The Glad Surprise: Steve Bell’s 23rd Album Shines Light in Dark Times

For Canadian singer-songwriter Steve Bell, his 23rd album, The Glad Surprise, carries with it an unexpected joy. At nearly 65, Bell is astonished to still be writing, recording, and performing. Reflecting on his early career, he admits he never thought his journey would last this long. What makes this project particularly surprising is how it began. Struggling to write during the emotional strain of the pandemic, Bell found himself creatively paralyzed. But in a moment of unexpected clarity, an instrumental piece came to him—a happy, bouncy tune, entirely out of sync with the bleakness around him. Titled “This Too, Is True,” the song’s cheerful tone reminded Bell that even in the darkest moments, there’s always room for joy.

The rest of The Glad Surprise unfolded as the pandemic waned, offering listeners a collection of songs rooted in healing and hope. Bell reflects on the challenges the world has faced in recent years, from division and anger to the wounds within the church, but remains convinced that God’s essence is still about “mercy, pity, peace, and love.” With tracks like The Divine Image and A Lovely Longed-for Blue, as well as a poignant cover of Bruce Cockburn’s Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Bell aims to bring solace and perspective in troubled times. “There is medicine in this album,” he says, hoping listeners will feel the healing power within each track. Bell’s legacy continues, not as an artist holding on, but as one offering a vital voice in a fractured world. The Glad Surprise is available now, complete with a beautifully designed 130-page booklet of reflections, on all digital platforms.