Grace and Grit| Posted June 12, 2025 What You Need to Know Contemporary worship artist Brandon Lake, best known for anthems such as "Gratitude" and "Praise You Anywhere," has released his highly anticipated fifth full-length studio album, King of Hearts. Key tracks include the lead single "That's Who I Praise," which listeners immediately connected with after he shared a snippet of the unreleased song on social media in summer 2024, as well as the current single "Hard Fought Hallelujah" featuring country artist Jelly Roll. The latter single has had a significant mainstream impact, opening doors for Lake and Jelly Roll to perform the song on stages such as Stagecoach Festival, American Idol, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, and the Grand Ole Opry.
What It Sounds Like While listening to this album, I felt a hint of nostalgia. The writing and arrangements on King of Hearts feel to me like a blend of soft rock, singer-songwriter, and worship styles from 2000s Christian music. It evokes what I loved — and still love — about the early Jeremy Camp and Third Day repertoire, presented in a modern package, with a voice that remains quintessentially Brandon Lake's. The perfect combination of grace and grit, on King of Hearts, you hear the tenacity that makes Lake's voice so recognizable, coupled with the tender heart of honest, faith-filled worship and prayer to God--another defining characteristic of Lake's songs.
There's plenty of country influence on this album, especially with songs like "Plans" and "Daddy's DNA." This album is also stacked with heavy-hitting collaborations with major artists and songwriters across gospel and country music: the crossover single "Hard Fought Hallelujah with country star Jelly Roll, "I Know A Name" with contemporary worship and gospel veteran CeCe Winans, "Right In the Middle" with Christian hip-hop's Hulvey, and "Remember the Miracles" with songwriter Hank Bentley, who has had a role in penning songs for Brandon Lake on this and previous projects, Lauren Daigle, Mosaic MSC, and more.
Spiritual Highlights There are recurring themes of our identity as God's children and His identity as our Heavenly Father, as well as the importance of having faith that God can work things out for good in our lives. While the message of the gospel and its implications for our lives are woven throughout the album, the title track, "King of Hearts," is a standout song, as its primary focus is singing the truth of the gospel message — the cross, grace, salvation, and how Jesus wins our hearts. The lyric is voiced from the perspective of the thief on the cross, who was crucified next to Jesus, singing his testimony of faith in Christ. Lyrically, I'd say this is the height of captivating poetry and imagery on an album that already excels in this regard, song after song, proclaiming the most important message we could ever share.
"King of Hearts" also features one of the best bridges I've heard, but I wish Lake had sung through it one more time and added harmonies over it, as it would have elevated an already decisive moment on the album even further.
Best Song I'm giving the best song to "Plans," the album opener. In an era when electronic instrumentation is prevalent in music (which is not necessarily a bad thing), anytime I hear a real instrument on a record, I'm immediately drawn to it. "Plans" opens with a Country-sounding finger-picked guitar line that grabs your ear. The song maintains a country and folk feel throughout, crescendoing into a singable, worship-style chorus. And immediately, your heart is struck with a lyric that is powerful and poetic, based on the famous verse from Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
There's not a single filler lyric in the song. It's packed with biblical truth, hoping to see God's goodness revealed no matter the circumstance you're facing, all wrapped in beautiful imagery and songwriting. It's a message we all need to be reminded of, especially when in the thick of delay and discouragement. "Plans" will become an anthem for many. It certainly has for me.
Final Word I'm a big fan of Brandon Lake, especially as a worship leader myself, and this is my favorite album he's released. Gifted by God, on King of Hearts, Brandon Lake continues to show his ability to write songs and lead worship in a way that transcends genre, reaching people of faith and those who are not, and from all walks of life, with the unchanging message of Jesus.
King of Hearts by Brandon Lake || Posted August 21, 2025
It’s a powerful reminder of endurance and hope even when the waves seem overwhelming. In the same way that checking Srd sassa status check provides reassurance during financial uncertainty, finding direction in a tempest requires faith and persistence
to add lyrics if not listed.
