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Wide Open, the anticipated debut release from singer/songwriter Austin French is available today. Alongside the album's title track, Wide Open includes the powerful song "Why God," which the Georgia reared singer shared early with fans on Facebook to pay tribute to victims of the Santa Fe School shooting.
Another standout on the debut is the current single, "Born Again," which has already broken top 30 at Billboard's Airplay National Audience Chart after just three weeks. Additionally, the 12-track project includes the top 10 hit song "Freedom Hymn" and the upbeat summer anthem, "Good Feeling" which made its way to TV airwaves with NBC's "The Voice" using the song in promotion for the hit show.
These songs have racked up over 12 million streams, and have gained placement on top playlists like Spotify's Top Christian, New Music Friday Christian and Top Christian Contemporary, Amazon Music's Introducing: Pop, Divine Sound and Top 100 Most Played Christian, as well as Apple Music's A-List Christian. To add to the momentum, French nabbed the honor of Fox Sports Channel's September artist of the month.
Establishing himself as a talented artist and songwriter who is open and vulnerable, French's personally inspired Wide Open takes real struggles from his own life and writes them into songs that are universally understood.
"These songs didn't come from a place of holding back. These songs didn't come because I said, 'God, would you do as little as possible in my life this year?'" said French. "They came from, 'God, would you do what you're going to do? Would you do miracles in front of me?'"
Here's what the critics have to say...
"Wide Open is a strong milestone for Austin French - a well-written, beautifully crafted album guaranteed to impact listeners. Austin's raw, transparent sincerity and undeniable love for Christ flows throughout each track. With a song for virtually anyone in any moment, Wide Open is set to become a listeners' favorite." - The Christian Beat
"Austin French's debut album [Wide Open] lives up to its titular in the way he opens up his heart progressively with each passing note. And the way he invests an array of emotions into his songs makes this record bristle with urgency and sizzle with passion." - Hallels
"Austin French's bold debut, Wide Open, is a thoroughly modern, energetic, rhythmically stomping album...With a driving, propulsive vibe and terrific songwriting and performances, Wide Open may be the best debut album of the year." - Jesus Freak Hideout
"Austin French encourages believers not to close their hearts to God's work in their lives with his debut album Wide Open. French advocates a life of committed surrender that defies circumstances and emotional turmoil. Wide Open raps on the door of each listener, inviting them to throw doubt to the wind and fall headlong into the arms of Jesus." - Today's Christian Entertainment
"The most striking aspect of Wide Open is how authentically Austin shares his life and his heart. Songs like "Why God" are a personal worship session, like you're watching Austin sitting down at the piano and singing the words on his heart in the moment." - New Release Today
To listen to Wide Open, click here.
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