album: Restoration
artist: Lecrae
genre: hip-hop
release date: August 21, 2020
star rating: four out of five

review by Cale Ward

Restoration is Lecrae of Reach Records’ latest album that dives into some serious cultural and counter-cultural topics. It is a cry of hope for a better future for those who are feeling none in these unprecedented times. This album delves into his relationship with God, the church, and himself. Lecrae wrestles with morals and peacekeeping, being malleable and teachable while also holding onto his convictions and values. It’s incredibly passionate and incredibly beautiful.

As far as the tracks go, they differ wildly from one another and are in many different hip-hop styles. This diverse range of talent really keeps the album fresh track-to-track and keeps you coming back for a re-listen to find out which are your favorites. There are two tracks which I find a bit too hook-heavy without quite enough substance as far as verses, but they’re catchy nonetheless. The other 12 tracks more than make up for the lack of substance in those two.

This album will certainly make you think about your role in this life and these times, just as Lecrae questions his own life in these lyrics. I believe Restoration is Reach Records’ best album in the last five years and my favorite of Lecrae’s ever. Nearly perfect from track to track, it’s raw and personal. I look forward to Lecrae’s future work as I wish he keeps pushing the envelope of what it means to be a Christian rapper.