Benjamin William Hastings dishes up a confessional, autobiographical slice of musical pie on his sophomore effort, “Sold Out, Sincerely.” Next to his 25-track debut — released in 2022 — his latest offering might feel abbreviated in comparison. Yet, the fresh 12-track collection is just as plentiful in lyrical depth as his initial foray into solo territory.
Air1 listeners were among the first to hear select songs from the album as the radio network exclusively premiered five selections in the week leading up to the project’s release.
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“Sold Out, Sincerely” continues to expound upon the foundation of top shelf songwriting Hastings established on his ambitious self-titled record. Part studio endeavor, part rough mixtape, the LP incorporates brief snippets of stripped-down demos and thoughtful ruminations, giving listeners a glimpse into the recording process throughout.
“This project went through a lot of different iterations and has been a plethora of things. Where it ultimately landed is a divine record, I’d say. A place where I think every song reflects God, or my desire to grow closer to God, and the journey of my life,” Hastings shares. “I’m so excited to share it with you.”
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For “Sold Out, Sincerely” — which takes its name from a line in celebrated single “Abandoned” — the Irish-born artist kept his collaborative circle tight with several of his favorite co-writers featured on the album, including Brandon Lake, Aodhan King and Matt Crocker.
Across the dozen new originals, Hastings wrestles with the acclaim and attention his songs have accrued since moving to the States and launching a solo career from the ground up. He attempts to articulate this struggle in quirky opener “Jesus on a Cruise.” The eccentricity of Hastings’ personality is further showcased on the album’s artwork, which displays the “So Will I (100 Billion X)” singer sitting in a vinyl diner booth directly across from Jesus.
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Given the arresting image, it seems “Sold Out, Sincerely” is something of a conversational exchange between Hastings and God — an ongoing dialogue on which listeners get to eavesdrop.
While selections like “I Can’t Thank You Enough,” featuring Crocker, and “Abandoned,” featuring Lake, offer lyrically rich modern worship anthems fit for a Sunday morning service, other recordings are more personal in nature. “Still You” and “Still See You In It” find Hastings acknowledging God’s presence in every part of life — a truth that especially rings true after his young daughter sustained life-threatening injuries following a recent accident this summer.
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The plodding “If It Wasn’t For Jesus” testifies to the redemptive transformation that’s taken place in his heart; while the tender “What A Friend,” featuring King, is a tribute to his longstanding friendship with the Savior.
The evocative “Set Me On Fire” pulls in fine details from real life that invite a warmth as comforting as the North Face jacket he namechecks. Simultaneously, experimental sonic elements spark a two-minute rumination bristling with uncomfortable musings. Admitting to apathy, he continues to grapple with the tension that comes with being a Christian artist. “Tryna build the Kingdom, but is it Yours or mine?” he questions. “Tell me whose name’s gettin’ higher when I’m writin’ mine on a flier.”
Album closer “Time To Move On,” meanwhile, is arguably the most personal of the batch, detailing the past decade of Hastings’ life, which includes his marriage, the birth of his two children and endless days spent on the road — all of which he laces into the transparent verses. Yet, it’s his poignantly delivered mention of his grandmother’s passing that best illustrates what a diamond in the rough Hastings is as an artist. His voice audibly cracks with emotion during the raw moment.
Sure to earn him more of the critical acclaim he’s so often at odds with, “Sold Out, Sincerely” beautifully captures Hastings’ next step as he forges on with a grassroots career that’s just picking up steam. He might be best known as the co-writer of “Gratitude,” but with each successive solo release, he proves he’s got so much more to say. Both lyrically and sonically, he’s carving out a lane that’s all his own, and he’d do well to continue down the road less traveled because, ultimately, he’s bringing something incredibly thoughtful and remarkably unique to a table for those who might have more questions about their faith than answers. As he says in “Jesus on a Cruise,” “This one’s for the captain all alone at sea…and me.”
Hastings will resume his opening slot on Lake’s “Tear Off the Roof Tour” when the first date of the 2024 fall leg kicks off in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Oct. 10.
