Seth Davey is working on a new album and his planned
Hymns and Hindsight EP has morphed into a 10-song concept album to be titled
Words in the Wounds and will feature a full band. Part of that album and promotion is his newest single "The Highs and Lows." Much like "39 Years and Counting," the newest release sees at juxtaposition in the lyrics. While this one is a little more obvious from the title, Davey bounces back and forth between different 'highs and lows' that he experiences in his life. The song begins with, "
Some days I feel abandoned; others it seems like I am Your only child," setting the pace and highlighting a struggle I'm sure most of us have faced. While the verses demonstrate the spiritual highs and lows of everyday life, the bridge takes a more macro look at our relationship with God. Davey sings about our weakness in the first half but then contrasts that with the mighty nature of the Savior in the second half. It's another solid lyrical outing and I can certainly see how "39 Years and Counting" and "The Highs and Lows" will fit together within a concept album.
Musically, this one differs quite a bit from the previous. "39 Years and Counting" was strongly steeped in keys and strings and has a lush sound, but "The Highs and the Lows" plays off more like folk-rock song a la Mumford and Sons or something similar. Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, strings, and more are all present here, and there's a joyous feeling happening. A standout moment in the arrangement is the slowdown that happens for the first half of the bridge, followed by the big triumphant sounding second half as it builds back into a half-time chorus. A cool shift happens here, and it sets things up for a more interesting ending to the song.
Seth Davey has really stepped up his game with recent singles, and I'm starting to see his vision. I, for one, am excited about the prospect of a full ten-track album versus a five-track EP -- especially if these two songs are any indication. Fans of Davey's previous work in Attalus, his previous solo work, or fans of folk-rock bands like Mumford and Sons should undoubtedly give Davey's newest release a listen.
- Review date: 9/17/25, written by
Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com
(JFH Sponsor Spot)
JFH Staff's Second Opinion
Seth Davey is barreling headlong into his upcoming third LP, and he's doing so with his best work to date. "39 Years and Counting" was an incredible single that hit deep, and his latest, "The Highs and Lows," is a fantastic follow-up. The song is an upbeat, folky number, akin to Rend Collective, but less poppy and more like what an Attalus folk song might sound like. Davey again hits hard with the lyrics as he deals with God's relentless love for us in all seasons of life. This is easily a song I can come back to when I'm wrestling with doubt, especially when the bridge hits: "
But You're still a Father when I'm on the run / still a Savior despite what I've done / still the Healer when I'm overcome by miles / and You're still the Giver who keeps my hands full / still the Shepherd who walks in my wool / still the love that's been unbreakable all the while." Seth Davey continues to smash it with these pre-release singles, and I cannot wait for the full album. It's poised to be his best yet.
- Review date: 9/11/25, written by
Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Record Label: None
Album length: 1 track: 4 minutes, 11 seconds
Street Date: August 22, 2025
Buy It: Amazon Music
- The Highs and Lows (4:11)
|  |

|