The return of a beloved band can fill their fans' hearts with a bevy of emotions. After time away, will the group be up to their former level of proficiency? Will there be the same level of chemistry or songcraft as they hit before? Will it be worth investing time, emotional currency, or money, in this iteration of the band? Will the band just call it quits again?

These are all valid questions and reflect the unique place that our favorite artists hold in our hearts. And to be honest, many "reunions" of bands are cynical cash grabs or an attempt to recapture the glory days one more time. And so, as one of your favorite groups reunites; the one that imprinted on a special time in your life or in your walk with the Lord, there is trepidation to hit the "play button" and see what this new iteration has to offer.

Tenth Avenue North was a popular band that seemingly exited the scene too soon. With a dynamic live show (with much of the credit going to springy, live-wire frontman and lead singer Mike Donehey, who never met a lighting rig on stage that he could not scale during a concert, or a crowd that he could not work his way through to the back of the room), and widely-appealing songs (think Coldplay-meets-Rich Mullins), the band was a favorite of many and successful on the radio and the festival circuit alike. And lead singer Mike Donehey never really "went away" per say, keeping active with the writing of two books (both titles are well-worth your time,) a solo album, a podcast, and countless video blogs.

But it's a joy to have the band back and active again (with many new members in tow), and their new album, Learning to Trust, is a fantastic return, and truly could be the band's best work overall. Kicking things off with a moving instrumental overture (quite literally titled "An Overture"), the band is clearly thinking big and aiming for something massive here. The following "Running With You In The Dark" is an epic statement of purpose (again, resembling early Coldplay) that repeats the album title nicely in the refrain and builds to a wonderful crescendo in the end and reaches for the "brass ring" of being one of the most grand things you will hear this year. (Again, Coldplay's "Fix You" is a good reference point here.) "I don't know what I'm doing / I don't know where I'm going / I thought I'd have more figured out by now / But all the streetlamps on my road keep burning out / But I'm Learning to trust learning to trust You / Learning to trust learning to trust You / Learning to trust learning to trust Your heart / While I'm running with you in the dark."

Third track "Letting Go for Dear Life" has the feel of a throwback rock song (think classic rock radio staple band Boston), with great harmonies and a clever take on the old expression "holding on for dear life," "Now I I'm letting go for dear life / Lay down the heavy for something light / I'm letting go for dear life / Now I see who I am in Your eyes / Nothing to hold but hands high / I'm letting go for dear life."

"Take Heart" is a rousing, encouraging number that features beloved Irish band Rend Collective and does exactly what the title suggests doing. Highlight tracks are too many to mention, but "Invited" is a stirring, catchy number that's notable for its inclusionary lyrics that speak loudly in a divided time where suspicion of the "other" runs high: "Everyone's invited / To sit at the table / Don't matter if you're feeling / Fit or unfaithful / Cause even when you're guilty / Our God is able / To love you on and on and on and on / All your life / There's enough space / For all sons and daughters / To sit at the feet of the Heavenly Father There's enough space / For all sons and daughters / To sit at the feet of the Heavenly Father / Open up room make way for salvation / I never want to stop giving Your invitation."

Learning To Trust is pop music through and through, but it's excellently done. With timely, pointed lyricism and shiny, epic songwriting and production, Mike Donehey and company have done much more than just "return" to the scene; they have made one of the best albums of the year.

- Review date: 7/19/25, written by Alex Caldwell of Jesusfreakhideout.com