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Brandon Heath balances hard reality and goodness in his ninth studio album, The Ache. “Every record I release is a snapshot of the season I’m in, and I thought this was going to be a record about mourning,” Heath said in a release after watching his mom live out her final days. “But I’ve learned that two things can exist at the same time. You can talk about heavy things with a joyful spirit, and I have totally embraced the paradox in this season. I knew there was going to be sadness, but I also knew there was going to be joy because I knew where my mom was going.” The record features radio singles “Gospel Truth,” recalling various truths about God, and “He Does (Oh by the Way)” centering on Jesus’ love for believers. “Thank You. Need You. Love You” focuses on simple prayers to the Lord. The album closes with the beautiful ballad, “The Other Side of the End,” where Heath wonders what really will happen in heaven. The record is a mixture of up-tempo and soft pop. The words are honest and hopeful. (Centricity Music)