Zach Williams has carved a unique space in contemporary Christian music, blending rock, country, and gospel influences to create songs that resonate deeply with listeners. Following the impactful releases of “Chain Breaker” in 2016 and “Rescue Story” in 2019, Williams returned in 2022 with “A Hundred Highways,” his third studio album. This collection of 15 tracks takes listeners on a journey through themes of faith, redemption, and personal testimony, reminiscent of classic tent revivals and heartfelt evangelism. This album further cements Williams’ position as a compelling storyteller through song, inviting audiences to reflect on their own spiritual journeys.
“A Hundred Highways” opens with a wave of nostalgia in the first track, immediately immersing listeners in the atmosphere of old-fashioned tent revivals. Williams vividly paints a picture of these gatherings, where communities convened for days, drawn by powerful preaching, salvation, and baptism in local rivers. This theme of spiritual awakening and clear communication of biblical truth is revisited in track 5, “Like a Billy Graham Revival,” a direct tribute to the iconic evangelist. These songs underscore a longing for a return to simple, direct faith messaging, capable of leading individuals toward repentance and a renewed relationship with God, explicitly referencing the King James Version of the Bible. Musically, both tracks are accessible and engaging, showcasing Williams’ signature blend of folk, country, and rock, amplified by a rich instrumentation and his powerful vocal delivery.
Alt text: Zach Williams passionately performing songs live on stage with his band.
Shifting from revivalist fervor to personal introspection, “Up There, Down Here,” the album’s second track, serves as a heartfelt appeal for believers to embody their faith in their daily lives. It poses a powerful question: if heaven is our aspiration, shouldn’t our earthly actions reflect those heavenly values, particularly in how we treat others? This call to action is complemented by “Sunday’s Comin’,” a song of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing parallels to the disciples’ despair after Jesus’ crucifixion, the song delivers a message of enduring faith, reminding listeners that even in the darkest “Friday” moments, the promise of a brighter “Sunday” – representing resurrection and renewal – is always on the horizon. This echoes the powerful message found in Easter sermons, emphasizing that hope and breakthrough are inevitable. “Heart of God” continues this theme of solace and encouragement, directed towards those experiencing pain and suffering. It reassures listeners of God’s unwavering love and acceptance, contrasting divine compassion with earthly judgment and shame. While lyrically upbeat, the song adopts a mellower musical approach, creating an empathetic connection with those in heartache, offering comfort and a gentle path towards positivity.
Testimony is a cornerstone of Zach Williams’ songwriting, and “A Hundred Highways” is rich with personal narratives of transformation and faith. A standout track in this vein is “Jesus’ Fault,” a duet with country artist Walker Hayes. This song cleverly blends lightheartedness with profound personal change. It recounts a life transformed by faith, where the Bible replaces whiskey coasters, amends are made with family, and self-acceptance replaces self-loathing. The playful chorus, “if you miss the old me, then it is Jesus’ fault!” encapsulates the radical nature of this transformation. “Praise Opens Prisons” draws inspiration from the biblical story of Paul and Silas in Acts, celebrating the liberating power of praise and worship. It proclaims praise as a key to unlocking freedom from various “prisons” – sin, addiction, depression, and fear. The song’s catchy chorus and layered instrumentation, featuring choral backing and Williams’ commanding vocals, create an anthem of spiritual liberation.
Alt text: Zach Williams performing a duet of “Jesus’ Fault” with Walker Hayes, highlighting their musical collaboration.
The album’s title track, “Looking for You,” delves into Williams’ pre-Christian life, describing a “hundred highways of empty pursuit.” Despite a Christian upbringing, Williams recounts a period of rebellion, chasing a lifestyle of “drink and drug-fueled rock and roll.” However, beneath the surface, there was a yearning for something more profound, a search for the very faith he was running from. This song offers a raw and honest glimpse into his journey toward spiritual awakening. “That’ll Preach” further solidifies the theme of personal testimony. The song’s opening line, “My whole life is a testimony; I can’t help but tell the story,” encapsulates Williams’ approach to sharing his faith through music. Using sermon-like phrases such as “He turned my mess into a message” and “was blind but now I see,” the song emphasizes the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness, with Williams’ life serving as a living example.
“A Hundred Highways” also offers songs tailored to different stages of faith. “I’ve Got You” serves as an encouragement to believers, reminding them of God’s constant presence and provision. It emphasizes divine foresight and pre-ordained blessings, reinforcing the idea that believers are never truly alone and that God’s promises are already theirs. In contrast, “Love is a Battleground” offers a poignant perspective on relational faith, potentially reflecting on his wife’s unwavering support during challenging times. It acknowledges the trials and doubts she may have faced, highlighting her enduring commitment and love. This song adds a layer of vulnerability and appreciation for steadfast love within the narrative. “Holy Rollin’” injects an upbeat, country-rock energy, envisioning the Christian journey as a “train to eternity” with a “one-way ticket to the promised land.” This track provides a fun and energetic take on eternal hope and salvation.
Alt text: Close-up of Zach Williams playing an acoustic guitar, showcasing his musical talent and instrumentation.
“Flesh and Bone (We Remember)” shifts the focus to communion, a central practice in many Christian traditions. The song beautifully encapsulates the essence of remembrance and sacrifice at the heart of communion, even without the physical elements present. It elevates the act of communion to a celebration, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and believers. The inclusion of lines reminiscent of wedding vows, “Yeah, nothing can separate. What the good Lord brings together,” adds a unique dimension, linking the covenant of marriage to the covenant with God through Christ. “Far Too Good for A Man Like Me” follows as a reflection on grace and forgiveness. It acknowledges human fallibility and repeated breaches of covenant, yet emphasizes God’s unwavering grace and acceptance. The “nail-scarred hands” serve as a powerful reminder of this enduring love. Concluding the album, “Plan for Me” provides an intimate and vulnerable closing. With acoustic guitar accompaniment, Williams sings of personal struggles, doubts, and fears, ultimately surrendering to trust in God’s plan, even amidst uncertainty.
Zach Williams’ strength lies in his ability to convey vulnerability and authenticity through his songwriting. “A Hundred Highways” is deeply rooted in his personal testimony, offering songs that speak to both those within and outside the church, particularly those seeking freedom from addiction. His musical versatility shines through, moving seamlessly between foot-stomping anthems, country ballads, and Southern gospel-infused tracks, reminiscent of artists like Johnny Cash and Gaither Vocal Band. However, the true depth of the album lies in its songwriting. “A Hundred Highways” offers layers of meaning that invite repeated listening and deeper reflection on faith, redemption, and the enduring power of God’s love. For listeners seeking songs that honestly explore the Christian journey with vulnerability, truth, and hope, “A Hundred Highways” by Zach Williams delivers a powerful and resonant experience.
