04/21/2026
Formerly Known As… will go down as one of my favorite projects that Jason Dunn has ever produced.
As an OG fan of Hawk Nelson since their very first outing with Letters to the President in 2004, I can safely say that anyone who listens to this record will be transported back to the nostalgic comfort of the 2000s.
From the opening pop-punk energy of “Billy Enforcee” to the powerful anthem “Reclaiming My Estate,” this album truly has it all. I’m not sure whether Jason intended to write such a deeply personal record, but that is exactly what he accomplished. There is a clear theme of reclaiming what was once lost while remaining fresh, hopeful, and optimistic. Every track feels like part of a larger journey.
Songs like “Starting Over,” “Never Gonna Let Go,” and “Prodigal” deliver punchy pop-punk vibes reminiscent of Blink-182 and FM Static. Meanwhile, “Ryan’s Song” and “January 10” will hold a special place in the hearts of parents everywhere because of the emotion and sincerity they bring to the album.
I would be remiss if I did not mention “Dear Hawk”, “Hope”, and “Divided States of America” as three of the standout tracks on the record. These songs capture the heart of what makes *Formerly Known As…* such a strong release: nostalgia, honesty, and the feeling that Jason Dunn still has something important to say.
For longtime fans of Hawk Nelson, this album feels like coming home.
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