Without Words: Synesthesia is the second remix album by Bethel Music, the second release in their Without Words series, and their eleventh album, overall. The album was released on July 31, 2015 via the collective's imprint label, Bethel Music.[1] Bobby Strand and Chris Greely produced the album.
Background
Keeping with the nature of the previous Without Words album, Synesthesia recreates previous songs released by Bethel Music, as well as songs released by other artists, into instrumental tracks. Prior to the release of the album, "vignette"-type videos were released onto YouTube with previews of "You Make Me Brave," "For the Cross," and "It Is Well." Synesthesia, however, took its own clear direction with the new electronica-infused variations, compared to the first Without Words album.
Awarding the album four stars from CCM Magazine, Kevin Sparkman states, "The instrumentation, orchestration, and overall arranging on Synesthesia prove the level of depth and talent behind this organization."[2] Mark Ryan, giving the album four and a half stars for NewReleaseToday, writes, "The album calms the soul and brings you to a perfect place of quietness so that you can hear the only words that truly matter".[4] Lauren McLean, rating the album a 4.6 out of five at The Christian Beat, writes, "Without Words: Synesthesia...sure is an eye opener."[3]
Initial critical responses to the album have been positive. NewReleaseToday stated that the album "is at times reminiscent of the more organic Without Words...this sophomore project takes a distinctly new direction, incorporating electronic elements and ethereal vocal layering." AllAboutWorship.com suggests that the "fantastic arrangements" be used "for pre-service music, transitional tunes and ministry music" and lauds "the musicality and creativity of Bethel Music." HollywoodJesus.com notes that "with unique instruments filling in for the vocals...you can almost concentrate and ‘feel' the music even more."[5]
On October 11, 2016, Without Words: Synesthesia won the GMA Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year with producers Chris Greely and Bobby Strand being the recipients.[7]
Commercial performance
Without Words: Synesthesia debuted on the Billboard Christian Albums chart at No. 2 with 5,000 units of the album being sold,[8] whilst being Bethel Music's eighth appearance on the chart.[8] The album also registered on Billboard's Digital Albums chart at number 19,[9] and at No. 112 on the all-encompassing Billboard 200 chart for the best-selling albums in the United States.[10]
^ abAsker, Jim (August 12, 2015). "Chris Tomlin Ties Hot Christian Songs Chart Record With Latest Top 10 | Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved January 15, 2018. Meanwhile, three acts debut in the Top Christian Albums top 10. Bethel Music tallies its eighth top 10 in as many appearances with Without Words: Synesthesia (No. 2, 5,000 units); Josh Wilson arrives at a career-high No. 4 with That Was Then, This is Now (4,000), passing the No. 5 peak of his last entry, 2013's Carry Me; and Kristene DiMarco makes her first visit with Mighty at No. 7 (4,000).
