Lighthouse

Scott MacIntyre’s songs are rooted in his own experiences as a visually impaired musical prodigy who found strength and redemption in Christian faith. Lighthouse reveals further shadings of his talents as a singer/songwriter/instrumentalist with the aid of producers Matt Bronleewe (Plumb, Joy Williams) and Kyle Lee (Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith). Writing or cowriting all but one of the album’s tracks, MacIntyre examines everyday suffering and survival with a sense of compassion. His clear-toned vocal style and gift for melody combine strains of pop, country, and theater music. He shines in both upbeat rock-tinged settings (“Remarkable,” “Carry On”) and with stripped-down piano ballads (“Lovely Mess,” “Safe in My Arms”). “Hallelujah Song” is particularly engaging, spurred on by handclaps and featuring vocals by Danny Gokey (like McIntyre, an American Idol alumnus). Also standing out is “With This Ring,” a wedding song performed in tandem with country artist Skylar Laine. “I Am Hope” provides the album’s most affecting moment with a message of healing that alludes to McIntyre’s own medical struggles.