Brandon Heath to release third album, Leaving Eden

GMA's two-time reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Brandon Heath readies for the anticipated release of his third studio project, titled Leaving Eden, set for release on January 18.

The album's lead single "Your Love" has already climbed to No 4 on iTunes Christian Songs chart, and hits Top 5 at radio with a No 4 position this week on Billboard's National Christian Audience chart.

The Grammy-nominated artist who challenged us to see the world as God sees it on his 2009 Song of the Year hit "Give Me Your Eyes," returns with a new 11-song project offering more glimpses into the oft-forgotten and rarely imagined.

Showcasing Heath's signature songwriting gift for making the personal relate universally, his plain-spoken poetry arrives wrapped in subtle, yet powerful tracks crafted by Heath's longtime producer Dan Muckala, bringing about the most innovative and approachable pop music of Heath's career.

On Leaving Eden, Heath teams again with acclaimed co-writing partner Jason Ingram on four new songs including the current Top 5 radio single.

"Your Love" was the first song written for the new album following Heath and Ingram's previous No1 radio hit collaboration, "Give Me Your Eyes," which continues to lead sales with 524,408 downloads to date, according to SoundScan.

The album also introduces several new co-writes, including Heath's pairing with Country music's CMA and ACM Award-winning Song of the Year writer Lee Thomas Miller.

Thematically, the project's opener and title track speaks to a new awareness in Heath's life that the problems of the world exist in part because of the knowledge of good and evil. However, even amidst innocence being slowly chipped away, Heath believes the world can be changed, even if it's just one decision at a time.

"The album starts with the title track 'Leaving Eden' stating the obvious pain in the world by just reading the headlines, but turns towards reconciliation despite the hate and frightening things that happen in life," Heath explains.

"I want to celebrate the goodness in the world, and that's what the rest of the songs on the project talk about. I feel like I have a choice to protect what little innocence is still left in my life, because I think that's what attaches me to God. It doesn't mean other things can't be healed, but why do I have to feel like I'm completely ruined, when I'm not?"

Heath recently wrapped his fall co-headlining tour with Jars of Clay, which sold out 7 cities during the 23-city run. In partnership with Blood:Water Mission and Food for the Hungry, the tour saw nearly 25,000 fans and more than 400 kids sponsored.

Heath will tour Leaving Eden through 2011, kicking off with Grammy Award winning artist TobyMac on the Winter Wonder Slam Tour, running Jan. 14 through February 20, playing 17 cities including Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix and Denver. For spring touring, Heath will headline a month of shows with special guests Dave Barnes and Kristian Stanfill, and then join MercyMe for an estimated 20 cities.

For tour dates, and to listen to the new single, "Your Love, visit www.brandonheath.net