM Magazine and a four star rating from HM.

<i>Love Reality</i> 2010 studio album by Charmaine

Love Reality is the second studio album from Christian pop singer Charmaine. It was released on March 30, 2010 by In:ciite Music.

<i>Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship</i> 2015 studio album by Third Day

Lead Us Back: Songs of Worship is the twelfth studio album from Third Day. Essential Records released the project on March 3, 2015. The album was released in two versions: a single-CD version with a white cover, and a deluxe edition, two-CD set with a black cover.

<i>Only to Rise</i> 2015 studio album by Sweet & Lynch

Only to Rise is the first studio album by the duo Sweet & Lynch. Frontiers Records released the album on January 27, 2015.

<i>Sound of the Saints</i> 2015 studio album by Audio Adrenaline

Sound of the Saints is the tenth and final studio album by Audio Adrenaline. It is their first album to be released without any original members in the lineup. Fair Trade Services alongside Columbia Records released the album on May 4, 2015. Audio Adrenaline worked with Seth Mosley in the production of this album.

<i>Fallen</i> (Stryper album) 2015 studio album by Stryper

Fallen is the sixteenth release and the eleventh studio album by the Christian metal band Stryper, produced by the frontman Michael Sweet and released on October 16, 2015.

<i>The Burning Edge of Dawn</i> 2015 studio album by Andrew Peterson

The Burning Edge of Dawn is the eleventh studio album by Andrew Peterson. Centricity Music released the album on October 9, 2015. Peterson worked with Gabe Scott, in the production of this album.

References

  1. Jesus Freak Hideout (March 4, 2014). "Jason Gray, "Love Will Have the Final Word" Review". John DiBiase. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  2. 1 2 Collar, Matt. "Love Will Have the Final Word - Jason Gray | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  3. 1 2 Aspinwall, Grace S. (March 1, 2014). "Jason Gray: Love Will Have the Final Word (Centricity Music)" (PDF). CCM Magazine . Salem Publishing. p. 36. ISSN   1524-7848 . Retrieved February 28, 2014.
  4. 1 2 Bellomy, Brianne (February 27, 2014). "Review of Love Will Have The Final Word by Jason Gray". CM Addict. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
  5. 1 2 Bradford, Dr A T (March 31, 2014). "Review: Jason Gray - Love Will Have The Final Word". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  6. 1 2 Andre, Jonathan (February 25, 2014). "Jason Gray – Love Will Have The Final Word | Reviews". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  7. 1 2 Rose, Jen (March 3, 2014). "Jason Gray, "Love Will Have the Final Word" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  8. 1 2 Rice, Mark (March 3, 2014). "Jason Gray, "Love Will Have the Final Word" Review: Second Staff Opinion". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 Davies, Jono (February 17, 2014). "Reviews - Jason Gray - Love Will Have The Final Word". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Davis, Kevin (February 25, 2014). "Gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with truth". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  11. 1 2 Gangl, Bert (March 3, 2014). "Gray, Jason - Love Will Have The Final Word (Gangl)". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  12. 1 2 Dalton, Michael (March 31, 2014). "Gray, Jason - Love Will Have The Final Word (Dalton)". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
  13. 1 2 Akins, Jay (May 6, 2014). "Love Will Have the Final Word". Worship Leader. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
  14. Greenhalgh, Andrew (March 12, 2014). "Review: Jason Gray – Love Will Have the Final Word". The Sound Opinion. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  15. Brogan, Amanda (March 4, 2014). "Jason Gray – Love Will Have the Final Word". Christian Music Review. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
  16. Andre, Joshua (March 3, 2014). "Jason Gray – Love Will Have The Final Word (Review)". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  17. Aten, Sarah (March 3, 2014). "Jason Gray: Love Will Have The Final Word". The Christian Music Review Blog. Retrieved March 5, 2014.Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg
  18. Abraham, Felicia (March 1, 2014). Yoars, Marcus (ed.). "Music: Love Will Have the Final Word - Jason Gray (Centricity Music)". Charisma . Vol. 39 no. 8. Lake Mary, Florida: Stephen Strang and Joy Strang. p. 82. ISSN   0895-156X . Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  19. "Jason Gray Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  20. "Jason Gray Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  21. "Jason Gray Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2014.