Grant told American Songwriter that her diagnoses with thyroid cancer in 2017, and the following years of recovery, primarily inspired the content of No Stranger.[4]
No Stranger received highly favorable reviews from music critics, most of whom applauded Grant's vocals and the production of the album. Jonathan Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media wrote, "Natalie Grant is back, and with a 5-year sabbatical, it's like she's never left with this brand-new album. With No Stranger certain to be within my top 10 albums come year-end in December 2020, this album that was very much anticipated by Natalie is well worth it."[5] At AllMusic, Marcy Donelson wrote, "Highlighted by the singles 'My Weapon' and 'Praise You in This Storm,' a poignant strings-and-piano ballad, the album features expansive orchestral arrangements as well as outliers like "Do It Through Me," a crisp electro-pop track, and 'Even Louder,' which features rapper Steven Malcolm and the multifaceted Mr. Talkbox."[6] Timothy Yap for Halles affirmed, "Vocally, Grant has not lost an iota of her powerhouse greatness. She is still one of the few CCM artists who can emote with both verve and vulnerability. Her ability to sustain and stretch her notes remains unparalleled."[7]Worship Leader said, "An album full of songs that speak to the way Christ knows us intimately, the sonic landscape feels flawlessly tailored to match the lyrical content with the breathtaking London Symphony as a backdrop to Grant's raw yet dynamic and captivating voice."[9]NewReleaseToday spoke highly of the album praising, "...the stirring vocals, prayerful lyrics and musical arrangements are breath-taking..."[10]
In the United States, No Stranger debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 33,144 copies (twice the amount of any of her previous albums) in its opening week. It is Grant's highest-charting album and her first album to peak within the Top 15 Billboard 200 positions.[10] It concurrently peaked at No. 6 on the Top Album Sales chart, being Grant's first Top 10 on the chart.[14] The album also debuted at No. 2 on the Top Christian Albums charts, behind My Gift by Carrie Underwood.[15]
Track listing
Album track listing and credits sourced from Genius.[16]
