Benjamin William Hastings

After hearing the songwriter’s stories behind the music on the companion album - the “director’s commentary” version - I love this album’s expression of in-the-trenches, on-the-ground faith in Christ. I appreciate his openness with his particular struggles (depression, worry over future regrets, impostor sense a la Romans 7:24). But the best parts for me are when he expresses the universal struggles each of us experiences (feeling distant-hearted, trusting God in the midst of struggle, not understanding His plans from our limited perspective) - and like the psalmist he brings it back to the foundational truths of God’s character (goodness, sovereignty, super-abundantly giving, all-wise,) that shape our relationships with Him. He works with a lot of imagery (the opposite side of the moon can’t be seen from the standpoint of someone right up against one side of it… dancing with a shadow, the shadow representing his depression). The artist does not intend for you to take every image and extrapolate it out into its own theology. Expect some great creative writing, and you’ll enjoy the ride. And check out the companion album/ director’s commentary version. It was great for those moments you might wonder , “what exactly are we singing about?”

Powerful lyrics that cause you to realize the way of Jesus is adventurous, creative, empowering and unlike anything this world has to offer! Soul gripping!

Stumbled across this album after purchasing tickets to see Brandon Lake in Nashville in April and saw Benjamin was opening for him. I only knew him from United so I went to Spotify to check it out and realized he was releasing his first solo album. I’ve been listening to it on repeat for about two weeks now. I’ve sent it to all my media and worship team at church and everyone is hooked. His lyrics on this album are insane, it takes you on a ride worth waiting in line hours for. Great worship/secular spin and Eden may be one of the best songs I’ve heard in some time. Looking forward to seeing him in April!!

This is an incredible album. The single Anyway was my ballad through a very trying year of health problems. When I heard Homeward, Eden, and Faith Is, I knew I’d want to hear the full album as soon as it came out. He goes into some difficult topics like depression, parenting, faith/doubt, and disappointment in the church, and does so in a way that is honest about the struggles but also points back to the goodness and faithfulness of God. I’ve had it on repeat all week and continue to be encouraged by this great music!

This album is all over the place and I love it. Ben takes the listener for a wild ride with worship songs, songs about faith struggles, songs about love, songs about parenting, and songs about pain. They all mingle together from track to track in what truly feels like a relatable human experience that is holding fast to the promises and goodness of God through it all. We need more honesty from Christian/worship artists like this. It’s good for the soul and forces us to grapple with questions in our relationship with the Lord. Not just chicken soup for the soul. Well done, Benjamin Hastings.

Beautiful compilation of ballads!

One of the best artists out there! Love his music and his transparency in it all

Ben, you lyrical genius! Gonna be incredible.

Very talented guy. Sadly he chooses to mix politics and fables he grew up hearing with Christianity and that makes it something else. Too bad. Don't let him confuse you as he has been.

Benjamin William Hastings has a way of telling a story and making you feel so many emotions throughout a song! Every one of the songs that he wrote for Hillsong were such beautiful displays of worship. This is another powerful example of his work and I pray it touches your heart the way it did mine. 🙏🏻❤️