The Struggle is the third studio album from the American Christian pop-rock band Tenth Avenue North. It was released on August 21, 2012 and reached No. 1 on Billboard's Christian and rock charts. It has received significant critical acclaim.
Contents
Background and development
The band announced in 2011 that they were developing a new album. The working title of the album was "Strangers Here". The band eventually decided to title the album The Struggle, and in March 2012 publicly announced the final title and an expected release in August 2012. In 2011, the band hosted several "sing on our record" events across the country, where fans were invited to sing simple harmonies as a choir that could be used on the album.
Lead vocalist Mike Donehey said, "Our desire for The Struggle is that listeners will walk away with both of these truths still ringing in their ears and burning in their hearts. We are free to fail because there’s an ocean of grace that we fall into. But also, we have the promise of a power so strong that it raised Christ Himself, and so we know that, mystery of mysteries, we’re also not struggling to be free."
The first single from the album, "Losing, was originally demoed under the titles "Feels Like Losing" and then "Losing (God Is Not an Elephant)" (the band released a video prior to finalizing the song explaining how the forgiveness theme in the song relates to the saying that an elephant never forgets). It was eventually released as simply "Losing" on May 18, 2012. The song is an anthem about forgiveness. It is currently charting on Billboard's Christian Songs chart, peaking at No. 2.
The cover for the album is the title set against Rembrandt's 1633 painting The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, which shows 14 people, though the actual event was Jesus and his 12 disciples (13 people). It is believed that the fourteenth person is Rembrandt, and that he painted himself in with the terrified twelve disciples to show that Biblical stories apply to everyone.
Critical reception
The Struggle received positive reviews from critics. AllMusic's Steve Leggett noted how "This set was road-tested live, with the band urging audience members to sing along on the choruses, and those varied audience contributions are actually here on the record, a sort of massed fan choir for the band. The result is Tenth Avenue North's best release yet."
CCM Magazine's Andy Argyrakis gave credence to the fact of the band "had no trouble connecting with Christian music's masses" with respect to this album. In addition, Argyrakis said the band "encourage[s] listeners to persevere through life's storms for ultimate freedom in Christ."
Christian Music Zine's Emily Kjonaas praised the album, and the track "Worn" specifically for its relatable theme of being worn out dealing with hectic lives. Kjonaas concluded, "Tenth Avenue North continues to get better and better with each record they put out. Overall, The Struggle is an album that appeals to not only Tenth Avenue North fans but people out there who are looking for a great worship album."
Christianity Today's Robert Ham described The Struggle as Tenth Avenue North's "strongest album to date", writing, "These songs of struggle and redemption are melodically complex, often beautiful (much credit should be given to keyboardist Brendon Shirley on that front), and spiritually rich. It's a tough balance for any band to maintain, but Tenth Avenue North manages it with ease and grace."
Cross Rhythms' Tony Cummings wrote that with "their fourth full length album, shows they've lost none of their winning ways with memorable pop rock hooks."
Indie Vision Music's Jonathan Andre said the album was "full of lyrical goodness" and gives "a reason to long for our permanent home in the midst of living now with Christ by our side throughout our hurt we may endure in our earthly lives." It continued, "Musical ingeniousness coupled with lyrical transparency and hopeful motivation permeates through each track" and said the album was "full of eclectic musical sounds weaved through lyrical moments of surrender and adoration." It concluded that the band has "written 12 poetic tapestries of honesty as we revel in the knowledge that our struggles are temporary."
The Struggle Tour
In June 2012, the band announced The Struggle Tour, featuring guests Audrey Assad and Rend Collective Experiment. It began in September 2012 and ran through November 2012 to more than three dozen cities.
Personnel
Tenth Avenue North
Mike Donehey – vocals, acoustic guitars
Brendon Shirley – keyboards, backing vocals
Jeff Owen – electric guitars, backing vocals
Ruben Juarez – bass, backing vocals
Jason Jamison – drums
Additional musicians
Jason Ingram – programming, backing vocals
Jonathan Smith – programming
Drew Fremder – trumpet
John Catchings – cello
Chris Carmichael – string quartet, string arrangements
Moriah Peters – backing vocals
Multiple choir singers on "Losing"
Production
Terry Hemmings – executive producer
Jordyn Thomas – A&R
Jason Ingram – producer
Shane D. Wilson – engineer, mixing
Lani Crump – mix coordinator, production coordinator
Jonathan Smith – editing, production assistant
Michelle Box – A&R production
Dave Steunebrink – production coordinator, management
Beth Lee – art direction
Tim Parker – art direction, design
Parker Young – photography
Samantha Roe – wardrobe
Kristopher Whipple – grooming
Music videos
"Losing"
"Worn"