On their fourth full-length effort, We Are Messengers points to a person, not a place, where their joy is found. The radiance of Jesus — and the pure delight He brings to the life of a believer — permeates the group’s fresh collection, “Where The Joy Is.” The set’s 10 originals live up to the album’s name with a rare exuberance that can be difficult to capture in a studio setting. Yet, somehow, the collective managed to replicate the same energy they exude live in the tracking room.
Filled with ample parts gratitude for where they’ve been and optimism for where they’re going, every single track on “Where The Joy Is” is a massive arena-worthy anthem. Their atmospheric rock is, at times, reminiscent of U2 with its mix of crunchy guitars and frontman Darren Mulligan’s unmistakable Irish inflection. As a whole, if this cohesive batch of songs was an intentional attempt to expand the breadth of their pop/rock sensibilities, mission accomplished. From the opening hook of “Keep Your Head Up,” the band introduces a contagious vitality that doesn’t let up.
Gang vocals and choirs abound on “Where The Joy Is” stretching the bounds of their sonic limits, but the band is no doubt eager to replace those recorded voices with an ardent chorus of concertgoers in the cities they visit throughout the year. These songs are obviously tailor-made for We Are Messengers’ spirited live show, perhaps more than any other previous work. In anticipation, the K-LOVE Fan Award winners have upped the ante on their touring this year with a full itinerary of some of the biggest headlining dates of their career to date, both domestically and internationally. And based on their calendar, it appears the entirety of 2024 will find the road warriors bringing their raucous concerts to audiences far and wide.
Part of the group’s appeal is due to Mulligan’s unabashed transparency both on stage and on record. For “Where The Joy Is,” he enlisted the help of some of Christian music’s best lyricists to craft these thoughtfully written selections — all of which bear Mulligan’s rough and wild creative touch. Jeff Pardo, Ethan Hulse, Jonathan Smith, Jordan Sapp, Kyle Williams and Dan Muckala are among the expansive group of respected songwriters listed in the credits.
Jubilant tracks like “A Thousand Times” and “How Great You Are” showcase the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus. Meanwhile, offerings like lead radio single “God Be The Glory” and album closer “Glory and My Good” dive into the transformation that takes place when we fully surrender our lives to Christ.
While Mulligan harmonizes with labelmate Blanca on the fun, lighthearted “My Hope Is In You,” it’s We Are Messengers’ collaboration with newcomer Ben Fuller on “I Found Rest” that really stands out. The hard-driving track is a testimony song that fits both Mulligan and Fuller to a T, given the similarities in their backstories, which serve as powerful evidence of God’s grace and mercy.
Not to be missed is “Worthy of Being Loved,” the album’s crown jewel. Buried deep in the tracklisting, the exquisite selection unfolds like a letter to listeners battling depression and even struggling with suicidal thoughts. It’s a powerful track that will no doubt save a lot of lives with its message of hope, purpose and resilience.
Their best endeavor yet, We Are Messengers’ “Where The Joy Is” is an extension of Mulligan and his bandmates and their heart for the underdog, the lonely, the forgotten, and the down and out. It’s a call to the wayward sinner as much as it is an encouragement to the Christ follower. Ultimately, these songs are meant for the live setting and the diverse, multigenerational, ragamuffin audience the group draws nightly. Thankfully, fans will have plenty of chances to see the band in 2024, including at this year’s sold-out “K-LOVE Live at Red Rocks” event on Aug. 7.
