No Stranger

After a bout with thyroid cancer in 2017, popular singer-songwriter Natalie Grant wondered if she would ever sing again. But much to the delight of her fans and the music community in general, Grant returns with her 10th studio album and first full-length one in five years. “No Stranger” displays Grant’s raw, powerful, and beautiful voice in full measure. “These songs were birthed out of a reawakening to the presence of God in my everyday life, and this project was created in hopes that we would not just capture that experience lyrically, but sonically,” Grant said in a release. “I’ve always known in theory that God is with us, but I’ve experienced that reality in such a personal way in the last few years.” The sound reflects effervescent pop with power ballads and anthems. One highlight: the gripping strings arrangements recorded live at London’s famed Air Studios. “My Weapon” served as the first radio single and says in part, “Your presence is my greatest weapon / Pushing back the darkness / Breaking every chain.” This entire recording will grab the listener from beginning to end. (Curb/Word Entertainment)