CCM crooner
Guy Penrod’s first project outside of the massive umbrella of the
Gaither Vocal Band stays true to the vocalist’s spiritual pedigree while making a bid for country radio.
Breathe Deep, a 13-track collection of “positive country music with Christian undertones” showcases
Penrod’s strong vocals and blue-collar leanings, especially on standout cuts like “Young Enough to Know Better” and “Even When We Do.” The subjects of family values, child rearing, spirituality, and temptation have been country music staples since the genre began, which makes
Breathe Deep less of a departure than longtime
Gaither fans may think.
Penrod has hardly forsaken his roots, as the foundation for everything on the record is clearly steeped in gospel, and while it may lack the gravitas to dominate modern country radio in the same way as
Tim McGraw or
Carrie Underwood, it skillfully blurs the line between contemporary Christian music and contemporary country Music. ~ James Christopher Monger