Since his debut solo outing with Neon Steeple in 2014, Crowder has continued to reinvent himself with each successive album, besting his previous work each time. Milk & Honey, his fourth full-length effort, doesn’t stray from this tradition. Written during quarantine, the LP—equal parts nourishing and sweet—blends Crowder’s now signature brand of “swamp pop” first introduced on Neon Steeple and the progressive hip-hop flavors found on American Prodigal and I Know A Ghost with strong Gospel sensibilities and hints of R&B.
Milk & Honey eschews most of the rules songwriters typically use to pen congregational-friendly worship faire in favor of experimental sounds and wildly ambitious sonic textures. Gospel choirs color many of the album’s 12 tracks, giving the project warm undertones of community—an intentional move during a period of universal isolation. Acclaimed worship collective Maverick City Music, “Joyful” singer Dante Bowe, and hip-hop artist Hulvey also all make cameos throughout the album adding to the inclusive and diverse nature of the new collection.
Crafting these songs from the studio in the basement of his Atlanta-area home, Crowder set out to design a record that held the promises of God within reach and reminded listeners that there is hope to be found on the other side of this global pandemic.
“This album is a celebration of the future we are marching toward together,” Crowder says, “and a prayer that each of us can live in this promise in the here and now.”
Milk & Honey kicks off with the promise of the goodness of God as Crowder declares that He is “Good God Almighty.” The award-winner opened the 2021 K-LOVE Fan Awards with a live performance of the explosive worship anthem that also vied for “Song of the Year.” Moreover, the popular single recently ascended to the top of five different Christian charts, making “Good God Almighty” Crowder’s third No. 1 hit of his solo career.
WATCH NOW: Crowder "Good God Almighty" Official Music Video
Other standouts on Milk & Honey include the scorching title track, the celebratory “Hallelujah For Every Broken Heart” and the emotive “God Really Loves Us,” which feels like a sequel to Crowder’s timeless version of “How He Loves.” The eclectic body of work closes with a poignant piano ballad titled “The Anchor.” Emerging from a chaotic, challenging year, the selection—highlighting Crowder’s recognizable grit—reminds listeners to drop anchor in the promises of God and the person of Jesus regardless of the ferocity of the storm.
Crowder’s intentional evolution as an artist is obvious at every turn on Milk & Honey. While he never colors inside the lines sonically, if you stop and really listen to the lyrics, you’ll discover a rare spiritual depth and an authentic humble spirit etched into every line. This makes for an unmatched combination that continues to carve out space for Crowder’s out-of-the-box musical ideas and boundary-pushing art.
The hitmaker will return to the road this fall on a 30+ date trek with special guest Sean Curran, debuting new music from Milk & Honey, along with a host of fan favorites.
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