With their 2021 debut, “Rise Up,” Dove Award-winning trio CAIN quickly became known as a burgeoning pop act. In 2023, however, they surprised their growing fanbase with a live worship EP called “Honest Offering.” The pastor’s kids grew up leading worship, so it felt natural for the siblings to put their stamp on some of their favorite congregational-friendly selections, as well as lend their exquisite harmonies to a few originals. While thought to be a one-off special project, a couple of that collection’s songs emerged as showstoppers in CAIN’s live set, and eventually, they made their way onto their deluxe edition of sophomore effort “Jesus Music.”
RELATED CONTENT: CAIN Brings Rare Worship Original to Air1 With ‘Friend in Jesus’
While their second LP remains a definitive pop endeavor, the project’s 18 tracks showcase the broad spectrum of talent the group’s Taylor Cain Matz, Madison Cain Johnson and Logan Cain possess. With the exception of 2021’s Christmas EP, “Jesus Music Deluxe Edition” pulls from every facet of the trio’s career thus far.
The expanded version is front-loaded with new songs, including a pair of deep cuts that first premiered on “Honest Offering.” The outfit’s three-part harmonies take centerstage as Taylor helms lead vocals on the tender studio rendering of “Friend in Jesus.” Meanwhile, the triumphant studio interpretation of “Praise Opens Prison Doors” provides a glimpse into CAIN’s ability to take a Bible story — in this case, the story of Paul and Silas worshiping in the middle of a jail cell (Acts 16) — and turn it into a remarkable three-minute composition.
RELATED CONTENT: Faith Behind The Song: 'Friend in Jesus' CAIN
The campy “Believe on Jesus” opens the extended set. The group enlists author, speaker and former Winter Jam tourmate Zane Black to give a straightforward invitation at the conclusion of the song, which offers a bold presentation of the Gospel. Follow-up “Never the Same” doesn’t pull any punches, either, when it comes to proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus in a way that’s warm and palatable.
Further down the tracklisting, CAIN serves up a new Gospel-flavored version of fan favorite “I’m So Blessed,” complete with a full choir. The shot of optimism, which also inspired the group’s first children’s book, hails from their debut.
RELATED CONTENT: A Trio Comes to Life in CAIN’s “Honest Offering” Live Album
Also originally heard on “Rise Up,” “The Commission (Go Tell The World)” reappears as the final selection on “Jesus Music Deluxe Edition.” The all-new recording boasts an extended bridge, as well as a feature from ELEVATION RHYTHM’s Isaiah Templeton. It mirrors the powerful live version CAIN has been performing in concert for quite some time.
While the updated iteration of “Jesus Music” includes seven additional songs, the album’s original tracklisting also gets a remix, bookended by the new selections. The fresh sequencing provides a fuller portrait of who the band is. They can croon on a soulful Gospel choir-assisted selection as easily as they can jam on a pop confection. In contrast, they can also weave a personal narrative as effortlessly as they can lead a worship moment.
RELATED CONTENT: CAIN Presents Their All To Jesus In "Honest Offering / I Surrender All"
Songs like the kitschy title-cut — which namechecks an array of hits by their musical heroes in CCM — lead single “Any More” and soaring anthem “Made For Heaven” underscore their pop sensibilities. Meanwhile, story songs such as “Windows Down” and “10 and 2” capture poignant real-life moments, with the former offering a snapshot of Logan’s wife’s testimony and the latter providing a relatable glimpse into parenthood.
With new songs, a revamped tracklisting and a few key features, “Jesus Music Deluxe Edition” shines the spotlight on the complete breadth of CAIN’s musical gifts, which only emphasize the long shelf life this family band is bound to have.
Taylor, Madison and Logan have further displayed their impressive versatility this year with notable collaborations with Chris Tomlin, Pat Barrett, Forrest Frank and Caleb & John.
In addition to being out on the road on respective runs with Zach Williams and Tomlin this fall, CAIN is a part of the lineup for “Air1’s Worship Now Tour,” scheduled to visit select cities throughout November.
