Only a Mountain (Deluxe Version)

Jason Castro’s third album shows how far the singer/songwriter has come since his flower child–like charm earned him a fourth-place finish on American Idol's seventh season. While he continues to radiate positive vibes in these tracks, Castro shows a new maturity as a vocalist and tunesmith. He continues the explorations of his Christian faith that began on his sophomore album, What I Am, with upbeat pop/rock numbers like “I Believe,” “Rise to You,” and the title track. The thoughtful “If It’s Love” and the smile-inducing “Good Love” find him tackling modern romance with clear vision and a warm heart. The recent birth of Castro’s daughter provides inspiration for the nurturing ballad “Enough.” “The Same Kind of Broken” (a vivid sketch of everyday life, featuring Mariah Peters on guest vocals) and “Safehouse” (a call to end human trafficking set to a pulsing piano-centered track) expand his reach into social commentary. Producers Ben Glover, David Garcia, and Matt Bronleewe allow room for Castro’s acoustic guitar and occasional ukulele while keeping the arrangements sleek, sparkling, and radio-friendly.