And it’s community that brings it home for American Prodigal. With songs featuring Tedashii and KB, the album is an amalgamation and integration of sound and spirit that calls to the prodigal in us all—and does so seamlessly.

“t times, I’m not sure if Tedashii is in our band or we’re in his,” says David. “Those guys, KB and Tedashii and Lecrae and the rest of the 116 Reach Records crew are talking about things that are so suitable and convicting and freeing for the Church in this present tense we are attempting to navigate.”

Pretty soon, everyone else will be talking about it too. Track after track, the gripping American Prodigal holds the listener tight from beginning to end. The surprisingly gentle, welcoming opener “American Intro,” to the crunchy, up-tempo “Keep Me,” (that could easily be featured on any Waking Dead episode), to “Run Devil Run” with echoes of Ryan Adams, and the captivating single, “My Victory,” American Prodigal contends to speak to everyone.

Without a grand ovation or pointed intention, Crowder has done on American Prodigal what few artists can ever achieve—he has evolved without losing himself. In taking on the influences and colors of each other, he has discovered his most vibrant self yet.

“I think I rediscovered myself in Atlanta,” he concludes. “Miraculously, God moved me to this spot of earth and  when you sink your roots  into a place, you can’t help but take  what’s in the soil.”

With roots down deep, and the soil rich for planting, Crowder is primed to reap a harvest that is as bountiful and colorful as it is harmonious. After all, a voice isn’t black, white or yellow…or any color in between. The voice, the music—that’s the bridge.

“At the end of the day it’s not about me,” says David. “Without much effort, music  invades your insides and finds its way into the deepest parts of the human and brings with it transformative things. Whatever it is that divides us, the story of God set to music can be  a thing that  brings us back home—together.”

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