“Jesus Loves,” Zach Williams’ fourth studio effort, sets a table where all are welcome — from the lifelong believers to the ones who lost their faith along the way. Regardless of where you might find yourself on the journey, there’s something meaningful to be mined throughout the project’s dozen selections.
“I’ve always believed in writing songs for real people who are going through real things,” the four-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner offers. “This album is an invitation for the misfits, the church kids, and the prodigals and is a reminder that no matter your story, you’re already loved.”
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Launching with the foot-stomping title track, which builds on the cornerstone of faith, the collection reads like a loving missive to those looking for a place to belong. Wading through themes like shame, regret and the freedom found in a transformative relationship with Jesus, Williams’ new record unveils an openly raw and deeply personal batch of songs across which the consistent hitmaker reflects on his past life in view of God’s grace.
Nowhere is this more apparent than on eyebrow-raising standout “Killed A Man.” Although Williams didn’t pen the outlaw cut, it’s an accurate, haunting depiction of his life both before and after Christ. “I killed a man down in the river,” he wails. “Yeah, I had to take a life to keep one out of the grave.” The clever confessional might be credited to Ben Stennis and father-son team Casey and Tucker Beathard, but it fits Williams’ story to a tee.
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Also weaving a genuine narrative, “Story Of My Life” details countless chapters of Williams’ journey that have been marked by both sin and the mercy of a Savior. In addition to sewing a patchwork of his own riddled story, the Arkansas native muses on heaven (“Paradise”), God’s endless patience (“Wait For Me”) and the deep gratitude that shapes his life today (“Thank You).” On slow-burning offering “Hated,” Williams gets more honest than ever before as he vows to stand up for his beliefs regardless of how the world around him might respond.
Lyrically, every single song is steeped in Gospel-rich storytelling. Musically, it’s the most country-focused project of Williams’ discography to date. Country music has always been a part of Williams’ artistry, yet “Jesus Loves” embraces less country-pop sheen in favor of traditional country and bluegrass instrumentation. Steel guitar, banjo and dobro color the majority of the album with a notable harmonica solo emerging on “Friend In High Places” that recalls the southern rock of NEEDTOBREATHE and the backwoods grit of Chris Janson.
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Meanwhile, country-fried closing track “Church Kids” transports listeners to the deep south with its lighthearted twang. Serving up one of the LP’s most fun, relatable moments, the front-porch singalong features CAIN. Together with the sibling trio, Williams fondly remembers growing up in the shadow of the steeple. Nostalgia reigns as they namedrop youth lock-ins and VBS — the currency of every ’80s/’90s church kid raised in the Bible Belt.
Despite the blatant Christian content, most of the originals found on “Jesus Loves” could comfortably be recorded by proven country stalwarts like Dierks Bentley or Blake Shelton. If it weren’t for Williams’ signature growl, which naturally sets his gravelly timbre apart, he could easily be mistaken for one of these leading country chart-toppers. Yet, “Jesus Loves” doesn’t come across as a play for country radio or a grab at a crossover hit. Instead, it feels like a natural progression for an artist who has never tried to be anything but himself.
Never once does he water down the message. In the style of pioneers like Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, Williams just simply tells the truth. If that’s not country, I don’t know what is.
