The Violet Burning’s sophomore album was a quantum leap, musically and lyrically, over 1989’s Chosen, with frontman Michael J. Pritzl and his bandmates crafting what might just be the most melancholy worship album ever put to tape.

Obviously inspired by the Psalms, and in particular, darker ones like Psalm 51 and Psalm 88, Strength’s overarching theme is one of desperation. That is, desperately throwing one’s self into God’s love, mercy, and compassion. Pritzl’s lyrics are as emotional as they come — on “Song of the Harlot,” for instance, he longs to be like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet — which made them vital listening for a high school Christian (i.e., yours truly) drowning in angst, loneliness, and spiritual struggles.

“As I Am” is the album’s centerpiece, an eight-minute ballad that finds Pritzl lamenting “Sometimes I cry, cause the world it’s dark/Torn apart at the seams” and begging “Light of the world/Please, come shine on me” whilst backed by delicate acoustic guitars, mournful string arrangements, and Jaime Eichler’s impassioned voice. Is it overwrought? Heavens, yes. But whenever I’ve been at my lowest, struggling with sin, guilt, and depression, “As I Am” has been a balm, a musical reminder that God forever “loves me as I am.”