There’s an underlying strength on John DeGrazio’s Stronghold, heard even in his confessions of spiritual confusion and need. The New Jersey-based singer/songwriter’s classical training is evident in his elegantly constructed melodies; his faith shines through in every line of his literate, unguarded lyrics. The husky edge to DeGrazio’s vocals is tempered by a plaintive upper range, capturing the extremes of his struggle for salvation. Personal transformation is the theme of the grand rock waltz “Fragile” and the simmering, string-draped “Shine So Bright.” Tracks like “I Did Fly” and “Down I Go” further detail his Christian walk with a sharp, self-critical eye. “Stronghold” confronts the nature of a sinful world, backed by dramatically swelling orchestration. DeGrazio’s gifts as a composer are especially evident in ruminative, piano-centered pieces like “The Kingdom.” Stronghold’s music unfolds with a certain poise and dignity; its lyrics don’t shy away from using big words like “paradigm.” But such formalism is matched by an open-heart and a willingness to bear scars.