Persuaded

Hard-hitting Motor City sound
Recorded in Detroit with outstanding personnel and production, Persuaded features a gripping, hard-hitting Motor City sound. It's straightforward rock-and-roll spiced with percussive piano, harmonica, Hammond organ, and other hints of funk, gospel and rhythm and blues. Balancing down-to-earth realities with hope-filled spiritual insights, these 12 new songs speak to all who've been persuaded to follow Jesus.

A fascinating musical portrait of conversion
From the doubts of the first songs to the faith of the final tracks, the album is a fascinating musical portrait of conversion. Though it springs in part from TR's personal experience, the story isn't autobiographical. It speaks of the ongoing surrender we're all called to, young and not so young.

Soulful opening track jumps with rhythm
Jumping with rhythm, the soulful opening track, "Something Gotta Go," captures perfectly the challenge of giving our lives fully to Christ-and the confusion that marks our pre-conversion days. "Cast Your Net" is a vivid retelling of the post-resurrection appearance of Christ to the apostles, complete with a crackling fire on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

The album's obvious center of gravity
Echoing St. Paul's reassurance in Romans, the intense title track reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Other highlights include "God Never Changes" and "In My Heart and in My Tears," the album's obvious center of gravity. Opening with a funeral scene, the laying of a "brother to his rest," this poignant ballad can't help but put a catch in your throat.

A new contemporary setting of a classic hymn
Appropriately, the album closes with "Blessed Assurance" TR's new contemporary setting of the classic hymn text by Fanny Crosby. A beefed up version of his previous arrangement, it brings the conversion story full circle, to a place of complete trust in God.

Outstanding songwriting, dazzling musicianship
Long respected in contemporary Catholic music circles for his distinctive psalm settings, TR Smith has outdone himself with this new release. The songwriting is outstanding, giving listeners something to chew on. The musicianship is dazzling, especially TR's keyboard wizardry. Gritty, honest and spiritually relevant, Persuaded is an exceptional musical companion for us modern-day pilgrims.