Ben Fuller serves up a simpler, purer version of his signature mix of country-pop across his sophomore effort, “Walk Through Fire.” The Vermont native continues to share bits of his deeply vulnerable story across the album’s 13 fresh originals. A former drug addict, Fuller delves into themes of resilience, perseverance and surrender — all tools that have helped him stay sober, even in his lowest seasons.
While his 2023 self-titled debut was defined by a blend of heavily produced pop, country and rock, “Walk Through Fire” strips the production back to a minimum, allowing Fuller’s sharp lyricism and impressive range to take center stage, while displaying his growth, not only as an artist, but also as a believer. This is most obvious on the penultimate track “See What I Mean,” where he admits some people think he’s changed or that he’s just crazy. He chalks it up to the fact that they simply haven’t experienced the love of Jesus for themselves. The song uses farming metaphors — an appropriate turn given that Fuller grew up on a dairy farm. Additionally, it boasts one of the album’s most revealing lines about his family dynamic: “My daddy don’t pray, but he’ll hum my songs.”
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Current radio single “Turn” is enough to peak listeners’ interest in the full project with its stop-you-in-your-tracks opening line, based on Fuller’s real-life temptation following a breakup: “I wanted to turn to the bottle. I even drove past the bar.”
Former hit “If I Got Jesus,” which appeared on his first full-length collection, is also reprised on “Walk Through Fire.” Its steady folk cadence fits in seamlessly with Fuller’s brand-new material that offers a pleasant listen from front to back with its oftentimes solemn, acoustic-grounded instrumentation and the singer’s testimony-driven lyrics.
16-time ACM Award winner Carrie Underwood joins Fuller on “If It Was Up To Me.” Together, the two vocalists thoughtfully contend that God’s plans are always better, even if they don’t unfold the way we think they should. The album’s other collaboration comes in the form of upbeat, fiddle-laced confession “Higher,” which references Fuller’s previous life and features songwriter Molly Kate Kestner, who’s penned selections recorded by Kelly Clarkson, DOE and Leanna Crawford.
Backed by a full choir, Fuller’s soulful, Gospel-leaning performance on “Higher” is impressive, only to be surpassed by his soaring vocal on the title cut. Reasoning that gold is forged in the fire, Fuller celebrates suffering because of the strength it’s instilled in him on the scorching original.
The dark, Johnny Cash-like “Black Sheep” follows. Fuller speaks to the rebels and renegades, like himself, on the haunting fan favorite channeling the crux of the pain of his former choices.
“Walk Through Fire” is bookended by two sparse offerings. Full of desperation, album opener “Walk With Me” finds Fuller pleading with God to never leave. Meanwhile, the project’s concluding ballad, “I’ll Sing For You,” showcases nothing more than a powerful piano vocal that reveals Fuller pledging his personal worship regardless of how many people are listening. “You have my hallelujah,” he sings.
Nevertheless, “Walk Through Fire” will catch the eager ears of fans of both Christian music and country music. Lyrically, Fuller’s songs are unashamedly fueled by his ongoing spiritual transformation. Musically, his slight southern drawl — despite his northern upbringing — and his vocal grit will easily resonate with fans of Noah Kahan or Zach Williams. Irrespective of personal preferences, however, his story is what connects Fuller to fans at every turn. “Walk Through Fire” delivers his own narrative in a way that’s distinctly genuine, leaving few to argue with Fuller’s undeniable passion and sincerity. Even if Fuller’s sound isn’t your cup of tea, it’s hard not to appreciate the man behind the music after listening to “Walk Through Fire” in its entirety. His joy’s contagious, and his second endeavor points to a greater purpose in life’s most difficult moments.
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