Brandon Lake has become one of the most recognizable names in contemporary worship today. The South Carolina native, worship pastor, and Grammy-winning artist and songwriter is not only a powerful vocalist but also a pure-hearted worshipper. He's filled with love for God and people and has a passion to see others encounter God—and that heart shines through every song and interview he shares.
Brandon Lake is a boundary-breaker. As a vocalist, he possesses both grit and tenderness. His lyrics capture both praise and prayer, humility and faith. He flawlessly combines influences of country, rock, and gospel into contemporary worship. He's collaborated with fellow Christian artists through his partnerships with praise bands Maverick City Music, Elevation Worship, Sons of Sunday, and more. And he's crossing genre boundaries with his recent hit collaboration "Hard Fought Hallelujah" with country superstar Jelly Roll. That song has led to performances on some of the biggest mainstream stages in culture today and brought the message of Jesus to audiences outside the walls of the Church.
If there's one thing I'd want you to know about Brandon Lake's music, it's this: After listening to his music, you will come away with a bigger view of God's character and greater faith for what He can do in your life and the world around you. Let's dive deeper into some of Brandon's songs.
"Gratitude"
This is the Brandon Lake song you have most likely heard online, on the radio, or even sung at church, and undoubtedly his most recognizable song. "Gratitude," first introduced on Lake's album House of Miracles, has swept through the Church, and rightly so. The corporate worship tune of humble thanksgiving to God has become a Christian radio hit, a viral sound on social media, and an anthem for the Church, both in personal and congregational worship.
"Hard Fought Hallelujah"
"Hard Fought Hallelujah" is the lead single from Lake's recently released fifth album, King of Hearts. The song continues to see much crossover success, impacting audiences both in Christian and mainstream music. Lake reached out to country music star Jelly Roll about collaborating on the song, and he agreed. The rest, as they say, is history. The collaboration has sparked a deep friendship between the two artists and led to many vulnerable conversations between Lake and Jelly Roll via various media outlets about the raw and fundamental aspects of faith in Jesus and the journey of spiritual growth--especially when that journey is not so neat.
Perhaps equally as important as the song itself is the space it has created for people who may feel far from God to recognize they can come to Him and the example Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll have set for Christians to love and walk alongside people in their journey of faith right where they are, as we all grow closer to Jesus. Lake and Jelly Roll have performed the song on stages such as Stagecoach Festival, American Idol, The Jimmy Kimmel Show, the Grand Ole Opry, and CMA Fest.
"That's Who I Praise"
This song was the first single released ahead of Brandon's latest project, King of Hearts. He teased the song on social media, and fans immediately loved it, making it a sensation. During his 2024 Summer Worship Nights tour in collaboration with contemporary artist Phil Wickham, audiences could be heard screaming the words to the lively, uptempo tune even before it was released. The song is about different biblical characters who personally experienced God at work in their lives and responded with praise to Him, and reminds us that we praise the same powerful God.
"Praise"
"Praise" is a significant collaboration with Elevation Worship, including Brandon Lake as a lead singer along with Maverick City Music's Chandler Moore and Elevation Worship's Chris Brown. It has truly become a joyful praise anthem for the Church. Its resonance with listeners is evident, as the song is frequently sung in local churches nationwide and has over 200 million streams on Spotify.
"Fear Is Not My Future"
Having faith and believing God to move in miraculous, powerful ways in our lives are themes you will hear frequently in Brandon Lake's music. I've included this song on the list to highlight a core value in his music and ministry, and because it's one of my favorites, I hope you'll love it, too. "Fear Is Not My Future," which features Chandler Moore of Maverick City Music, was initially released on Lake's album HELP! with additional versions recorded in collaboration with Maverick City Music. The song's bridge is a strong declaration that fear, sickness, or any other challenge you face does not define you, your story, or your future; Jesus does.
"Count 'Em"
What I love about Brandon Lake as an artist is how he embodies a tender, pure heart for the Lord while also showing grit and edge. "Count 'Em" is an excellent introduction to the rock side of Brandon's sound. The song, with an epic music video to boot, is about how God's victories in our lives are countless and His power is unmatched. And it will probably make you want to headbang a little bit.
NRT contributor Jasmin Patterson is a lifelong fan of Christian music who is passionate about helping others connect with Christ. She lives in Kansas City, MO where she serves in college ministry and runs the Everyday Walk podcast to share Jesus with seekers and equip believers in their everyday walk with Jesus.
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