The soaring “I Can Only Imagine,” an unabashedly strong message about what heaven might be like, was a message our post-September 11th nation needed desperately to hear. The No. 1 song, which nabbed several Dove Awards including the prestigious Song of the Year, garnered heavy airplay at pop, country and adult contemporary radio stations nationwide. Millions of radio listeners who may not have ever considered themselves fans of Christian music suddenly found themselves singing along to the song’s irresistible chorus. The million-selling album Almost There on INO Records took its rightful place on the Billboard Top 200 pop charts for months.

To listen to song samples and get more information about Undone, MercyMe’s latest album, click here.

The laid-back band from Greenville, Texas, quickly evolved from being Christian music’s fastest-selling new act in 2001 to one of the most successful bands in all musical genres, selling more than 2 million records in only three years and earning an American Music Award nomination. MercyMe followed Almost There in 2001 with 2002’s Spoken For, which was certified gold and produced two more No. 1 hits. Now the band, which has been together for about 10 years, has grown beyond its label as “a Christian band” and become nationally known as simply a great band that tackles such serious themes as God and love. Their music is appealing to both devout Christians who study the Bible and young teens who devour Rolling Stone.

And now comes Undone, the most anticipated Christian release in recent memory. “The best way to describe it is that it’s a new progression for us,” says bassist Nathan Cochran. “It’s not a sharp left turn; it’s a step beyond what we’ve ever done. We feel like our message and calling are the same,” he says. “We’re still worship leaders; we’re just on a different scale.”

Says drummer Robby Shaffer, ”It’s titled Undone and that’s exactly what it is. This is very different for us as far as music goes. It challenged us, it pushed us and I think it ultimately made us better musicians.”

The album’s debut single, “Here With Me,” is a catchy rock worship song with a Coldplay vibe. With the recent addition of second lead guitarist Barry Graul, Undone unveils a more textured, passionate sound. “We’ve been a rock band for 10 years,” says lead singer Bart Millard. “Before we ever signed, it’s what we wanted to be. Then we became known as the band of ballads when ‘I Can Only Imagine’ came out. On Undone, we focused quite on bit on some of the up-tempo songs on this record to make sure we’re still enjoying what we do.

“We’ve been freed up to be a little more creative,” he says. “If you see any kind of success, then you have freedom on the next record to do your own thing a little more.”