When I initially got a hold of All Sons and Daughters’ (then just “Sons and Daughters”) first EP, Brokenness Aside, I listened to nothing else for months. (And if that’s high praise for an album, it is more so for a six-song EP.) Their new one, Reason to Sing, due in an iTunes store near you on January 17, follows suit beautifully.

The first time I heard the title track, “Reason to Sing,” I was immediately drawn in – again. The same haunting, gorgeous music as Brokenness Aside, and melodies that seem imbued with the power to draw the lyrics out of you. One can hardly help but sing along with anything All Sons & Daughters seem to write.

As I did start to sing, though, the lyrics struck me:

“I need a reason to sing/I need a reason to sing/I need to know that You’re still holding/the whole world in Your hands/I need a reason to sing”

The theologian in me protested. Isn’t He enough reason to sing? Has He not done enough? If He weren’t still holding the whole world in His hands, we wouldn’t be here to sing about not wanting to sing. It doesn’t matter if you can’t “feel” Him anymore. Of course there will be a victory.

I’m cerebral.

In the video below, Leslie and Jordan discuss the new album, and specifically the title track. It’s less an outright declaration of worship, and more a desperate cry – something to sing, and maybe cry, along with on a bad day. We all have those days wherein our hearts sing those lyrics, whether or not we would ever admit it. 

The rest of the EP is the sort of enchanting worship we’ve already come to expect from All Sons & Daughters.

Paul Baloche helped with “Oh Our Lord,” and Mia Fields co-wrote “Buried in the Grave.” “Spirit Speaks” is a cover from Know Hope Collective’s self-titled album, released last year. “Wake Up” closes the experience with an inspiring, somehow gently rousing anthem.

January 17 – Mark your calendars. I dare you to not sing along.