Hailing from Texas, worship leader and musician Whitlee Casey is no stranger to the Christian Music industry. Since his debut in 2014, he has dropped three albums/EPs. A decade later, and his latest release Red Bird showcases a musician on top of his game. With powerful vocals, tight production, and mission-focused lyrics, Red Bird is both deeply personal and empowering.
“All About You,” opens this record, and it sets us up for a rollicking, soul-filled and gospel infused good time. Marked by organ and Casey’s trademark rock and country tones, this will get your feet tapping and leave you with an ear worm for days. This track could easily find a home on Christian Adult Contemporary radio, and sets the stage for the rest of the record.
If you thought the opener was country-infused, then it’s got nothing on “Dead Will Rise”. Angsty and with a powerful guitar line that will spike your adrenaline, this rock track has echoes of Mike Farris, David Crowder or Mac Powell. Casey has the chops to match them with his vocals – just wait until you hear him soar over an incredible guitar rift towards the bridge. If you’re looking for a battle cry, then this song is it.
Reigning it back in with a gospel choir, “Fire In Your Heart,” is a moving ballad that walks the line between adult contemporary, soul and more measured rock. Depicting the struggle of letting go of the past and embracing the future, this track is like a neon sign pointing towards the Father. Alternating between Casey’s own story and the words of God, the gospel choir and organ tones tie this song together so it sinks into your bones and changes your heart.
“Learning To Let Go,” lifts us to the next step in Casey’s story and spiritual growth. Over pop and rock riffs, Casey’s vocals sound effortless as he alternatives from deep somber moments, to desperate cries in the chorus. As Casey heads towards the bridge and a well-placed key change, he starts to move into the worship genre. However, by driving the drums and guitar forward rather than fading back, he showcases the ability to merge adult contemporary with worship tones, making this a powerful song whether you’re in the car, on a walk or doing devotions.
Track five is a welcome breather in Red Bird, giving us a space to lean back and digest the conviction and power the first half. “No One” is an acoustic easy listening tune, and feels like the moment in a concert when the artist sits solo with their guitar for an audience sing-a-long. Casey’s ability to create rapport is impressive, and this gives us a moment to really appreciate the power of his vocals. This man doesn’t use driving guitar lines to hide vocal flaws – he chooses to sing along side them in earlier tracks because he has the vocal prowess to match them with ease. Yet in track five, we have the pleasure of hearing Casey’s vocals in all their power. That, matched with the finger picking on this tune, show that he has the capacity to be an excellent story teller
“Red Bird” is the most meaningful song of this record – and you understand why the album took this name within the first verse. It tells the story of Casey losing a loved one and finding hope in their eternal life. Production is a little heavier in this song, but gives Casey the space to explore his grief in soft verses and anthemic choruses. There’s no doubt this song will be a comfort to anyone walking in the throes of grief. And when Casey hits the bridge – it’s a chef’s kiss moment. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were listening to Casting Crowns, his conviction and vocals are so on point.
Are you ready to lift your spirits? Because lead single “Tell The World” is a welcome change of pace. Returning to a toe-tapping, easy listening sound akin to track one, this is a call for Jesus followers to come back to the main point: we follow Jesus, and we are called to be a light in the world. Naturally, the electric guitar lines in this are epic, and Casey is masterful as he navigates breakdowns, instrumental changes (hello, is that an organ again?) and fast-paced lyrics that will get stuck in your head.
The energy stays up in “Treasure,” and Casey doesn’t miss a beat in this rollicking anthem. Sharing vocals with Grant Caleb, the country finesse of both these artists shines but doesn’t overshadow the high-energy rock vibe of the over-all album. I dare you not to sing along at the end of this tune – it’s so catchy it’s guaranteed to be in every one of Casey’s sets this summer, and for good reason.
Closing with “Whatever Comes,” this is Casey’s free pass to a nearly entirely country tune. Banjo and percussion are the backbone of this heart felt song, as Casey explores the redemption Christ has brought in his life. Once again, Casey’s vocals are the highlight and we see him merge elements of rock, soul and worship with ease. Of all the songs of Red Bird, this is the quintessential ‘come to Jesus’ moment – and it perfectly encapsulates an album filled with honesty, powerful vocals, and immaculate instrumentation and production.
There is no doubt that Whitlee Casey is a tried-and-true artist in Christian Music. In Red Bird, he showcases his maturity as an artist, storyteller and Jesus-follower, inviting us to join him on the journey through catchy radio hooks, thoughtful ballads, and country anthems. A must have for fans of Adult Contemporary.
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