Hope is perhaps nowhere more poignantly delivered than through the new, compelling recording of “In Christ Alone.”

“When that song went number one in 1990, I was being treated for depression,” he shares.
In a new place spiritually and emotionally, Michael’s latest interpretation brings the song to life in a new way…which also comes across sonically—a gamble for such a well-loved classic.

Understandably a bit wary about reworking such a career song, Michael did his due diligence to run it by one of his most esteemed fans…quarterback Frank Reich.

On January 3, 1993, Reich replaced starting quarterback Jim Kelly, to lead the Buffalo Bills from a 31–0 deficit to a 42–40 victory over the Houston Oilers. It remains the largest comeback in NFL history to this day. In a press conference following the game, Reich shared that his inspiration came from listening to “In Christ Alone” immediately prior to taking the field.

Michael, a Buffalo Bills fan had not seen the end of the game or even knew that his team had pulled it out until he started getting phone calls from others who heard Frank crediting the song and Michael in a post-game press conference.

“I wanted to make sure Frank was ok with the new version,” shares Michael.

Frank set his mind at ease and echoed the sentiment of all who have been privy to the epic remake with his simple and spot-on reaction: “It’s a masterpiece.”
Indeed, the entire album is reflective of a master artisan.

“Great vocalists in any genre come and go,” says CCM Magazine editor, Caroline Lusk. “But every once in a while, a voice comes along that rises above the great into a level all its own. Michael will always be one of those voices. This album captures that in a way that’s inspiring, refreshing and hopeful.”

With truths that are undeniable, a heart willingly transparent for the glory of God’s work and refined musicality that can only come after years in the studio of life, Michael English is once more affirming the source of his ultimate strength, the one who is endlessly creative and relentlessly in pursuit of the hearts of his children in the sweet spot of anointed collaboration and undeniable talent.And in this culture steeped in complacency, judgment and un-reconciled shame, Michael once again proves that he is not satisfied with the norm.

As enigmatic and soul-stirring as ever, Michael is proof positive that yes, for better or worse, some people do change; but the gifting from the one who sings His own melody of salvation, when committed into the hands of the Giver only get better and better as the years go by.