In the world of Christian music, where sincerity often meets storytelling, McCarty & Benge‘ s sophomore album Live On Faith offers a refreshing and compelling perspective on faith, struggle, and perseverance. Released on November 8, 2024, this collection marks a triumphant return for the Christian duo, who made waves with their debut album Small Town in 2022. But while Small Town showcased their love for country and gospel sounds, Live On Faith finds the duo expanding their sonic palette to include elements of Southern gospel, country, and even hip-hop. It’s a beautiful mix, and it’s a sound that not only resonates but uplifts, reminding us all of the power of music to heal, inspire, and transform.
At its core, Live On Faith is a powerful reflection on the themes of resilience, perseverance, and faith—universal topics that resonate deeply with listeners from all walks of life. The album unfolds like a storybook of struggles, redemption, and unwavering belief in the face of adversity. From the very first track, McCarty & Benge invite us to take part in a journey of faith, grounded in the belief that no matter how hard life gets, faith in God has the power to carry us through.
Perhaps the standout track is “Moving Mountains,” a high-energy anthem that perfectly captures the album’s spirit. Its lyrics are raw, its message powerful, and its delivery—characteristically soulful. The duo sings about facing life’s most daunting challenges with a faith that refuses to yield. “We’ve all got mountains, but we’ll move them if we keep on believing,” they sing, their voices a testimony to the strength they derive from their spiritual foundation.
Another track that stands out is “To Be a Dad,” a tender ballad that takes a more introspective approach, exploring themes of fatherhood, responsibility, and love. It’s a deeply personal moment on the album, where Jason Benge’s Southern gospel background shines, and Ian McCarty’s hip-hop influence brings a contemporary energy that feels both timeless and relevant. The blend of the two creates a unique sound, one that’s both comforting and powerful.
Live On Faith isn’t just about big anthems or heartfelt ballads, though. Tracks like “Love Story” and “God’s Land” introduce a more narrative-driven side of the duo’s songwriting, with lyrics that invite listeners into McCarty & Benge’s personal experiences. There’s a sense of vulnerability and authenticity here, as the duo never shies away from sharing their own struggles and imperfections. This honesty is a crucial part of what makes Live On Faith so compelling—the fact that it doesn’t just speak about faith but embodies it through a very real and human lens.
In interviews, McCarty & Benge have made it clear that their mission is not just to entertain, but to uplift. “We want our music to be catchy, something people can sing along with, but the ultimate goal is to introduce people to Jesus,” they’ve said. And that mission comes through loud and clear in Live On Faith. Every track exudes a sense of joy and hope, even in the face of pain and uncertainty. It’s not about denying hardship, but about showing the power of faith to turn hardship into triumph.
The duo’s refreshing combination of Southern gospel, country, and hip-hop feels natural—each genre serving as a tool to communicate faith in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. The result is an album that feels as much like a conversation with the listener as it does a performance. The music is joyful, the lyrics are powerful, and the messages are life-affirming.
If there’s one takeaway from Live On Faith, it’s that no matter what life throws at us, our ability to rise above comes from the strength of our faith. McCarty & Benge have created an album that not only speaks to the soul but also provides a sense of community and hope. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Christian music or someone simply seeking uplifting, heart-centered music, Live On Faith is an album that will inspire and resonate for years to come.
