Andrew Peterson – ‘Resurrection Letters, Vol. 1’ album review

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Back in 2008, Andrew Peterson released a collection of songs about power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives, and gave it the quirky title Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2 (buy). Over the past decade, it’s become one of the best loved records of his long, acclaimed career, so his fans have frequently asked, “Where’s Volume 1?” Writing about the most important event in history is a daunting task for sure, but ten years, several books, and three albums later, the wait is over. Resurrection Letters, Vol. 1 (buy) is now here, and for the longtime fan and newcomer alike, it is beyond worth the wait.

If the last two records have been somber, autobiographical affairs, with their tone and content reflective of a dark season in life, Resurrection Letters Vol. 1 is like the first spring thaw, songs that sound like a burst of hopeful celebration and a declaration of new life. Producer and long-time collaborator Ben Shive‘s presence is felt in the clean sound and bright, almost poppy flourishes, particularly in “Remember Me’s”  easy groove or the classic Paul Simon vibe of “Remember And Proclaim.” And lyrically, this is Andrew Peterson at his rich, poetic best. Every word is clearly chosen with care and saturated with Scripture, and older songs like “Rise Up” (written and previously recorded by Ben Shive) and “Risen Indeed” blend seamlessly into the whole project.

From the thundering opener “His Heart Beats” to “All Things Together” and its melodic callbacks to Vol. 2, Resurrection Letters Vol. 1 is a lovingly crafted masterpiece and a new Easter tradition in the making. If you’re already a fan, we don’t have to tell you to hurry up and add this to your collection, but for those who haven’t discovered Andrew Peterson yet, the Resurrection Letters trilogy is a perfect place to begin.