The Gray Havens, led by Dave Radford, shines as a beacon to those who crave music that weaves poetic storytelling with theological depth. Their new album, This Is Not the End, is a triumph of weary whimsy -- a sound that wraps the heavy-hearted traveler in a welcoming embrace. Radford accomplished this by employing a playful hope. With nine(!) singles already unveiled, the album stands as Radford's most cohesive and confident work to date. On album number five, he showcases a matured vocal presence and an arresting vulnerability in his lyrics, which I have found deeply relatable.

"Anywhere" is a slow, contemplative gem, its gentle tempo and introspective tone communicate a desperate longing to be anywhere else than present circumstances. It's a low-key way to begin the album, but sets the tone for the theme woven throughout. With subtle nods to Peter Pan, the song captures the ache of leaving childhood behind while yearning for a place where dreams endure. Radford's vocals are tender, carrying the reflective mood with warmth that invites listeners to linger in the bittersweet.

"The Magic" is a heartfelt acoustic ode to his wife, Licia, who joins him in delicate harmony. The stripped-down arrangement, centered on soft guitar and their intertwined voices, creates an intimate, almost sacred atmosphere. The song's focus on rediscovering wonder through love feels like a deeply personal tribute, tempered by the weight of shared experience, making it a standout for its emotional authenticity.

"Loop Cycle" is a restless longing wrapped in a buoyant, folk-pop sheen. Its cyclical melody, steady guitar strum, and shimmering synths evoke chasing something out of reach. This is a theme that threads through the album like a golden cord. Radford's voice, once charming but occasionally tentative, now carries bold assurance, anchoring the song's whimsical flourishes. His delivery prioritizes emotional conviction over technical perfection, pulling listeners into the story with a sincerity that feels like a chat with an old friend. "Ordinary Miracle" taps into Radford's gift for crafting vivid, cinematic soundscapes. The interplay of piano and subtle electronic textures creates a sense of wonder in the everyday, its lyrical theme centered on finding divine beauty in the ordinary -- a nod to the sacred hiding in plain sight. Radford's vocals soar in the chorus, delivering a moment of quiet defiance that balances exhaustion with awe, marking growth since the 2013 debut EP.

"Shine" bursts with joy, its upbeat tempo and gospel-infused energy evoking a revival-like exuberance. Yet, we encounter the thread of weariness once again -- a longing for a brighter day. This keeps the mirth grounded. Radford's voice, rich with conviction, carries the song's call to perseverance. "Where the Living Is Deep" carries a worshipful tone, its lyrics steeped in the mystery of a life rooted in faith. The track's layered instrumentation and Radford's vocals create a sense of depth, inviting listeners to dive into the eternal and move farther into the deep end of the pool.

"Give Me Rest" slows things down, creating a meditative space that feels like a prayer set to music. With sparse acoustic strums, Radford's voice carries raw vulnerability, resonating like a whispered confession. The song's emotional leverage is amplified by a subtle yet striking shift in its lyrics: in the first verse, Radford's plea carries a near-demanding tone, but by the second verse, it softens from "give me rest" to "be my rest." This shift marks a transition from a transactional tone to a relational one. By the song's end, even as he returns to the phrasing "give me rest," it's clear Radford recognizes that Jesus is his rest. He reaches a settled peace, understanding that it's the personhood of the triune God that brings what he needs most. This track embodies the album's theme of finding peace amid weariness, resonating deeply in our frenetic world.

What ties This Is Not the End together is its ability to hold space for weariness and wonder. Radford, over a decade into his musical journey, has honed his craft, with his production creating a cohesive sound that's expansive yet intimate. His vocals have never been more confident, moving from tender introspection to bold declaration. The lyrics, raw and vulnerable, invite listeners to confront their struggles while pointing to enduring hope.

This Is Not the End might just be The Gray Havens' finest hour. It dances through the weight of the journey with whimsical grace, offering a balm for the broken and a spark for the soul. For fans of narrative-driven, theologically rich music, this is a must-listen. It's on heavy rotation for me, and I suspect it'll stay there for a long time. Kudos to Dave Radford for crafting a work that's both profound and playful. I highly recommend it.

- Review date: 9/4/25, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

 Record Label: None
 Album length: 10 tracks: 38 minutes
 Street Date: September 5, 2025
 Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)
 Buy It: Gray Havens Store (Vinyl)

1. Anywhere (4:55)
2. Loop Cycle (4:15)
3. The Magic (3:07)
4. Shine (3:32)
5. Where the Living Is Deep (3:33)
6. Ordinary Miracle (3:44)
7. Give Me Rest (4:03)
8. Hold Me Close (3:33)
9. Over & Over (2:57)
10. This Is Not The End (4:42)