Reckless Love, the second solo studio album by Cory Asbury, a prominent American Christian worship musician, marks a significant milestone in his musical journey. Released on January 26, 2018, by Bethel Music, this album is his first full-length collaboration with the label, produced in partnership with Jason Ingram and Paul Mabury.
The album’s popularity was apparent even before its official release, with the title track gaining immense recognition when it was released as a single in October 2017. Reckless Love received widespread critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, securing a No. 1 debut on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart in the United States and topping the OCC’s Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the United Kingdom. It even made its mark in the mainstream charts, ranking among the top 100 in Australia, Switzerland, and the United States.
A testament to its significance, Reckless Love was honored with the Worship Album of the Year award at the 49th Dove Awards in 2018 and received a nomination for Top Christian Album at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
Cory Asbury’s journey as a worship leader began in 2005 with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, where he contributed to several IHOP-KC releases. His musical career saw early collaborative works, including the duet album “Holy” with Matt Gilman in 2008 and his solo debut “Let Me See Your Eyes” in 2009, released via the IHOP-affiliated label, Forerunner Music.
In 2012, Cory Asbury transitioned to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to join New Life Church as a worship pastor, serving as a worship leader with both New Life Worship and Desperation Band. His involvement extended to New Life Worship’s “Strong God” (2013), and he co-wrote songs for “Banner” (2014) as a Desperation Band member.
May 2015 marked a significant turning point in Asbury’s career when he became part of the renowned Bethel Music collective. He made his debut on a Bethel Music collective release by performing the song “Son of God” on their eighth live album, “Have It All” (2016). In December 2016, he assumed the role of worship pastor at Radiant Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
The release of “Reckless Love” in January 2018 marked Asbury’s comeback after a nine-year solo hiatus. The album resonates as “a whole-hearted telling of an essential story in Scripture: a Father’s desire for connection with the ones he made, knows, and relentlessly loves.” Inspired by his personal journey from boyhood to manhood, the album carries a profound sense of maturity and spiritual growth.
Cory Asbury shared a poignant reflection on the album’s cover art through Bethel Music’s Instagram page. He expressed how embracing fatherhood taught him to be a son, as depicted in the cover art of the single “Reckless Love.” The image portrays an innocent young boy, carefree and full of life, symbolizing the beginning of his personal story—a journey marked by cracks and challenges. However, Asbury emphasizes that the grace of God carried him safely through each difficulty, leading him to a place of spiritual growth and freedom.
In his own words, Cory Asbury expressed: “Now I’m a father to my own little boy. And somehow, in so becoming, I’m a little child again. Fully free and fully alive in my Father’s eyes. The brokenness didn’t break me. No, we rewrote the story in crimson ink. And I dance again like a little boy. Nothing between us. Innocent and free just like You always wanted. And I realize I’ve always been the dream of Your heart. A son.”
Through “Reckless Love,” Cory Asbury’s musical journey stands as a testament of worship and personal transformation, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.
