Pop artist Forrest Frank entered the Christian music scene in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2022 and 2023 that his music began reaching the top of the charts. He has a unique style that blends hip-hop, urban, country, and pop.
This young artist releases new music at a rapid pace, and his ministry is making a significant impact on young people and young adults, sharing Christ with a generation often overwhelmed by social media. As a native Houstonian, I was thrilled to learn that his grandfather is the retired weatherman Dr. Neil Frank. When I was a kid, I loved watching the weather and secretly dreamed of being a weatherman myself.
Therefore, I diligently watched Dr. Frank on Channel 11 News. Dr. Frank played a significant role in Forrest's faith journey, and Forrest ensures that he honors him. I decided to highlight some of his biggest hits and a few notable ones.
"Your Ways Are Better"
This song was released as a single in October 2024, as part of the album "Child of God." However, Forest launched a video featuring simple choreography to the chorus, and the song has taken off. Many people are creating their own videos using the same choreography, and it continues to spread. Our local Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the middle school where I work has even put together its own version.
If you genuinely immerse yourself in the lyrics of the chorus, you'll uncover a prayer of repentance and a "prodigal" return to God. "Oh Lord, I need You now more than ever/Would You put my heart back together/I searched the world 'til my head hurt/ Just to find out Your way's better/Oh-oh, Your way's better/Oh-oh, Your way's better/Oh, Lord, Your way's better/Jesus, Your way's better."
"Good Day"
Out in January 2024, “Good Day” is a cheerful tune that's ideal for kicking off a workday, school day, or major project. I used to play “Good Day” by J. Moss (featuring artists Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard) in my first-period class several days a week for a few years. Even though some were annoyed, they still remembered it. Now I have the chance to introduce Forrest Frank to a new generation. With anxiety being such a significant issue for our teenagers, playing a song like this can only help brighten their day. “I’m ‘bout to have a good day/No matter what they say/The sun is shining down on me/Birds are singing praise/I’m ‘bout to have a good day/In every single way/The God who made the universe/Knows me by name.”
Not every day will be good, but the last line in the lyrics is the key. It's reassuring to remember that God created everything and knows us, reminding us that things will ultimately work out for the best. “Good Day” is vintage Forrest, featuring a mid-tempo beat that nods to the past while being uplifted by the lyrics.
"Up!"
"I was down, but now I'm up/This all God, this ain't no luck/I used to be stuck in that mud/Yeah, I was down, but now I'm up, up, up, up” is a song I played a few times in my classroom. It passed the vibe check there, too. But pairing Forrest Frank with fellow pop artist Conner Price is always a winning combination. Forrest's laid-back beat, complete with a trumpet arrangement reminiscent of Spanish music, is a great foundation. Both artists pay tribute to their breakthroughs, having started from humble beginnings, and credit all their success to God.
"Miracle Worker (featuring Tori Kelly)"
Forrest is an amazing artist in his own right, but he also makes fantastic choices when it comes to features and collaborations. Who's a better fit for an urban ballad than pop artist Tori Kelly?
You have got to add this song to your Forrest Frank playlist. With just a guitar, Forrest opens up about feeling alone and questioning his life's direction. He ultimately looks to God as the one who performs miracles. Tori’s soaring vocals convey a sense of desperation as she sings, “Running on empty, at the end of my rope/Never thought I’d be the one losing hope/Put on a smile when I need to, someone else/I’m broken in pieces, lonely inside/But I heard that You save each tear I cry/I know my help only comes from You.” This reminds me of Psalms, where King David was so honest about his struggles and losing hope, yet always found a way to turn to God in faith. The same is true for his song, “Miracle Worker.”
“Amazing Grace” and “Nothing But the Blood (featuring Lecrae)”
Hymns are a staple in many denominations, while other churches revisit them periodically. They hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of elders and others. Forrest took the choruses of several hymns, added new verses, and gave the songs a Gen Z vibe, resulting in the album New Hymns.
“Amazing Grace” gets a pop makeover with a faster tempo. Traditionalists may have gasped upon hearing it, but it can provide them with something to discuss with young kids. Hip-hop artist Lecrae served up the sauce on “Nothing But the Blood.” He adds, “Who can save me from the shadows of my shame? Yeah/what can heal me from a heartbreak and my pain? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Different generations and people with varying musical tastes can enjoy these hymns together.
"God Is Good (featuring Caleb Gordon)"
Every Forrest Frank playlist needs this one. Cue, “God Is Good.” My “stankface” kicks in, and my head starts nodding like crazy. “God is good/All the time/If He ain’t, I’d be lying/In the rain, in the shine/God is good all the time.” This song is a banger with a simple message of God’s goodness. I love pop artist Caleb Gordon’s bars, “Popped out that grave, like I popped up that hood/Popped out them chains, when I popped out that book/Say that one Name, watch how demons get shook.”
“Butterflies”
California Cowboy is a popular album released by Forrest in 2023, achieving great success on streaming platforms and iTunes. It features love songs, breakup tracks, and themes of freedom from sin. “Butterflies” is a beautiful ballad dedicated to Forrest’s wife, Grace, and their son, Bodie. This song showcases Forrest’s range, supported by a piano playing multiple chords.
So that you know – that's it for now. These are just a few of his songs to check out if you're getting familiar with some of Forrest Frank’s signature tracks or building a playlist. I’m sure some of you are thinking of other favorites I didn’t mention. Keep an eye out for Part 2.
Dwayne Lacy is a long-time History teacher in Houston, Texas. He also has a passion for diversity and real unity in music and the church.
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