The Generous Mr. Lovewell

Talk about a changeup. Though MercyMe is best known for songs of straightforward praise and devotion, for their sixth album they went conceptual, using the fictional character Mr. Lovewell to explore ideas about what it means to love without condition. The music is as ambitious as the lyrics: Departing from their usual AC style, the band puts a dance pulse on “Move”, throws a festive sing-along on the title track and flirts with electronics on “This Life”. The album overflows with bold moves that pay off handsomely.