Tune in June 16-20 for the Brandon Lake Takeover
In celebration of his new album, Brandon Lake will guest DJ on K-LOVE each day from 12–2 p.m. ET, after the Morning Show with Carlos & Amy!
Riding an unprecedented wave as Christian music makes a resurgence into the mainstream, Brandon Lake leads the charge with “King of Hearts,” delivering one of the most anticipated releases of the year. His fourth LP boasts headliners “That’s Who I Praise” and “Hard Fought Hallelujah (feat. Jelly Roll).”
The unlikely Lake/Jelly Roll pairing has far exceeded expectations with unparalleled streaming numbers and high-profile appearances that have taken the duo to “American Idol,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Stagecoach and, most recently, CMA Fest’s Main Stage at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. Country stations across the country have even added the megawatt anthem, while it swiftly summited the Christian radio charts, where it remained at No. 1 for multiple weeks.
RELATED CONTENT: Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Talk Finding God and Their Song 'Hard Fought Hallelujah'
The same vulnerability that immediately resonated with fans on “Hard Fought Hallelujah” also appears on standout “Daddy’s DNA.” Debuting the transparent ballad at the Grand Ole Opry, the stripped-down selection is one of the record’s most country-tinged originals. Lake places himself squarely in the story of the Prodigal Son with a clever lyrical twist at the end that traces his family tree all the way back to his Heavenly Father.
The Prodigal Son isn’t the only Biblical parable the nine-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner references across the project’s 16 offerings. Opening track “Plans” — one of the album’s best — offers a nod to Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace, a subtle continuation of the imagery that defined 2023’s “Coat of Many Colors.”
“That’s Who I Praise,” of course, rose to popularity on the strength of its numerous Biblical references, with Lake penning a charming song that reminds us of all the heroes of faith on whose shoulders we stand.
Even the arresting title cut serves up a portrait of the thief on the cross with Lake hitting notes in his upper registry across the poignant original.
RELATED CONTENT: Elevation Worship and Brandon Lake Call on Jesus for ‘I Know A Name’
Jelly Roll might be the most surprising feature on the record, but he certainly isn’t the only one. Gospel music trailblazer CeCe Winans joins Lake for a fresh rendition of “I Know A Name,” which the South Carolina native originally wrote and recorded with Elevation Worship. Co-writer Hank Bentley is showcased on “Remember the Miracles,” and rapper Hulvey shines on anchor pop track “Right in the Middle.”
While the full-throttle “Watch This!,” the haunting “Ghost Stories” and the explosive “SEVENS” display Lake as an artist willing to take risks, others like the family-centric “As For Me & My Home” and the story-driven “Spare Change” deliver timeless truths in fresh ways.
Like its predecessors, “King of Hearts” reveals the father of three believing for greater things with faith-elevating lyrics that repeatedly point to God’s miraculous track record.
Vocally, he oscillates from tender to ferocious, with his signature growl heard throughout. Musically, Lake continues his trend of defying genres. This time around, he simply expands his audience even further. Sonically adventurous, the album traverses everything from pop, country and worship to rock, hip-hop and even screamo (see “SEVENS”).
Regardless of the mainstream attention Lake has been receiving, “King of Hearts” is the furthest thing from a crossover album. It’s just as spiritually fueled as anything else in his catalog. Lake isn’t forsaking his worship roots; he’s growing them. And in the process, he’s taking Christian music to places it wouldn’t normally go.
RELATED CONTENT: Brandon Lake Wins Big at 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” might be the record’s runaway hit — and for good reason — but it isn’t the only gem to be mined on “King of Hearts.” There’s plenty of gold to be found in the deep cuts for those willing to listen beyond the shiniest offerings. Across the board, Lake is just as passionate about his faith as he was on his previous efforts, and he’s more committed than ever to casting a wide net that gives everyone the chance to discover the hope he’s found.
