A No L's Celebration Posted June 04, 2025 By BraddenFord_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Forrest Frank is one of the most prominent emerging stars on the rise. Forrest was initially best known for being one-half of the duo Surfaces, known for their hit song "Sunday Best." Forrest stepped out as a solo artist and released his first solo viral hit, the Christian song "No Longer Bound," in 2023. Since then, he has kept breaking records and quickly risen as one of the top Christian artists, thanks to his upbeat and unapologetic music, along with his infectious energy. He released his breakthrough album Child of God in 2024 and has returned with a follow-up album, Child of God II, bringing fans some of his best work yet.
What It Sounds Like Child of God II is the perfect follow-up to the already groundbreaking pop project Child of God. Forrest Frank continues the theme with some of the most upbeat, joyful, and impactful music following the landscape of pop music in the best way. Many talented Christian artists are making pop music that outshines mainstream pop, but it's rare to see a Christian artist release a 20-song album that can match the quality of any mainstream pop album from the past five years. Mixing current pop trends, rap, R&B, worship, and a mix of fun styles, Forrest does what he does best at making Christ-centered bops throughout.
Spiritual Highlights There are many spiritual highlights throughout the album. It's easy to assume that an artist who has had as much success as Forrest would have a "watered-down" message and just good-sounding music. However, that is not the case for Forrest at all. Every song on this album points to Jesus and is filled with lyrics that draw directly from the Word of God, encouraging listeners. As I tried to choose a few lyrics to highlight, I ended up filling more than two pages of notes before giving up. Child of God II is thoroughly infused with the Gospel. Songs like "In The Room" really stand out, where Forrest changes up the style to a beautiful, simple worship song that had a big impact on me. Another highlight was the track "Testimony," which isn't a song, but a live audio of Forrest Frank sharing his testimony of accepting Jesus. I've always been a fan of Forrest, but hearing his testimony blew me away and turned me into a full-fledged hardcore fan after hearing his story and learning about his heart.
Best Song Picking the best song on this album is like choosing a favorite child; you can't, because you love them all. If I had to pick, "Your Ways Better" stands out to me as my personal favorite. The song is a viral hit and Billboard 100 charting song for a reason, and more than just for its fun TikTok dance it inspired. The song starts slow and builds up into a fun, catchy chorus of needing Jesus and trusting His way over our own. For a viral hit and upbeat summer song, it remains a deep song that was inspired by Forrest's journey of repenting from lust and sin. I love that this song has become an anthem for how Christian music can point to Jesus in a fun way while conveying the powerful truth of His word, impacting listeners by the millions.
Bottom Line Forrest Frank isn't an "industry plant" or "random chance" artist. This is an artist who loves pointing listeners to Jesus through fun, pop music and melodies that capture their attention. Child of God II took on the almost impossible task of following up Child of God and succeeded in a way that listeners of all ages, especially my generation, Gen Z, can't get enough of. While also containing bops and upbeat anthems, the album has a pure heart, sharing the identity God has given us in the freedom and identity He has won for us. It's a powerful collection of fun songs that blend well together. Some could call Forrest the next Christian pop singer TobyMac, but I'd say he's forging a new path that's leading millions to follow Jesus in an even deeper way, in the freedom God has given us all.
