Seph Schlueter’s long-awaited full-length debut arrives in the form of his 11-song offering, “Counting My Blessings.” Named after his chart-topping, Gold-certified single, the impressive collection proves Schlueter’s first radio success wasn’t a fluke. “Counting My Blessings” was only the beginning.
Upon release, “Counting My Blessings” became a viral hit that was shared around the world, garnering more than 7 billion views across his social platforms and earning Schlueter multiple GMA Dove Award nominations and a K-LOVE Fan Award for Breakout Single of the Year in 2024.
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Recalling artists like Lewis Capaldi, Benson Boone and Ed Sheeran, Schlueter delivers a unique, raw vocal across transparent lyrics culled from real life on his initial LP. As an experienced worship leader, he excels at intimately gathering listeners around massive themes like the spacious love of God and the perspective of a grateful heart. As a storyteller, he surpasses his peers with a maturity that belies the vantage point of his mere 25 years.
A longtime member of Damascus Worship, the Ohio-based artist showcases his aptitude as a worship leader on selections like congregational-friendly penultimate anthem “Words We’ll Sing Forever” and introductory track “Turn It To Praise,” which opens with one of the record’s most relatable lines: “You’ve got a history of changing stories, even when I wrote mine off as done.” As God takes what the enemy meant for evil and uses it for His glory, Schlueter vows to keep praising the God who gives and takes away.
Pop standout “Steady Love” follows with an arena-ready message of anchoring our lives in the unchanging mercy and forgiveness of Jesus.
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Schlueter continues to unravel this thread of unconditional grace as he borrows imagery from the Biblical parable of the Prodigal Son. Sophomore single and second multi-week No. 1 “Running Back to You” evokes the scene of a wayward child falling into his father’s embrace. Meanwhile, complimentary closer “Come On Home” was written for friends of Schlueter’s who have recently abandoned their faith. A plea to return to an abiding relationship with Jesus, the song serves as a beautiful benediction for a solid endeavor.
The newcomer gets deeply personal on “This Side of Heaven,” a poignant exploration of the tension that exists between the things we don’t understand and what we know to be true of God’s character. Likely written in the wake of the miscarriage he and his wife experienced with their first child, the choir-assisted original is one listeners will immediately find themselves in, as questions in the midst of loss carry an intrinsic connection.
Elsewhere, songs like stark confession “Love Me Still” and testimony-driven “Won’t Start Now” — Schlueter’s latest single — put the focus on God’s unwavering faithfulness as a loving father and a promise keeper.
A deluxe edition serves up six additional recordings, featuring acoustic, collaborative or live-session versions of select songs, including a special rendering of “Counting My Blessings” with Matt Maher.
“This entire project is an invitation. It’s for anyone who’s ever doubted if they’re loved, if they’re seen. It’s a reminder that there is a Father who loves you, a Son who died for you and a Spirit who wants to dwell within you,” Schlueter shares. “That truth has changed my life, and I hope these songs help others experience that, too.”
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A breath of fresh air, “Counting My Blessings” is as unique as Schlueter’s hard-to-pronounce last name. Not overly produced, the rising singer’s vocals are as unvarnished as his diaristic lyrics, endearing him to listeners with the same earnestness that drew scores of fans to his first radio single.
Thankfully, they won’t have to wait long to hear any of these songs live. Following a successful spring run, Schlueter will launch a second leg of his inaugural headlining trek, appropriately titled the “Counting My Blessings Tour,” with special guest bodie, in September. The fall outing will find the CCM riser visiting 14 cities and sharing selections from his praise-worthy debut.
