“To Be Loved is the kind of record that puts things in perspective. I can't imagine what realms of the soul he visited to write the songs on this exquisite recording. All I know is that it takes me places very few other contemporary artists can. "Pride (Won't Get Us Where We're Going)," "Beauty Has A Name," "Rejoicing," "Oh To Be Loved" any one of these treasures is worth the price of admission here. And collectively, it's as compelling a project as I've heard in a very long time.”

“Thad Cockrell's album "To Be Loved" is one of those rare albums that contains music that inspires from the kick off of "Pride (Won't Get Us Where We're Going)" to the very final track "Oh To Be Loved"....These are songs written from Thad's heart with strong messages of faith that will shake any man to the very bottom of his soul. Layered in catchy music, the lyrics weave throughout & come through as being truly moving, soul stirring & hope giving....There is so much great music on this album that it was really hard to pick just one to highlight.”

“Cockrell's gotta be the guy who found that perfect pop sensibility Paul Simon seems to have lost somewhere along the way. But that's not the only thing that makes Cockrell's music so affecting (his recent, faith-focused To Be Loved EP, in particular). Cockrell layers that gorgeously innate sense into folk- and Americana-pop songs that keep a rustic honesty despite being fleshed and lush and haunting, like gingham dresses trimmed in lace. It comes across, maybe, via the strength of Cockrell's voice: It's controlled and warm, but the edges break subtly and never with affect, like a guy who really inhabits the meaning in his words. The words: "Truth will keep on shining, like a morning sun, brighter than troubled winds can blow/ And if you lose your vision, you can use my eyes to see just where it is you need to go." — 'Pride (Won't Get Us Where We're Going)' ”

“From the first measure, you hear the unmistakable sound of the pure and uncompromised spirit of an artist who just wants to sing what's in his heart. And it rocks you right down to your soul...”

“one of the best young songwriters in Nashville... ”