From Today's Christian Entertainment

Clark Beckham Acoustic Worship Sessions Released: June 26, 2026 (NCS Records) 4.4/5 Written by: Catherine Cochran (6/28/2026) Clark Beckham is a 34-year-old, American singer and songwriter known for season 14 of American Idol. It has been 12 years since Beckam was runner up in American Idol. Bechham released the Acoustic Worship Sessions on June 26th of this year. This session covers 6 songs that may seem familiar to you. I personally do not watch American Idol, but I am familiar with the show. I was excited to review Clark Beckham because he was not afraid to share his faith on a large platform. The sound of acoustic music, in my opinion, is simplistic yet joyful and peaceful at all at the same time. “Great Are You Lord” is the first song on this session. The instrumental start to this song might take you back to when you heard it first in 2013; when this song was released by All Sons & Daughters. Beckham sings this song as though it personally resonates with him. The way his vocals range shows off his God given talent in this song. “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” Beckham covers just the chorus of this song in the Acoustic Session. It is beautifully done and makes you feel the love he has for the Lord. In the Bible it mentions several times of people singing and praising. You can truly feel the praise Beckham gives in this song. “How Great is Our God” The full song is covered in the 5th session. On the last session he covers just the chorus of this song in such a beautiful, simplistic nature. Many people may recognize this song from Chris Tomlin or from your own church praise team. This song has been my favorite worship song for years. I have heard many others cover this song on YouTube, but Clark makes this song sound effortlessly sung. “Goodness of God”, “Graves into Gardens”, and “Nobody Greater” are three other songs he covers on this Session. In order they are listed 2nd, 4th, and 6th of the 7 Songs covered in this Acoustic Worship Sessions. All three you might have heard and enjoyed. Clark shows his vocal talent and covers these songs beautifully as the others. This beautifully done, Acoustic Worship Sessions, clearly expresses the gratefulness Beckham has and shows for the Lord. Beckham has true raw talent, and it shows in all his work. I suggest you listen to his music and see for yourself. This album reminds me of a Bible verse that I want to share: “Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2. Beckham is truly making this Bible verse come to light. 4.4/5 TRACK LISTING 1. Great Are You Lord – Acoustic (5:22)
2. Goodness of God – Acoustic (4:25)
3. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever – Acoustic (1:58)
4. Graves Into Garden – Acoustic (5:12)
5. How Great is Our God – Acoustic (4:22)
6. Nobody Greater – Acoustic (2:10)
7. How Great is Our God (Reprise) – Acoustic (0:53) 7 Tracks, 24:00 Stream on Amazon Music, Apple Music & Spotify WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | YouTube

Switchfoot Forever Now Released: June 26, 2026 (By Design Recordings) Written by: Lori Markwas (6/23/2026) Switchfoot’s fourteenth studio album, Forever Now, is one of their most clearly themed records in a while, built around the idea of a final day of life and what starts to matter when facing the end. Instead of leaning on the feelings of nostalgia, the lyrics work through memory, regret, belief, doubt, and finally hope. The songs shift between personal struggle and bigger questions about life and humanity. “Wake Up, Mr. Crow” looks at societal pressure and how we tend to hide behind the idea “I’m Ok”, while the songs “Absolution” and “Beautiful Life” talk about trying to find meaning in the middle of difficult times. “Shake The Dust,” “Same Blood,” and “The Butterfly Effect” explore life, the past, and how small decisions can make a difference.  “Broken Wings” and “Breaking Up Again” stand out as more emotional tunes, both musically and lyrically. Most of the album is in that familiar Switchfoot sound, mostly upbeat, guitar-driven songs with steady energy. A few tracks stand out musically, especially “Wake Up, Mr. Crow,” “Same Blood,” “Broken Wings,” and the slower “Breaking Up Again,” but overall the record doesn’t have the wow factor that leaves a lasting impression. There’s a strong idea at the center of Forever Now, and it holds the album together well. But while this approach works, the music itself feels more comfortable than risky, and it doesn’t quite reach the highs of some of their best work. TRACK LISTING

1. Wake Up, Mr. Crow (4:05)

2. Absolution (4:05)

3. Beautiful Life (3:54)

4. Shake The Dust (3:20)

5. Natural Causes (4:24)

6. YFWYA (3:17)

7. Same Blood (3:16)

8. Ride Or Die (3:04)

9. Darkness (4:08)

10. Broken Wings (4:04)

11. Two Twins (3:36)

12. Breaking Up Again (1:31)

13. The Butterfly Effect (3:15)

13 Tracks, 45:55 Buy [iTunes] [Amazon Music] Stream [Apple Music] [Spotify] MORE FROM SWITCHFOOT

The Legend of Chin (1997)

New Way to Be Human (1999)

Learning to Breathe (2000)

The Beautiful Letdown (2003)

Nothing Is Sound (2005)

Oh! Gravity. (2006)

Hello Hurricane (2009)

Vice Verses (2011)

Fading West (2014)

Where the Light Shines Through (2016)

Native Tongue (2019)

Interrobang (2021)

This Is Our Christmas Album (2022)

Forever Now (2026)

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | X | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify RELATED ARTIST LINKS “Wake Up, Mr. Crow” (Music Video)

Tree63 Voyage Released: June 26, 2026 (Just Music) Written by: Jay Heilman (6/24/2026) Tree63 Proves the Wait Was Worth It on the Sonically Stellar Voyage The Return of a Legendary Sound For longtime fans of Tree63, the wait has been long—eleven years, to be exact, since 2015’s Land. But the legendary South African alt-rock outfit is officially back with Voyage, a breathtaking new record that proves some bands don’t just fade away; they simply gather strength for the next chapter. Though frontman John Ellis is the sole original member driving the ship these days—following a series of massive, highly anticipated homecoming tours across South Africa over the last few years—the soul of the band remains entirely intact. Voyage is a triumphant testament to the fact that you can pick up right where you left off. From the very first note, the album is unmistakably, beautifully Tree63. It’s a masterful showcase of the guitar-driven, arena-ready sound we’ve loved for decades, proving that no steps were missed during their extended absence from the scene. A Journey from “The Answer” to Today Personally, my own journey with the band began way back in 2004 with the release of their seminal third studio album, The Answer to the Question. Like millions of others, I was utterly captivated by their smash-hit cover of Matt Redman’s “Blessed Be Your Name”—a track that redefined modern worship with its infectious, driving energy. Diving into Voyage gave me that exact same rush. The album truly lives up to its name, taking listeners on a deliberate, beautifully crafted sonic journey. It masterfully bridges the gap between the sacred and the mainstream, delivering profound messages of hope wrapped in powerhouse rock melodies that can easily resonate with any listener, no matter where they are on their spiritual path. Standout Tracks: A Journey Worth Taking While there truly isn’t a weak link in the entire tracklist, a few songs demand immediate repeat listens:

• “Voyage” (Title Track): A stunning anchor for the record, accompanied by an equally brilliant music video that visually captures the heart of the album.
• “How Much Longer” & “Seeker”: Two personal favorites that instantly stand out, blending raw, honest searching with the band’s trademark anthemic energy.
• “Beatitude”: The album’s magnificent closing track. Serving as a profound reminder of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5, this track has already been doubling as a powerful, worshipful closer for the band’s recent live shows.

Exclusive Interview: I was fortunate enough to sit down and catch up with John Ellis himself (braving a six-hour time difference!) for an exclusive chat about the heart behind this new music. You can watch our full interview right here on YouTube! The Verdict: An Urgent Call to Listen Whether you’ve been following John Ellis and the band since the early 2000s or you’re just discovering their music today, Voyage is an essential listen. It is more than just a fresh batch of stellar tunes; it is an invitation. As you let these songs wash over you, allow the “voyage” of this album to encourage your daily walk with Jesus. Let it stir your spirit, renew your hope, and ignite a fresh, burning urgency to share the Good News of the Gospel with everyone you meet, just as the Bible instructs us. Don’t wait—press play, dive in, and let the journey begin! 5/5 TRACK LISTING

1. Turn For Home (3:26)

2. Ambush (4:13)

3. Voyage (3:29)

4. Fire Goes On (3:45)

5. Believe Anyway (5:13)

6. How Much Longer? (2:59)

7. New Jerusalem (5:30)

8. Seeker (4:31)

9. Still There (5:19)

10. Beatitude (2:34)

10 Tracks, 40:59 MORE FROM TREE63

Overflow (1997) (released under the band name “Tree”)

Treemix (1998) (released under the band name “Tree”)

63 (1999) (released under the band name “Tree”)

Tree63 (2000)

63 & Overflow (2000)

The Life and Times of Absolute Truth (2002)

Best Of: Rock Anthology (2004)

The Answer to the Question (2004)

Worship Volume 1: I Stand For You (2005)

Sunday! (2007)

Blessed Be Your Name: The Hits (2008)

Collection, Vol. 1 (2013)

Unfinished Dream: Songs from the Sunday Sessions EP (2014)

Land (2015)

Voyage (2026)

WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS  Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | X | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify RELATED ARTIST LINKS “Voyage” (Music Video) |Interview with John Ellis (2026)

Jenn Johnson Happy Released: May 22, 2026 (Bethel Music) Written by: Darcy Webber (5/19/2026) A long-time worship leader, singer, and songwriter, Bethel’s Jenn Johnson has finally released her first solo album, Happy. You might know here best from her biggest hits “Goodness of God” and “Holy Forever”. After years of work with Bethel, she has ventured out on her own, and her album does not disappoint. Happy features nine new songs, some of them collaborations with other worship artists such as Brooke Ligertwood, Abbie Gamboa, and Kari Jobe, a hymn, and a surprise guest appearance by one of her children.  The album’s message is that of a deep walk with God and Jesus in both her worship life and her personal life. Her love of the Lord is clear in songs such as “Walk With Me” and “Love of Christ”, as well as her love of her husband Brian Johnson in “Here In Your Arms”. “Walk With Me” is a song that is personal to anyone who listens. It speaks of our daily lives, where we struggle so much with our problems that we sometimes even distance ourselves from God. However, the real truth is that no matter how distant we might make ourselves, or however distracted, we are truly never away from God, He is always there with us through it all. “Here In Your Arms”, a duet with her husband Brian, is a testimony to what marriage is when God stays at the center and heart of a relationship. Each song on the album reflects Jenn’s masterful ability to write songs that honor God, both lyrically and musically. The only criticism of this album is that for a solo album there are very few actual solo songs: most of the songs are collaborations with other big-name artists. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, those who enjoy listening to Jenn Johnson may be disappointed to not hear more Jenn Johnson on this album. Jenn is a talented long-time artist who could stand on her own two feet and carry songs on her own. Here’s hoping that her next solo venture is truly solo: we’d love to hear all Jenn Johnson, all the time. TRACK LISTING 1. “Walk With Me” feat. Tiffany Hudson (3:52) 2. “Great I Am” (4:27) 3. “I’ve Gotta Know” feat. Gable Price (4:54) 4. “Thank You Lord” feat. Brooke Ligertwood (4:57) 5. “Father We Thank Thee” (0:32) 6. “Mourning To Dancing” feat. Manuchie, The Unveiled, Silas Magalhães (2:38) 7. “Happy” feat. Abbie Gamboa (3:29) 8. “Here In Your Arms” feat. Brian Johnson (2:53) 9. “Love Of Christ” feat. Kari Jobe (4:18) 10. “Mad At God” (5:33) 11. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” feat. Leonard Ray Jarman (4:57) 12. “I’ve Got The Joy” feat. Malachi Johnson (0:42) 12 Tracks, 43:12 WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | X | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify

Jason Dunn Formerly Known As… Released: May 22, 2026 (Slo-Mo Records) Written by: Jay Heilman (5/11/2026) There is a distinct, undeniable rush that comes with standard-issue, high-energy pop-punk—the kind that hits you right in the chest and refuses to let go. For many of us who came of age in the 2000s Christian music scene, that exact rush was soundtracked by Hawk Nelson. When I was first starting out in this industry, anthems like “Zero” didn’t just catch my ear; they deeply ministered to me, fueling a lifelong love for their early sound and cementing their frontman as a foundational voice in the genre. Then, the road went quiet. For over a decade, that iconic voice was largely absent from the music industry. But on May 22nd, the silence ends. Jason Dunn is making a triumphant, roaring return to the stage with his brilliant new 10-song solo record, cheekily titled Formerly Known As…. A Mature Lens on a Classic Sound The title itself is a clever nod to his legacy as the original frontman of Hawk Nelson, but don’t mistake this for a mere exercise in nostalgia. Formerly Known As… is a grown-up, deeply mature look at an artist navigating his post-band years. Over the last decade off the road, Dunn’s backdrop has completely shifted; he is now a devoted husband and father, and he uses those rich life experiences as the primary inspiration for this new collection. I had the privilege of chatting with Jason recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hawk Nelson’s seminal album, Smile, It’s the End of the World, and we dove deep into the journey that led to this moment. Stepping back into the spotlight wasn’t just about playing a new set of tracks—it was about breathing fresh, vibrant life into the legacy songs he hadn’t performed live in years, all while carving out an entirely new musical path. On this record, Dunn handles the complexities of his past and the joys of his present with incredible songwriting honesty. He directly addresses the bittersweet nature of how things ended with his former bandmates on the vulnerable “Dear Hawk”. He shifts effortlessly to pure gratitude on “Never Gonna Let Go”, a beautiful love song dedicated to his wife. His kids get the spotlight, too, with moving, personal tributes in “Ryan’s Song” and “January 10”. Standout Anthems While the lens of his life has changed, the undeniable DNA of the band he once led still permeates every single track. Longtime fans will instantly recognize and appreciate the essence of that influence. Dunn masterfully replicates the signature energy he’s always been known for, but elevates it with a decade’s worth of perspective. A few tracks demand immediate repeat listens:

• “Hope”: An infectious, uplifting track that serves as a perfect thesis for his return.
• “Divided States of America” (feat. Curtis Hartshorn of Friendly Neighbor): A sharp, collaborative standout packed with driving energy and timely commentary.
• “Reclaiming My Estate”: The closing track that acts as a powerful exclamation point, tying his past and future together beautifully.

Formerly Known As… is an album that demands your full attention. It serves as both a gift to faithful listeners who have missed his voice and a perfect re-introduction to a whole new generation of punk rock fans. The Verdict Jason Dunn has managed a rare feat: he has honored his roots without being trapped by them, further cementing his status as one of the true pillars of the pop-punk genre. Whether you’ve been spinning his tracks since the mid-2000s or you’re discovering him for the very first time, this record is an absolute must-hear. Mark your calendars, pre-save the album, and get ready—Formerly Known As… May 22nd. You won’t want to miss it. TRACK LISTING 1. Billy Enforcee (2:53) 2. Starting Over (3:58) 3. Divided States of America [feat. Curtis Hartshorn of Friendly Neighbor) (3:32) 4. Dear Hawk (3:11) 5. January 10 (3:32) 6. Never Gonna Let Go (3:18) 7. Hope (3:35) 8. Prodigal (3:18) 9. Ryan’s Song (4:32) 10. Reclaiming My Estate (3:27) 10 Tracks, 35:16 Buy [iTunes] [Amazon Music] Stream [Apple Music] [Spotify] WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | X | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify RELATED ARTIST LINKS Interview with Jason Dunn (2026)

The Master Plan: Michael Sweet’s Soulful Return to His Melodic Roots Released: April 3, 2026 (Frontiers) Written by: Jay Heilman (3/27/2026) While Michael Sweet has spent the last decade delivering high-octane heavy metal both with Stryper and through powerhouse collaborations like Sweet & Lynch and Sunbomb, his latest solo effort, The Master Plan, sees the iconic frontman shifting gears. For those who have followed his solo trajectory, this record marks a refreshing departure from the wall of distorted guitars, landing much closer to the melodic, introspective territory of 1995’s Real and 2006’s Him. Even twenty years later, Him remains a high-water mark in his discography, and The Master Plan feels like its spiritual successor. The Long Road to Release There is a distinct “fine wine” quality to this collection of songs, which makes sense given its history. Originally completed in late 2020, the album was shelved due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Sweet has expressed gratitude for the delay; the extra time allowed him to return to the studio to flesh out the arrangements, adding layers of drums and richer instrumentation that might have been missing in the original sessions. The result is a polished, intentional worship experience that marks his first solo release in nearly seven years, following 2019’s Ten. A Conversation with the Artist To get more depth into the heart behind this record, I recently had the chance to sit down with Michael for a chat on my podcast, Kingdom Builder. We discussed the long road to this release and the intentionality behind the new sound. You can watch the full interview here: A Conversation with Michael Sweet Some highlights from our discussion include:

• The Seven-Year Wait: Michael shares his thoughts on the long gap since his last solo record [03:07].
• A Shift in Sound: We dive into the decision to pivot away from the heavy riffs for this project [04:46].
• Musical Roots: Michael discusses how his early influences shaped the melodic direction of the album [05:43].
• The Album’s Message: Finding the “anthem” of the record in the song “Stronger” [09:25].

A Worshipful Departure Though I’m a hard rock and metal fan at heart, I found myself deeply drawn into this offering. It trades the “noise” of heavy guitars for a worshipful atmosphere that highlights Sweet’s signature, soaring vocals without the need for a frantic tempo. While the pre-release singles—the title track, “Lord,” and “Again”—did a fantastic job setting the stage, the true heart of the record lies in the deeper cuts. Tracks like “Desert Stream,” “Worship You,” and “Stronger”—which Michael noted as a central anthem of the project—are particularly striking, offering a level of ministry and personal reflection that feels incredibly timely. Final Thoughts The Master Plan reveals a softer, more vulnerable side of Michael Sweet that often gets overshadowed by the legendary shredding of his other projects. It was a long wait, but every bit of it was worth it. If you’re looking for an album that allows you to sit back, kick your feet up, and simply enjoy the voice that pioneered an entire generation of Christian music, this is it. It’s a beautiful reminder of Sweet’s versatility and a must-listen from beginning to end. Bottom Line: A masterful return to Michael Sweet’s melodic roots that proves his voice is as powerful in a whisper as it is in a scream. TRACK LISTING 1. The Master Plan (5:13) 2. Lord (4:04) 3. Stronger (4:02) 4. Eternally (4:03) 5. You Lead I’ll Follow (2:40) 6. Desert Stream (4:11) 7. Believer (4:20) 8. Again (3:22) 9. Faith (4:55) 10. Worship You (3:44) 10 Tracks, 40:34 Buy [iTunes] [Amazon Music] Stream [Apple Music] [Spotify] MORE FROM MICHAEL SWEET Unstryped EP (1993) Michael Sweet (1994) Real (1995) Truth (2000) Him (2006) Touched EP (2007) I’m Not Your Suicide (2014) One Sided War (2016) Ten (2019) The Master Plan (2026) WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify RELATED ARTIST LINKS “It’s Not What They Expect”: Michael Sweet Breaks Down New Solo, The Master Plan (INTERVIEW) [2026] Michael Sweet: 40 Years of Stryper, New Christmas Album & Faith Foundation (INTERVIEW) [2025]