An extended review of a 2024 music recording by Jordan St. Cyr
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BEC Recordings, 2024. $14 at JordanStCyr.com
Less than two years after the release of his debut self-titled album, Jordan St. Cyr is back with another collection of songs from the studio.
St. Cyr and his Manitoba family are no strangers to suffering, which becomes obvious when listening to the lyrics on My Foundation. Years ago, his youngest daughter Emery was diagnosed with Sturge Weber Syndrome, a rare congenital disorder which can affect the skin and nervous system. While you might expect My Foundation to be an album filled with questioning God, in many ways it’s the opposite.
In track after track, while St. Cyr cries out to God for help, he also celebrates God’s faithfulness in a way that someone only can after seeing God move in extremely trying times. In a recent interview with People magazine his new perspective on suffering is evident: “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but [Emery’s diagnosis] was the biggest gift I could have ever received. I thought so much of life was in my control. But it wasn’t. That is what this little girl revealed to me.”
The result of this shift in perspective is a highly encouraging album reminding the listener that God never makes a promise that He doesn’t intend to keep and we can trust God to write our life stories. On “God Did a Good Thing” St. Cyr sings, “Every break in my heart / Every tear that I cry / Will turn to redemption / In his perfect time / Someday I’ll look back / On the story of me / And this is the song I will sing / God did a good thing.”
The track “Weary Traveler” (from his previous album) has already brought St. Cyr incredible success with his first U.S. #1 radio single and a GMA Dove Award nomination for Short-Form Video of the Year, and it’s no wonder the song is resonating far and wide. It’s hard to not be reminded of the faithfulness of God with lyrics like: “It’s just in Your nature to step in and save / Because of You, Jesus / When I’ve been defeated / I know You’ll pull me out of my grace / When I needed rescue / Jesus, You came through / Oh, in my hardest season / Your promise held true.”
Other themes in the album include the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His triumph over death, the solid base we have when we build our life with Jesus as the foundation, the everlasting love we have from our Heavenly Father, and the transformation that takes place when we come to believe.
Speaking of transformation, the track “Life Before You” is the stand-out song on the album. It’s a catchy anthem of refusing to turn back to our lives before we met Christ. The lyrics say, “So empty, that was when you came to get me / First real taste of mercy / I know right when you came something that changed / That I’ll never forget / You took this heart all broken, battered and bruised / You shaped it into something new / And I’m not going back cause I’ve seen what you do.”
While the lyrics will capture the attention of any listener, musically the sound of the album is adult contemporary and its style will resonate with fans of Josh Wilson, Jason Gray, Matthew West, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Songs on the album includes hints of rock, folk, and Gospel influences, as well as elements of modern worship songs. The album has a polished studio sound that still manages to stay true to the organic, heartfelt sound St. Cyr is known for bringing to his live shows.
My Foundation is a solid sophomore effort from Manitoba native Jordan St. Cyr. Listeners will have no need to wonder why St. Cyr has attracted such a large fan base in both Canada and in the United States. He brings the kind of authenticity and vulnerability people are drawn to, while also showcasing the songwriting skills needed to create the kind of memorable melodies we want to listen to on repeat.
Ultimately, My Foundation is an album that invites listeners to lean into God’s strength, and it is a reminder that no matter what life brings, God is steady, faithful and always near – making this album one well worth listening to.
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