A singer/songwriter and worship leader from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Shannon Adducci is using her music to turn tragedy into triumph. With her latest album, Loved, Adducci explores both the everlasting love of Jesus and the kindling of new romance after going through divorce. Divorce is not an uncommon theme in the music world, and it's often accompanied by lyrics that are drenched in despair and self-loathing, with maybe a hint of "it'll get better someday." Adducci, however, takes the opportunity to spend the vast majority of the album praising God and being thankful that His love and mercy are unchanging, while she only touches on her past mistakes when necessary. The very first set of lyrics in the opener, "Loved," are a perfect example, and they are the epitome of setting the tone for the album: "I am not what I do / I'm not measured by how the world sees me / I have nothing to prove / can't be gauging my worth by my feelings / I'm not less, I'm not more / based on who's keeping score / I'm not prisoner to ways I feel judged / I am loved / I am loved by the King of all Kings / I am loved, loved perfectly / simply for me." Amid these songs of gratefulness, Adducci also penned a love song for her new husband ("I Love Our Life"), as well as a few pure worship songs, such as "Just One Jesus" and "Redeemer," the latter of which sings, "Redeemer, Redeemer / I have found You to be faithful and true / Redeemer, my Redeemer / there is nothing impossible for You / I start again, You make me new / You rain down mercy, like only You can do / light of my life, theme of my song / my Redeemer." Musically, the songs are simply-written and acoustic, using mostly piano and acoustic guitar. In other words, they should be easy to learn for anyone who wants to use these songs at church or while spending personal time with Jesus. Shannon Adducci's Loved is a great example of holding onto Christ during the dark seasons of life and coming through stronger than you were before. Fans of general CCM and encouraging music may find some new favorites here.

- Review date: 10/16/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com