Love and the Outcome (album)

Background

The album was released by Word Records on August 27, 2013. It was produced by David Garcia, Ben Glover, Seth Mosley, and Jeff Pardo.

Music and lyrics

Grace S. Aspinwall at CCM Magazine said that "While the songwriting lacks the depth demonstrated by contemporaries like Matthew West", "the label debut...is versatile and smart, clean-cut pop." At Jesus Freak Hideout, Jen Rose stated that the album was "a catchy introduction to the duo, showcasing bright pop rock sounds and a deep trust in God." Rose also described the release as "not too musically or lyrically ambitious". Sarah Fine agreed with Rose that "While new ground isn't being broken here in a musical sense, it firmly establishes familiar ground in a highly noticeable way," and that "With each track, you feel as if you're being warmly invited into the duo's home to listen, learn, and relate to their life experiences." Indie Vision Music's Jonathan Andre stated that "Jodi and Chris have unveiled their vulnerability to unmask 11 tracks of honesty and transparent songwriting." At Christian Music Zine, Joshua Andre agreed that the lyrics were "very personal and emotional".

Rose described Love & the Outcome as "thematically relatable enough" with an "optimistic message" that "is uplifting". Also, Fine wrote that "The recurring themes of selfless love and trusting in God's sovereignty despite facing some of life's toughest circumstances shine throughout, and never once feel overwhelming or repetitive." Joshua Andre said that "on this seamless easy to listen 11 tracks of hope, testimony, and encouragement, wrapped up in the genre of pop, with plenty of upbeat tracks next to transparent heartfelt ballads." Lorie Haire at Christian Music Review wrote that "this album is a story through lyrics of the struggles and triumphs that this husband and wife duo have gone through while chasing their dreams and pursuing their calling in music."

Critical reception

Love & the Outcome garnered generally positive reception by music critics to critique the album. At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall called the album "Happy and full of life" that she noted was "a promising start". Jen Rose of Jesus Freak Hideout told that this was "a record that exudes confidence." At New Release Tuesday, Sarah Fine felt that "Love & The Outcome is one of the strongest debut releases of 2013, by a group well worth keeping on your radar."

Jonathan Andre of Indie Vision Music called this "an inspiring and motivational album." At Christian Music Zine, Joshua Andre told that he "totally loved Love & The Outcome’s debut album". Jim Wilkerson at The Christian Music Review Blog stated that this album was not "fresh and different", however he felt that "the entire album is filled with lovely sounds." At Christian Music Review, Lori Haire told that the album "has something to offer spiritually."

Commercial performance

For the Billboard charting week of September 14, 2013, Love & the Outcome was the No. 18 most sold album in the breaking and entry chart of the United States by the Top Heatseekers and it was the No. 28 Top Christian Album as well.