Radio stations are welcoming the return of McDonald with his first single “Closer” ranking in at No. 6 at CHR, No. 18 on the National Audience chart, No. 20 at AC Monitor and No. 25 at AC Indicator. In total, nearly 60 stations are playing the song.

Media are also echoing their excitement for McDonald’s release of Closer. The following is a sample of what they are saying.

“Stamped all over with his earthy signature sound… Closer is a brave and courageous peek inside his heart.” – www.CCMMagazine.com

“I recommend you buy this honest album on March 22, 2011 and look for some gems that are surely to be found there.” – www.Melodic.net

“… there is an element that is distinctly McDonald in each song that has been absent from the Christian music scene since his last recording in 2008. Welcome back, Shawn McDonald. CCM has missed you.” – The Baylor University Lariat

In support of Closer, Shawn will also be on tour this spring in the U.S. and Australia. For the latest tour dates, visit http://www.shawnmcdonaldmusic.com/#/tour.

Closer comes as the newest recording from McDonald in three years. The album offers themes of hope and redemption through the storms of life. Though many of the songs were written by McDonald, he also teamed up with the likes of Ben Glover (“The Lost Get Found” and “Before The Morning”), Brandon Heath, Joy Williams and Jason Ingram. Produced by Christopher Stevens (tobyMac, Sanctus Real) Closer contains 13 songs from the singer/songwriter such as “Don’t Give Up,” “Storms,” “Rise,” and “Better Way.”

Hailing from Oregon, Shawn McDonald entered the music scene in 2004 with Simply Nothing. The singer/songwriter has since released two additional recordings Ripen (2006) and Roots (2008). His fourth release from Sparrow Records, Closer, is set for a Mar. 2011 debut.

Shawn McDonald Tour Dates:
* All subject to change, please stay tuned to www.shawnmcdonaldmusic.com for the most up to date tour information.
Mar 19 Northeast Presbyterian Church St Petersburg, FL
Mar 20 Calvary Chapel Chattanooga St Jo, TX
Mar 24 Indian Creek Christian Church Franklin Park, IL
Mar 25 The Underground Avera, GA Tickets
Mar 26 Cup O' Joy Coffeehouse Green Bay, WI
Mar 30 Wenatchee Valley Praise Center Wenatchee, WA
Mar 31 Calvary Chapel Kennewick, WA
April 01 The Nuart Theater Moscow, ID
Apr 03 Christ Community Church Carmichael, CA
Apr 11 Warrandyte Community Church Melbourne, Australia
Apr 12 Wodonga Baptist Church Albury, Australia
Apr 13 Hughes Baptist Church Canberra, Australia
Apr 15 Menai Anglican Church Barden Ridge, Australia
Apr 16 The Hills Centre Sydney, Australia
Apr 18 Church 180 Newcastle, Australia
Apr 20 Manning Entertainment Center Taree, Australia
Apr 22 Queen's Park Toowoomba, Australia
Apr 25 Strawberry Jam Festival Albany, Australia
Apr 30 Common Grounds Waco, TX
May 01 Toad Suck Daze- Simon Park Conway, AR
May 7-8 The Commons at Baxter and Love Bozmean, MT
May 20 Signs of Life Books and Arts Lawrence, KS
May 21 First Baptist Church Decatur, IL
Jun 11 KTIS Joyful Noise Family Fest Blaine, MN
Jun 22 Atwood Lake Park Mineral City, OH
Jul 01 Agape Farm Shirleysburg, PA
Jul 22 Creation West Festival Enumclaw, WA

For more info on Shawn McDonald, visit the JFH Artists Database.