Leaving Eden

On his third album, this Christian singer/songwriter applies his vividly drawn lyric style to both global issues and intimate everyday situations. Fans who admired the poignant character sketches within his 2008 hit “Give Me Your Eyes” will find a similar approach evident in Leaving Eden’s title track, a God-centered response to human suffering. “Only Water” (an acoustic-based tune rich in natural imagery) and “The One” (an upbeat anthem set to a simmering groove) are outwardly directed expressions of an activist faith. Heath balances such tracks with stirring praise tunes like “The Light In Me” and “Stolen.” Musically, the songs benefit from Dan Muckala’s production touches, which range from Daniel Lanois-like ambient overlays (“Your Love”) to Caribbean rhythms recalling Jason Mraz (“It’s No Good to Be Alone”). Amidst these sonic settings, Heath maintains his guy-next-door appeal as a singer — his clear phrasing and yearning high notes betray little showbiz affectation. Leaving Eden tackles some lofty subjects, but in the end the album is one man’s open-hearted testimony of salvation.