Made

Hawk Nelson’s sixth studio LP doesn’t relentlessly proselytize the members' Christian beliefs; Made focuses on music and songwriting. Themes of worship abound, of course, but what’s more salient in the catchy emo-pop opener “What I’m Looking For” is that Hawk Nelson has a new singer. Jonathan Steingard has replaced former frontman Jason Dunn (who left the band in 2012 to work on the solo project Lights Go Down). “A Million Miles Away” is bulging with pop hooks and an infectiously groovy rhythm section that begs to be remixed by various dubstep disciples. But after listening to Made in its entirety, it’s obvious that “Words” is the album’s single. It balances beautifully melancholy verses that bloom into an uplifting and anthemic chorus. It also boasts a cameo by MercyMe’s Bart Millard, who complements Steingard’s dynamic tenor with more guttural inflections. Even when stripping a song down to an acoustic-based ditty, Hawk Nelson packs an emotional punch, as heard in “Outside the Lines.” “Fighting For” is an inspirational and mature love song.