Empty Room, Cade Thompson’s sophomore project with Red Street Records, is an honest portrait of a young, driven artist completely in love with Jesus. With a big heart and even bigger hooks, Thompson’s songs flow as much from his energetic, upbeat personality as his genuine love for people, their stories etched in every lyric and fresh melody.

Empty Room was created in his own space, a room with a piano gifted from his grandmother, where he was able to get alone with God. “My music career started when I was writing songs in my room, not trying to be seen or heard, just a burden to tell people about Jesus,” Thompson says. “No matter how big a stage I play, I keep coming back to that time with the Lord.” As effervescent as he is in person, it’s Thompson’s time alone with God, away from the constant hustle of the music industry, where he finds true inspiration. Marrying his sacred alone time with energetic, truth-telling songwriting, Empty Room captures Thompson’s all-in commitment resulting in an album as listenable as it is honest.

“Arms of Jesus,” a choir-led, inspirational side-stepper, showcases Thompson’s deeply held faith, that even when faced with pain and uncertainty, the arms of Jesus are open and waiting. “I wrote this song thinking about how to speak to someone in their last moments, when they’re falling into the arms of Jesus,” Thompson says. “I’ve learned no matter what you’re battling, fear or anxiety or worry, you can fall into His arms.”

“Lost Without You” is a handclap revival song from a man who knows that without Jesus, he’d be lost. “Starting out in the industry so young, like I did, it’s not easy. There are a lot of highs and a lot of lows, which is really what propelled these lyrics. At the end of the day, I’ve got Him.”

Thompson’s most personal offering, “Mom Like You,” was written for his mom at Mother’s Day. “I love my mom,” Thompson says with a wide smile. “She’s been a big part of my story and I wanted to write a song for her. She and my dad have really taught me what it means to live for Jesus. They live it out in such a beautiful way. They’ve been such a great foundation for me, allowing me to step out at a young age and pursue my calling.”

Standout track “Look Around” swells with emotion, reminding us to be thankful for the gift of being alive. “I was thinking about a few people close to me who had just gone through some intense situations and come through it, real miracle moments,” Thompson says. “I was reflecting on how if we look around, the fact that we’re here and alive is a miracle.”

With elements reminiscent of CCM greats like MercyMe, Steven Curtis Chapman and Matthew West, Thompson’s vocals soar over melodies best heard cranked to eleven. Produced by Micah Kuiper, Matt Armstrong, Ethan Hulse and AJ Pruis, Empty Room sings with a maturity Thompson is still earning but is eager to share. “I want people to hear in these songs that even though life might be hard, you’re not alone. If you’re wondering how to grow in your relationship with the Lord, come back to that quiet place, that empty room where you can be alone with Him.”