Steven Curtis Chapman New Album 'The Glorious Unfolding' to be Released October 1

By Justin Sarachik, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Christian contemporary artist Steven Curtis Chapman announced his new album The Glorious Unfolding, to be released on October 1.

It will be Chapman's first all original album in seven years, and he will be touring in over 35 cities in support of the album along with worship leader Laura Story and singer/songwriter Jason Gray.

The first single, "Love Take Me Over," will hit the radio on July 26.

The Glorious Unfolding, "centers on the truth that God is at work telling a story through the wonderful and amazing as well as the painful and difficult chapters of our lives," a press release on the album said.

"As I've journeyed through this story, I'm more convinced than ever that God does know the plans that He has for us and He will finish what He started. God is telling an amazing, glorious, epic story. We have to decide if we will trust Him with it," Chapman said in the release.

"I'm so excited and honored to have Laura and Jason join me on the road," Chapman continued. "I can't wait to share these songs live and we're already praying God will use each and every night powerfully. I hope all our friends can make it out."

Prior to this release, Chapman put out a Bluegrass/Folk album called Deep Roots, in conjunction with Cracker Barrel.

Chapman's approach to Deep Roots was unique in the fact that the CD can only be purchased in Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and is not available anywhere else besides Amazon and iTunes.

Released on March 11, Chapman decided to make the record a family affair by featuring his father, Herb Chapman and brother, Herb Jr., along with his son Caleb and daughter-in-law Jillian Edwards Chapman.

"I've been through so much in the last 25 years, and more recently in the last few years– from walking through the deep grief of losing my youngest daughter in an accident, and all of those things that have made those songs all the more important to me," he told Billboard. "To be able to include my dad and brother, and have them sing with me, my son, and daughter-in-law, and even my bluegrass 'big brother,' Ricky Skaggs make an appearance, this was a dream come true for me to get to record."

The recording artist has had 47 no. 1 hits on Christian radio, 57 Dove Awards, and five Grammys, as well as two platinum and eight gold albums, and 18 projects total since 1987.

In addition to adopting children of his own, Chapman's non-profit organization, Show Hope, launched in 2003, helps millions of orphan children around the world every year in over 50 nations.