In these moments, life can feel overwhelming and devoid of hope. But in this collaboration by Christian artists NEEDTOBREATHE and Tori Kelly (which you can find on the companion soundtrack for Prime Video’s new series House of David), we’re challenged to reframe our disappointments. We’re invited to look at life’s dark moments not with despair, but with a faith-filled belief that God’s redeeming work sometimes happens in life’s deepest, shadow-filled valleys.

POSITIVE CONTENT

NEEDTBREATHE frontman Bear Rinehart unpacks the paradox of how God meets us and provides for us in our most desperate moments. “I was standing at the bottom,” he sings. “Piled up ash and broken bone/It was only then I realized/What I needed all along/At the end of me/Finds the truth of You.”

Likewise, Kelly’s part in the song echoes similar ideas about encountering redemption when life feels bleak: “There’s a beauty in the ashes/There’s redemption in the fall/There’s no way that we can rise/Until we’re brave enough to crawl.”

The chorus mingles NEEDTOBREATHE’s soulful, Southern, country-rock style with Kelly’s more pop-focused sound and a backing choir that lends the entire song a very strong gospel vibe: “Cause I’ve got a story (We can sing, we can sing)/From out of the fire (We can sing, we can sing)/We’re gonna rise up/We got victory/Hallelujah (Hallelujah).”

CONTENT CONCERNS

None.

TRACK SUMMARY

Rinehart said of the song and the TV series to which it’s connected, “I heard about the show and always felt connected to the story of David. I could always see myself in his story. Sometimes beauty and brokenness can exist in the same place. The song ‘I’ve Got a Story’ is really my story.”

Kelly added, “‘I’ve Got a Story’ is a song about struggle, perseverance, reflection and triumph. I believe its message is relatable to so many people going through trials and tribulations in their lives. I hope this song finds anyone who listens to it in a moment when they need it most, whether they’re going through a painful time or a moment of victory.”

Fans of NEEDTOBREATHE or Tori Kelly will likely love this gritty, redemption-focused collaboration. And even if you’re not familiar with them, “I’ve Got a Story” is definitely worth checking out if you’re in need of an inspirational, gospel-focused dose of hope.

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In a recent profile for Christianity Today, Frank claims that there is a large cohort of Gen Z listeners who crave music that “speaks openly and unapologetically about Jesus.”

At 29 years old, Frank is a bit of an anomaly. As one half of the American pop duo Surfaces, Frank has produced several smash hits with vibey tunes oscillating between surf music and cool jazz.

Frank already has a resume that’s unparalleled in Christian music circles, and he’s shown an ability to go well beyond them. He’s collaborated with Elton John, he’s played live on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and written a walkout song for Texas A&M’s college football team. Child of God recently earned a Grammy nomination as well. While the album might initially draw listeners in with relatable lyrics, timeless rhythms, and Frank’s growing popularity, there’s something deeper at work here.

Across the album, Frank’s authentic theology is on full display as he works his way through complex topics like depression, fatherhood, and marriage. These songs are ultimately uplifting, hopeful, and brimming with positive messages for teenage and young adult listeners who are asking the same questions. 

POSITIVE CONTENT

As a deluxe album, Child of God gathers a collection of Frank’s most successful hits and singles. Across the 27 tracks, Frank’s overarching message remains consistent: In a relationship with Christ, we are set free.

Frank’s most popular song off the album, “No Longer Bound” illustrates this clearly as he sings, “Nothing I could ever do/Could separate my love from You.”

On “Up,” with Canadian rapper Connor Price, Frank discusses his recent success in both his music career and personal life singing, “I was down but now I’m up/This all God this ain’t no luck.” This is a theme across the album in which Frank acknowledges God as his “Miracle Worker” saying, “I know there’s nothing you can’t do/I don’t know who else to run to/Miracle Worker I need a miracle soon.” 

Several of Frank’s songs mimic the rhythms and messages found in Psalms and Proverbs. On “Always,” Frank crafts modern versions of praise by singing, “You are loved, you are chosen, your body isn’t broken/For every door that closes, a better one gets opened/You got a light inside, too radiant to hide/If you don’t think so, let me change your mind.”

The track “All I Need” reaffirms Frank’s source of trust and faith as he sings, “Something flipped the switch used to want a Judas heart/Even with the kiss You keep me on the team/Even when I miss.” Similarly, on “Good Day” Frank sings, “I’m ‘bout to have a good day/In every single way/The God who made the universe/Knows me by my name.”

One of the clearest illustrations of Frank’s mission statement through this album appears on “Never Get Used to This.” Frank says, “From the mornin’ to the evenin’/I could sing Your praise all day/From the prison to the garden/You’re the God who’s breakin’ chains/When I look back on my whole life/There’s a silver lining of grace/I can’t wait to thank You, Jesus.”

CONTENT CONCERNS

Two of the album’s most emotionally charged songs feature lengthy portions of spoken word (“Child of God”) and personal testimony (“Grandad”). While each of these songs contain powerful displays of the transformation that comes from a relationship with Jesus, there are potentially triggering references to self-harm and personal hardships.

ALBUM SUMMARY

Forrest Frank would deny the claim that he’s found a perfect formula for producing hits through his Christian music. Yet Frank’s 4-plus million followers across social media and climbing streaming numbers on Spotify and Apple Music would disagree.

When asked about his social media presence, Frank responded “If God told me to delete my Spotify, I’d do it right now. If God told me to delete my Instagram, I’d do it right now.”

It’s an insightful quote. One that shows Frank’s messages are consistent beyond his music.

It’s apparent Frank thoughtfully considers his newfound influence due to his rapid ascension in Christian and secular music circles. But what impresses me even more is the level of authenticity and honesty he apparently maintains in his creative and musical process.

Both his longtime fans and new listeners are fortunate as Frank’s career is only beginning. From his songs to his interviews to his music videos, Frank is a light that points to Jesus in an industry that often does the opposite.

If Child of God is any indication, Frank worship music will remain committed to proclaiming the gospel and the hope of a relationship with Jesus in creative and engaging ways for listeners of all ages.

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But Skillet does. That theologian would be Eugene Petersen, who in addition to his paraphrase of Scripture known as The Message, also wrote another book with a title that always inspires me: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. Name-checking Peterson just might clue you into the reality that Skillet isn’t just about the music: It’s about the Word.

Skillet, formed in 1996, is closing in on three decades of faithfully translating the gospel into a language that many metal fans might not have heard any other way.

Sure, there are a handful of Christian rock bands that have been around longer; Stryper and Petra come to mind, and both have been on tour this year.

That said, I’m not sure that there’s any Christian band that tours as relentlessly as Skillet does. Every time I go to a meet-and-greet with this band and see how amazingly engaged they are with fans, I can’t help but think, Man, I think this would be hard to do night after night, year after year, decade after decade. I think they’d get tired. Jaded. Or, more simply, fade from relevance amid constantly changing musical tastes.

Yet they persist. Album after thunderous, unrelenting, prophetically challenging album. Tour after tour.

Now John and Korey Cooper, along with Jen Ledger and Seth Morisson, are at it again. They’ve moved on from longtime label home Atlantic onto their own new label, Hear It Loud. Indeed. And the band’s new album, Revolution—the Jesus kind, of course—the band’s next step in a long, loud obedience in the same direction.

POSITIVE CONTENT

Cooper and company tear into the album opener “Showtime” with a vengeance, a fist-in-the-air anthem custom made to open concerts for a long time to come. “Heart of a lion is roarin’ in my soul,” Cooper sings. “Truth is trapped like fire in my bones/Make my mark, no apologies/A day in the life, a revolutionary.”

A similar “won’t back down” sentiment infuses “Unpopular,” in which the band voices its determination to stand for truth no matter how much it gums up the gears of mainstream mindsets: “I won’t apologize when I speak my mind,” Cooper growls.

 “All That Matters” clarifies that defiant stance, insisting that while “I don’t want to start a fight/I always try to do what’s right.” Cooper declares, “Fight for what I love/Help me God above/ … My faith, my family, my freedom’s/All that matters to me.”

“Not Afraid” proclaims exactly that message: “I am not afraid/I will keep the faith/Never back down ‘til my dying day.” Title track “Revolution” likewise stokes the embers of faith, reminding us that the revolutionary message Christians have to deliver is one of “Faith. Hope. Love.”

Skillet has often written songs from the perspective of someone struggling to hold on to hope and meaning, and we get two more of those songs here in “Ash in the Wind” and “Fire Inside of Me.” The former deals with someone struggling to throw off a yoke of lies and accusations perhaps from a human accuser, perhaps from our spiritual enemy: “Your words were your power over me,” Cooper sings. “You locked me inside this cage of glass.” But then he insists, “I wanna take back what you have stolen/I’m searching inside for what is real.” Similarly, “The Fire Inside of Me” confesses pain, doubt and isolation (“Like a vagabond I roam/With no home or peace/I know that I’m not fine/ … Cold and numb/I need to feel alive”), before turning toward God to experience that longed-for life (“Your touch, your life/Your fire.”)

“Defector” powerfully reminds us of God’s unwavering love for us: “I will be your light when you can’t see/ … I know the battle you’ve been through/I’m never backing out on you.”

The tender acoustic ballad “Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song)” will have listeners trading head-banging for tissue-dabbing as Cooper reflects on his daughter’s wedding day and all the memories that led up to that moment: “Now look at you standing in your white dress/Where’d the time go? Not prepared for this.”

But lest we think Skillet’s getting soft after three decades, album closer “Death Defier” pounds that doubt into submission as it salutes the faithful who’ve come before and paved the way for believers today: “All the fearless ones/All the fallen sons/Glory that never fades ‘cause they paid with pain and a trail to blaze.”

CONTENT CONCERNS

Some families may not be crazy about the lyrics “If thinking for myself’s called raising h—/I guess that I’m an outlaw.”

ALBUM SUMMARY

I don’t have any idea how long Skillet intends to keep pounding its fans with religiously “rebellious” anthems that challenge us to stand up for what we believe. But listening to Revolution, it feels like the band has fresh wind in its sails.

Feel free to disagree with me if you’re a longtime fan (and we’d love to hear what you think, too), but several tracks here very much remind me of the vibe on the band’s mid-2000s albums Comatose (2006) and Awake (2009).

The lone mild profanity mentioned above is the only issue here that some could potentially take issue with. Apart from that, Revolution keeps Skillet’s hard-rocking freight train hustling down the tracks, encouraging the broken, bungled and battered to hang on to hope and never to be ashamed of their faith—no matter what the world may say.

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No, it wasn’t me. I didn’t have a cameo, though I think that’d be pretty great. But Focus on the Family’s Emerson Collins did—showing up right about the 2-minute mark of Christian rapper Not Klyde’s video for his track “Bible in My Hand (Remix).”

If you’re wondering how that happened, it’s because Collins leads Focus on the Family’s Bring Your Bible Day initiative, which takes place the first Thursday of every October. If you’re a student, we encourage you bring your Bible to school! If you’re an adult, bring your Bible to work. No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s a powerful reminder—to ourselves, to others—that God’s Word provides a foundation for our lives and for living in a way that pleases him.

Which brings us back to Not Klyde. Each year, the Bring Your Bible Day initiative teams up with like-minded friends to get the word out about this event. And this year, that meant connecting with Not Klyde on the song “Bible in My Hand (Remix).”

POSITIVE CONTENT

Not Klyde compares the Word of God to the five stones that David picked out before his battle with Goliath: “Bible in my hand, treat it like a rock/Watch David steppin’ on the field/Sling swingin’, go crazy.” From there, the song’s next lines jump to the New Testament: “Watch Jesus steppin’ on the water/Eyes up, no wavin’.”

As the song progresses, the rapper emphasizes having the Scriptures with him always (“Bible in my hand, I got it/ … I bring my Bible every day, who’s askin’?”), connecting with other believers (“I’m in the pen, I’m in the flock”), relinquishing isolating individualism (“Not independent, big squad”) and prayerfully remembering to be good stewards of the time we’ve been given (“My prayer lifted, wristwatch/The time is tickin’, tick tock”).

Klyde also tells us he’s saying no to drinking the vodka brand Cîroc, which is frequently name-dropped in mainstream rappers’ songs: “No Cîroc, I’m on the rock.” (Parents may want to talk through this allusion if younger listeners aren’t sure what Klyde is referring to here.)  

The second verse expands the song’s spiritual warfare vibe, describing God’s Word as a weapon to use against demonic enemies: “Bible in my hand, treat it like a spray (pew, pew)/Flip the script, watch demons turn away.” Those lines recast, in a contemporary way, the notion of putting on the full armor of God that the Apostle Paul writes about in Ephesians 6. And in the chorus, not Klyde echoes Hebrews 4:12: “Scripture like a double-edged sword, guess you get cut.”

CONTENT CONCERNS

We do hear one use of “oh my gosh.”

TRACK SUMMARY

In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

How do we grow in our walk with God, knowing His will as well as recognizing and rejecting the world’s counterfeit truths? By grounding our hearts, minds and lives in truth, as revealed in His Word.

Bring Your Bible Day encourages all of us—and especially students—to build our lives on that firm foundation, one that Not Klyde reminds us of in “Bible in My Hand (Remix).” Only as we equipped, infused and empowered by God’s Word will we be able, as Paul exhorts, “to withstand the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”

And that’s not just a message for Bring Your Bible Day, but for every day.

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“Your music stinks.”

“You disgust me.”

Throughout the video for Skillet’s new song “Unpopular,” the lead single from the group’s forthcoming album Revolution, messages like those can be seen in the background. (Similar stuff is heard audibly at the outset of the video, too.)  

The message of the song itself is unmistakable: According to Skillet, some people don’t like Skillet. Dig a bit deeper, and we see that the band’s unapologetic commitment to truth isn’t always warmly embraced.

Skillet, of course, has been an immensely popular band for nearly 30 years. Cooper and his current bandmates (wife and multi-instrumentalist Korey, drummer Jen Ledger and lead guitarist Seth Morrison) have been pioneers in forging a fusion between hard rock and faith, pushing that genre forward.  

But in the band’s first single since leaving Atlantic Records, Skillet speaks to its unpopularity.

Positive Content

Though Scripture doesn’t use the word “unpopular,” the Bible describes how early Christians were persecuted, imprisoned and cast out of both Jewish and Roman society.

Similarly, Skillet’s frontman John Cooper acknowledges the unpopularity of his convictions: “Unpopular, unpopular/Call me out/ … Can’t supplement true facts.” And though at first he feels like “I’m a loner in the crowd,” eventually he rightly recognizes that he’s not alone in the fight: “I ain’t a loner in the crowd.”

Cooper also recognizes his blessings (“Got my family, sanity, everything I need”) and stands firm in his beliefs, singing “I won’t apologize when I speak my mind.” In fact, the band seems to embrace its countercultural identity: “I think today’s a good day to be unpopular.” Cooper also wonders why it seems like “everybody’s lost their dang minds.”

Content Concerns

The second verse contains a line some might hear as profane: “If thinkin’ for myself is called raisin’ h—/I guess that I’m an outlaw, woo.”

And others might be surprised that the song doesn’t directly reference God as the source of truth that makes the band’s convictions “unpopular.” (That said, not every Skillet song directly references God, though every album definitely does.)

Track Summary

Leaving Atlantic Records has given Skillet the freedom to experiment with their sound. Longtime fans may notice that this track’s more stripped-back and raw production recalls some of their earlier albums, stylistically speaking.

But if the sound here is perhaps a bit of a throwback, John Cooper and his bandmates maintain an unwavering commitment to truth despite any criticism that might come their way.

Our lone concern here is that some families might not be crazy about the phrase “raisin’ h—,” even if Cooper is perhaps making reference to that biblical reality.

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Sometimes, his songs under his own label and those he records with Big Kenny (under the name Big & Rich) seem purely secular (“Bad, Bad Thing;” “One Bud Wiser”), while others can be very politically charged (“I’m Offended;” “Shut up About Politics;” “Shuttin’ Detroit Down”).

But in others, Rich seems to embrace his Christian upbringing (“Rescue Me,” “Earth to God,” “I Pray for You”).

But in a post on X, he called his newest single, “Revelation,” “the most important song I’ve ever written.” He went on to write, “I hope it brings strength to the saved, conviction to the lost, and fear to the wicked.”

In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Rich shared that “Revelation”was not a song he wrote, but rather one that God is sharing  through him—one he felt called to promote heavily to fight against, in his words, the satanic themes present in mainstream media today.

POSITIVE CONTENT

The lyrics on “Revelation” are scriptural.

Rich sings of the trumpets sounding and the time when those who bow a knee to evil will receive their irreversible judgement (“Lord’s gonna turn away from all their cries”).

In the outro, Rich sings, “So wrote the prophet John/Before his days were done/The King is coming/And it won’t be long.”

The music video shows Rich at a church. We see him look to the sky and hold up a Bible. We also see a dramatization of the battle between the Archangel Michael and Satan, described in Revelation 12.

CONTENT CONCERNS

The single itself is biblical. But when Rich talks about the song, the artist means “Revelation” to be a political and social statement, as well. And while some families might wholeheartedly agree with Rich’s cultural take, others might take issue with its tone.

For instance, Rich’s lyrics don’t talk about what the Second Coming will look like for those who believe.

The music video features a bare-chested Michael wielding a lightning-powered sword against Satan, who controls a ball of fire.

TRACK SUMMARY

In the interview with Carlson, Rich spoke about the satanic nature of current media, specifically referencing Eminem’s new songs, “Evil,” “Lucifer” and “Antichrist.” While he knows he doesn’t have the same press attention as Eminem, he hopes that “Revelation” will help counterbalance such content.

“Revelation” is biblically based. In the same interview, Rich said that he merely took John’s words and made them rhyme. This much is clear.

But, judging by Rich’s comments, “Revelation” is a social as well as spiritual statement—one that many listeners will agree with, but one that should be noted all the same.

Whatever way you slice it, it’s important to note that though biblical, the song is not the Word of God. Many Bible scholars have and still do try to find the “correct” interpretation of the book of Revelation, but none of us truly know exactly what the end times will look like or when they will be.

The music video ends with the words of Revelation 12:10-11 filling the screen:

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they (the brethren) overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Families should be encouraged by this and begin to study the book of Revelation for themselves alongside the song to get a fuller picture.

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This melody, written by Hillsong worship leader and Grammy award-winner Brooke Ligertwood, is the first track from her latest album, Eight. The heart of this song instructs listeners to “Bless God” in every area and season of their lives, as He is worthy of all our praise. 

POSITIVE CONTENT

Ligertwood begins this song by expounding upon the Beatitudes, saying “Blessed are those who run to Him/Who place their hope and confidence in Jesus,” reminding believers that “He won’t forsake them.” 

She then reminds listeners of what Scripture says, that “Blessed are those who walk with Him/Whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with Jesus/They’ll see His glory/Blessed are those who die to live/Whose joy it is to give it all for Jesus.” 

She goes on to share that when we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not be moved. 

In between these verses, she encourages listeners to praise the Lord and to “Bless God” in every season, every situation and every circumstance (“Bless God in the fields of plenty/Bless God in the darkest valley/…Bless God with a praise that costs me”). 

CONTENT CONCERNS

None. 

TRACK SUMMARY

Have you ever listened to a worship song and questioned its theology? I have. But when I listened to this song, I didn’t. 

It’s not because I turn to Brooke Ligertwood as a renowned theologian, but because the core of this song comes straight from the Bible. It reads, in part, like a Psalm, while expounding upon the Beatitudes found in the book of Matthew. 

It’s beautiful. It’s a biblically sound reminder for Christians to bless God in all things, to die to yourself and to love Him with all of our being–simply because of who He is.

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This 42-year-old California native is probably best known for her chart-topping single “Your Hands” from her 2008 album Painted Red. And while that was 15 years ago, Heller continues to make encouraging music that looks for the wonder in everyday life. Sort of like her latest track, “Look for Miracles.” 

This beautiful song incorporates both pop and folk elements and recognizes the duality in life while encouraging listeners to search for God’s wonders all around them. 

POSITIVE CONTENT

Heller recognizes that life is difficult and full of its own unavoidable troubles, and yet we can still find hope (“There’s always something to be scared of/But there’s no joy without the pain/…There’s no hiding from misfortune/But there’s always room for hope”). 

She says that life is “a little bit of both” trouble and hope, and she encourages listeners to actively “look for miracles’ and “beauty” in everyday life because, if they don’t, skepticism and cynicism can easily shroud the good moments. 

CONTENT CONCERNS

None.

TRACK SUMMARY

Isn’t it true that we often, so easily, allow our fears and frustrations to become our main focus? 

We have to train our minds to focus on Christ and a positive perspective. We have to train our minds and our hearts to hope and rest in God. And that’s really what this song is about. 

It’s about silencing fear so that we can see the beauty and goodness of life all around us which will, in turn, allow us to be more present and to make memories with those we most love. 

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Virginia gospel choir Voices of Fire has teamed up with award-winning artist Pharell to bring listeners a dynamic single they can feel called “Joy (Unspeakable)”.

And I bet you can guess what it’s all about.

POSITIVE CONTENT

This choir tells us how believers in Christ will testify of God’s goodness when life circumstances threaten to drag them down (“Lately, I’ve had a hard time”), as well as when things are going well (“Wanna make sure I’m sharp when I make a point of view/When them blessings come through”). 

The hope in this song emphasizes that no matter what is going on in life, God has the last say (“The last word doesn’t come from the doctor”). So don’t cave in defeat even when things feel impossible (“Just keep praying beyond the last hour”). 

For God is above it all (“Now you’ve witnessed the procedure of power”). 

Instead, praise Him (“Mumbling to myself, must think I’m crazy/But I’m humbling myself and I’m giving praise”) and he will lift you above your circumstances (“If you crumble anyhow, I know who can raise you/…If your spirit’s weighed down, he can make that much lighter”). 

CONTENT CONCERNS

None.

TRACK SUMMARY

To be honest, a lot of Christian music on the radio today sounds the same. But not this track. 

This song radiates–well, joy, not only through its lyrics, but in the music itself. And listeners are reminded that God reigns above all of life’s mountains and valleys. 

We will all deal with negative, difficult circumstances. The only way we can move through those circumstances and come out on the other side is to cling to Jesus and the joy that comes from knowing Him.

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This soulful, Adele-esque song, from her album The Album, is filled with tambourines, trumpets, drums and Daigle’s powerful voice. The 31-year-old Louisiana native is encouraging listeners to sing praises to God because today–as well as all future days–is filled with hope because of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity. 

POSITIVE CONTENT

Daigle acknowledges that everyone has struggles and walks through dark times (“We thought we’d never see the sun through the dark skies”). But our struggles and burdens do not define our stories (“if it’s not good, then it’s not over”). 

Instead of dwelling in hopelessness, Daigle encourages listeners to “let go of [their] cares” and “turn [their] cries into hallelujahs” as, she says, “Heaven inhabits our praises.” 

CONTENT CONCERNS

None.

TRACK SUMMARY

The heart of this track is one of joy. And the mix of Daigle’s strong vocals and upbeat instrumentals clearly delivers this message.

Daigle focuses on trusting in God every single day and encourages listeners to not “look away” or become distracted, because we are living in “the days” of “jubilation.” After all, Jesus came to proclaim that the “Good News is alive,” and so should we.

The post These Are The Days appeared first on Plugged In.