Summer is, by far, my favorite time of year. I love the summer vacations, beach trips, and incredible music that this season encapsulates. As the weather warms up and families plan their annual beach vacations, artists are curating new albums to accompany you on your road trip.
With new music coming from Steffany Gretzinger, Dennis Quaid, Phil Wickham, and more, this season will be full of amazing new tunes. Feel free to look further if you want a list of upcoming summer jams. Here are eight new releases to listen to this summer.
Social Club Misfits, Everyone Loves A Comeback Story (Deluxe)
Everyone loves a comeback story and a deluxe album, right? In June 2023, hip-hop duo Social Club Misfits released the deluxe edition of their latest album Everyone Loves A Comeback Story. The 12-track album featured artists like Ryan Ellis, Jordan Feliz, and Evvie McKinney, and the deluxe version will be no different.
Social Club Misfits is collaborating with more artists for their upcoming extended release, including Luke Johns from The Young Escape, who remixed their track "Rendezvous."
Whether they're working with Christian pop acts like The Young Escape, Blanca, or 1K Phew, Social Club Misfits' ability to collaborate with artists from various backgrounds and cultures sets them apart. I'm excited to see who else they'll partner with for the release of Everyone Loves A Comeback Story (Deluxe).
Steffany Gretzinger, The Narrow Way
Former Bethel Music worship leader Steffany Gretzinger is known for her astounding vocals and striking lyrics. In 2014, she released her debut solo album, The Undoing, followed by Blackout, Forever Amen, and Faith Of My Father. Now, she's back with her latest album, The Narrow Way.
The eight-track record features collaborations with fellow worship leaders such as Kalley on "City of God" and Leeland on "No Turning Back." The previously released title track, "The Narrow Way," dropped in May 2023, along with an accompanying lyric video, which gained over 204,000 views. No doubt fans can't get enough of Steffany Gretzinger's music.
Red Rocks Worship, Ascend - July 14
Hailing from Red Rocks Church in Colorado, Red Rocks Worship has inspired the world with its music since its 2015 debut album, Into the Light. In 2021, Red Rocks Worship returned to the music industry with their album Things of Heaven. Their new record, Ascend, is set to release on July 14th. With 14 tracks and five accompanying live videos, the album marks a new era for the worship team.
Red Rocks Worship's previously released singles, "Good Plans" and "Miracle in Me," are already growing in popularity, with several thousand views on the newly released music videos. You can add Ascend to your music library if you're looking for a new album to worship along with this summer.
Influence Music, Long Live the King (Live at the Grove) - July 14
Influence Music birthed out of Influence Church in Anaheim Hills, California, began releasing music in 2018. Following their debut release, Touching Heaven, the worship group released Rebels in 2019, featuring a reprise of their hit song "Spirit Lead Me." Although they're new to the music scene, they're already making an impact.
In 2022, Influence Music released their album Before The Breakthrough, featuring notable artists Mack Brock and Kim Walker-Smith. The group's latest record has firmly cemented their place in the music industry, and they're now releasing what is expected to be their biggest album to date.
On July 14, Influence Music will release its latest live album, Long Live the King (Live at the Grove). Recorded live at The City National Grove of Anaheim, the 12-track album features previously released songs "Nobody Leaves The Same" and "Coming Home," along with new songs like "All Yours" and "Matchless." Worship music fans: you won't want to miss this album.
Tiffany Hudson, Hidden Here - July 21
Many artists from worship collectives like Hillsong Worship, Maverick City Music, and Hillsong UNITED have released solo albums. From Benjamin William Hastings to Brooke Ligertwood, these artists have released their own albums while remaining faithful to their respective worship collectives. The latest artist to hop on this trend is Elevation Worship artist Tiffany Hudson.
Tiffany's debut solo album, Hidden Here, is set to be released on July 21. The album, featuring nine devotional-style songs, will be released by Elevation Worship Records. The title track is out now, while new songs like "Break The Bottle" featuring Steffany Gretzinger and "Togetherness" featuring Mitch Wong and Joe L Barnes are still to come. It's an exciting time for this Elevation Worship artist, and I can't wait to see how her voice will shine through this record.
Stephen Stanley, Divided Frame of Mind - July 21
Stephen Stanley may be a newcomer to the Christian music scene, but he is already a talented and versatile musician with great success. After an accident as a child, Stephen became deaf in his left ear. Yet, despite his hearing loss, he quickly discovered his musical abilities. At the age of nine, Stephen learned how to play guitar. At the age of 13, he started playing piano and drums.
Stephen's passion and talent for music led him to begin writing songs and leading worship for his local church. Now, he's a newly signed artist with Capitol CMG. After years of developing his craft and remaining faithful to the Church, he's becoming a hit musician.
Following his 2021 single "No Hopeless Soul," Stephen is releasing his debut album, Divided Frame of Mind, on July 21. The 14-track record features six music videos recorded at a live show in Atlanta, Georgia, with videos for "The Edge" and "Rest In The Father" out now. Big things are in store for Stephen Stanley, and he's an artist to keep your eye on.
Jesus Culture, Why Not Right Now? (Live) - July 21
Jesus Culture, comprised of worship artists Bryan and Katie Torwalt, Chris Quilala, and Chris McClarney, has released music for the past 17 years. When Bethel Church's youth pastor started the Jesus Culture conference in Redding, California, the Jesus Culture movement began. The annual conference exploded, resulting in yearly gatherings and albums. Eventually, Jesus Culture moved to Sacramento to plant a church, where they now hold weekly Sunday gatherings.
The church and conference have only grown over the years, and the group is still releasing worship albums evoking praise in congregations globally. On July 21, Jesus Culture will return with their newest live album, Why Not Right Now? The 14-track album was recorded live at The Crossing Church in Costa Mesa, California, an hour north of Jesus Culture's San Diego campus. If you're a worship leader looking for new songs to lead at your church, Jesus Culture has you covered.
Dennis Quaid, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners - July 28
You know Dennis Quaid from his roles in The Day After Tomorrow, The Parent Trap, and Yours Mine & Ours. But what you might have yet to learn is that Dennis Quaid is also a musician. When the Erwin Brothers' film I Can Only Imagine came out in 2018, Dennis debuted his Christian music.
The release of "On My Way To Heaven" on the I Can Only Imagine soundtrack pleasantly surprised listeners with the unexpected musical talent of the actor. Now he's releasing a full-length album, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners.
Releasing on July 28, the 12-track record features the previously released single, "On My Way to Heaven," along with renditions of hymns like "Amazing Grace" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." It's exciting to see an actor breaking into the music industry, and I'm sure these songs will be well-received. Pre-order Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinnershere.
Phil Wickham, I Believe - August 18
I've been listening to Phil Wickham's music for most of my life. Since Phil released his albums Cannons and Heaven & Earth in 2007 and 2009, his songs have been a staple in our household. His music holds a lot of nostalgia, so I keep returning to it. His poetic lyrics and stunning vocals have established him in the music industry, and fans cannot get enough.
On August 18, Phil will release his long-awaited album, I Believe. After releasing several singles like "This Is Our God," "Sunday Is Coming," and "The Jesus Way," a full-length album is finally ready for release. Phil's most recent records--Hymn of Heaven and Living Hope--were incredible, and I know I Believe will be no different. Starting on August 18, I Believe will be on repeat for me.
Cody Carnes, Firm Foundation (Live) - August 25
Cody Carnes, the singer-songwriter, has a deep devotion to Jesus which is apparent in every song he performs. His lyrics are all aimed at directing listeners toward the heart of God. His worship music has impacted many listeners' lives and reached churches far and wide since he released his debut album in 2017.
In 2015, Cody's album The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning gained popularity among radio stations and fans due to the success of songs such as "What Freedom Feels Like" and "The Cross Has the Final Word." As the husband of singer/songwriter Kari Jobe, fans couldn't get enough of his similar songwriting style and worshipful melodies. After his first album, Cody released two more: Run To The Father and God Is Good (Live).
His most recent album is called Firm Foundation (Live). The 14-track record features previously released songs such as "Plead The Blood," "Call On The Name," and "Who Is This Man," along with new tracks like "Hope Of the Ages," "Taste And See," and "Be Glad." It's releasing on August 25, and if it's anything like Cody's previous records, you'll want to have Firm Foundation (Live) on your daily rotation.
Gateway Worship, Crowns Down (Live) - September 8
Gateway Worship is the worship expression of Gateway Church located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As one of the largest churches in North America, Gateway sees over 40,000 attendees across their multiple campuses each week. The worship group has released music for nearly 20 years, collaborating with artists like Rita Springer, Kari Jobe, and other worship leaders.
Following the release of their March 2023 record Completely Abandoned (Live), Gateway Worship will release their latest album, Crowns Down (Live), on September 8. With only six months between records, Gateway Worship has been busy. The upcoming album features ten songs, along with six accompanying music videos.
Gateway Worship provides wonderful songs and resources for fellow worship leaders, and if you would like to lead your congregation with their music, you can find all of their digital assets here.
The Belonging Co., Pneuma (Live) - September 15
Pneuma is a Greek word translated as "breath" or "spirit." The term "Pneuma" is commonly associated with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus stated that when the Holy Spirit arrives, His followers will receive power and will be able to testify about Him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even to the farthest corner of the earth. Pneuma is the title of Christian contemporary band The Belonging Co.'s upcoming album, set to release on September 15.
The album features 16 tracks with an impressive lineup of artists. Danny Gokey, Kari Jobe, Hope Darst, Natalie Grant, and many others lead the songs, making The Belonging Co. showcase exceptional musical talent. The upcoming album features Kari's hit song "The Dove," along with new favorites like "Lord Of My Life" and "Christ Is The Center." For any worship fan, this is a can't-miss album.
Mike Mains and The Branches, Memory Unfixed - September 15
I heard about Mike Mains and The Branches from the alternative Christian band Gable Price & Friends. Lead singer Gable Price played guitar for The Branches founder Mike Mains in 2019, and the two previously worked together when they rerecorded Gable Price & Friends' song "Demons." Even though I have just started listening to their music, I know Mike Mains and The Branches will become one of my new favorite bands.
With an alternative-rock style similar to Switchfoot, Colony House, and Gable Price & Friends, Mike's catchy summertime songs are infectious. And, after a four-year gap between albums, Mike Mains and company are back with their newest album, Memory Unfixed.
Memory Unfixed follows the 2019 deluxe edition of When We Were in Love and features ten tracks, described by Mike Mains as "a collection of musical snapshots from 2019 to 2021." Everything I've heard from Mike Mains and The Branches has been incredible, and I can't wait to listen to this new collection of songs. If you're a fan of alternative rock, as I am, you will want to experience Memory Unfixed.
Grace Chaves is NRT's News Editor and one of our youngest writers. She's been part of NewReleaseToday since 2019 and will continue her writing journey by majoring in Writing at Point Loma Nazarene Univerisity in the fall.
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