‘Like Never Before’ is more than just the title of Nicole C. Mullen’s new full-length album, it also captures the essence of her personal journey of love, loss and redemption.
The American singer-songwriter has long been known as an undeniably talented artist who is unafraid to be vulnerable and transparent with her audience. This first new original album in seven years, continues a legacy of sincerity and artistic integrity that in the past have been recognized with two Grammy Award nominations and seven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.
Speaking to CBN News this week, Nicole explained how the songs on her album seek to uncover how the love of Christ is greater than anything we can go through.
“[The album] is a continuation, but also a new chapter, not even a new chapter but a new book,” Mullen said. “It has a variety of styles. There’s some upbeat so you can dance to it. You have the worship you can worship with it. You can cry with it. It has the love songs on it. It has the whole gamut — it is Nicole C. Mullen.”
Mullen, now a single mom, has emerged from a difficult divorce and can relate to those who have walked through betrayal and hurt in the midst of relationship. She has learned to forgive and come out of a ‘night season’ stronger than she’s ever been before.
“I want people to be healed, released, empowered and encouraged by these songs,” said Mullen in a statement on her official website.
She produced the project and wrote 11 of the 12 songs, the exception being the classic ‘Unforgettable’, which she sings with her daughter Jasmine, lead singer of The New Respects.
The song is an emotional tribute to her late father. The title track song, Like Never Before, co-produced by David Cox, was written as a song of hope.“ Just as Christ endured the Cross for the joy set before Him. Eventually we are going to sing, dance and shout like never before, but we can bring that same hope into our present.
The song is meant to cheer the heart and be a celebration of hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. I know what it’s like to feel hope is gone, to be weary. But I also know what it feels like to have hope that fuels you with energy in order to move forward.”
The song ‘One’, features Jeremy Camp and his wife Adrienne (Adie). It reveals Mullen’s heart for unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ, especially in the midst of such division in our nation. “Our oneness is the proof of our love. In that moment we were proving to the world that we belong to Christ by how we love one another”. Nicole continues, “In John 17, Christ prays that we are one. It can’t just be pretty words on a page, we have to engage.”
Each of the the songs weave together a beautiful story of love, loss and redemption, intended to inspire and give hope where hope has been lost. As a gifted songwriter, Nicole often infuses scripture into the songs she writes as a vehicle to encourage, inspire and teach.
From her early days as a vocalist/dancer/choreographer, to writing and recording such classic hits as “Redeemer”, to mentoring, Mullen’s creativity and compassion have been the catalyst for a life of ministry that has had global impact.
She has long channeled her considerable energy into not just sharing the gospel, but living it; this has never been more evident as she mentors youngsters in the Baby Girls Club, founded by Mullen.
“Mentorship is our way of investing in young people with the hope of Christ and practical experiences,” said Mullen. “We’ve also had the opportunity to help others around the world set up similar clubs, such as in Belize and Zambia. I believe we have a great opportunity to affect the future of our nation and the future of our world.”
By Paul W. Dennis.
