We Are Messengers, the famed Christian rock band from Ireland, has released a reimagining of one of their most popular songs. The release comes on the heels of a major milestone, as We Are Messengers recently celebrated achieving RIAA Gold certification for “Maybe It’s OK” from their sophomore album, Power.
The band recently re-released “Wholehearted,” their 2021 hit that became their second most popular song, reaching #2 on the US Christian music charts. This time, however, lead singer Darren Mulligan is given a break in the second verse, as it’s taken up by award-winning Christian hip hop artist KB. The rap section was cleverly crafted, joining a concise rhyme scheme with thoughtful lyrics:
No, I don't need your kudos
These people lie, but You don't
Silenzio the Brunos
The glory goes to Uno
Ain't no duo, it's Yeshua, yeah
This ain't bein' deep, deep
Jesus took the wheel, no
Jesus took the whole street
We Are Messengers' new version of their 2021 hit is an excellent example of how a band can improve upon older songs. While the original version, featured below, was fine the way it was, KB’s verse gives the song a slightly different musical texture that brings a whole new energy to the Christian pop song. The introduction of a rap verse can also allow the song to appeal to a wider range of listeners, giving it crossover value as well.
While the re-release of “Wholehearted” was a pop song of faith, We Are Messengers has also recently put out a series of touching songs that express their love for their home nation of Ireland. Titled The Hills of Tyrone, this intimate and sparsely produced project brings the warmth of his native Ireland to life with seven original songs honoring family, legacy and a place he will always belong.
The distinctly Irish melodies are beautiful in their own right, but the tenderness that Mulligan brings to the vocals are simply beautiful. Each of the seven songs of this EP deals in another aspect of his homeland, dedicated to his wife, wisdom for his young children, and stories about his lineage woven into a musical tapestry that transports listeners to the Emerald Isle.
Listen to the full EP, The Hills of Tyrone, on Spotify. Follow We Are Messengers on YouTube and their official website to hear more.
