If you’ve listened to any Christian radio over the past couple of years, you’re probably familiar with the Christian husband/wife duo Love & The Outcome. Their 2013 self-titled debut included hits like, “He Is With Us” and “King of My Heart.” Both of these songs were re-cut live and are two of the six tracks on their new EP, Ocean Way Sessions: Live EP, released January 20. The project was recorded at the legendary Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, which was started by world-renowned recording sound engineer Allen Sides, and has been the recording destination of choice for Faith Hill, Train, Three Doors Down, Sheryl Crow, Paul Simon, Harry Connick Jr. and Matchbox Twenty. The EP includes five live recordings from the Inside the Music event at the studio, plus a brand new bonus track.
Click here for the YouTube playlist of the songs.
Keep reading for my take on the project.
“King of My Heart”
You may be used to the upbeat radio version of this song. While I love that rendition, this one is even better. It’s the song to play when you are sitting quietly trying with God over a cup of coffee. Jodi’s voice comes out simple, pure, strong and strained all at once in the beginning. She opens up and transitions to a delicate sound as she sings about the hope she has with Christ as the king of her heart. Jodi and Chris did a phenomenal job bringing in various instruments throughout the song and each one is incredibly clear. You can’t help but sing along as they end the song singing “King of my heart” over and over and over.
“Heart Like You”
Jodi and Chris gently sing the lyrics. The drums come in to create a bold presence as Jodi sings “Take shape. All my guilt and shame start to fade, fade away.” Energy builds as their voices and the instruments become louder and stronger as though they are running to God. This song will speak to your heart. “I just want to be what you want me to be. I just want a heart like you.”
“Story You’re Building”
This is a touching story song that you and many others will be able to relate to. Jodi begins singing about a childhood house going up for sale and how it’s the memories created that truly matter. Then a young woman gets married and her mother is diagnosed with cancer. Sometimes life doesn’t turn out how we think it will or should, but “Story You’re Building” is an incredible reminder that God is building our story and He’s in the middle of everything that happens. I love this lyric: “These are the things that matter in life. Living every moment because you can’t stop time.”
“What A Promise”
This song is personal and brings to light how God’s promises matter and are real with what you may be going through today. “You will never leave; never leave.” I love how the fast beat and how the many instruments blend together. You’ll want to listen to this song a few times to catch every lyric. Sing this one with your family and friends!
“He Is With Us”
Hearing this live version is even more encouraging and uplifting! Are you in a world of confusion? Wondering why your world seems to be crumbling around you or what path God is trying to lead you down? “Though it might hurt now, we won’t be ruined.” “We can trust our God. He knows what He is doing.” My favorite part of this version is when Jodi shouts “Yeah!” in the background.
“Home”
I listened to this song about three times and then imagined someone running through life trying to find something that resembles the warmth and welcoming embrace of being home. Sometimes going to your childhood home breaks your heart. God is calling you to His home. He wants to fill you up. “You’re calling me home, home, home.” Home can be anywhere you let God into your heart. You can’t escape His love. I think of Paul who sang praises to God while sitting in a cold, dark jail cell. Paul was home with God.
I fell in love with the energy and heart behind Love & The Outcome from their very first radio hit. Each song is unique and the sound serves the message and lyric, which are all so relevant to many situations any of us may be going through. Love & The Outcome are currently touring around the country, with plans to join Brandon Heath and Nichole Nordeman this spring on The Table tour. Click here for their tour schedule and ticket information.
Article by Elise Cleary
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.
