Blessings

On her sophomore release Blessings, Laura Story asks hard questions about the ways of God and the nature of human suffering. The album’s songs are informed by the Christian singer/songwriter’s own recent trials, including the difficult recovery of her husband from brain surgery. Her search for answers makes Blessings’ title track one of the most honest — and inspiring — worship tunes in recent memory. The theme of God’s enduring love likewise informs “One Life to Lose” (a call to surrender false pride) and “Prodigal Son” (a modern retelling of the Bible story set to a stirring melody). Story fills the album with outstanding worship tunes, framing her album with the joyful opener “This Is the Day” and closing with the Spirit-affirming “Faithful God.” Throughout, her sweetly vulnerable yet resolute vocals give Blessings a humility often missing in typical worship projects. Nathan Nockles’ production avoids grandiose gestures in favor of sparkling pop sounds on the upbeat tracks and stately piano-based arrangements on the ballads.