“I’ll never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
How could I ever walk away from the One who saved my life?”
These lyrics found in the bridge of the title track of Phil Wickham’s “I Believe” form the foundation of his 9th studio album. The song and the project in its entirety serve as the SoCal native’s personal creed. Although it’s a statement of faith that’s been evident since he quietly arrived on the scene in 2006, “I Believe” stands as a credible moral doctrine simply because the respected lyricist and worship leader has proven he’s trustworthy over the course of a solid catalog of music.
Coming off a string of successive hits, including “Battle Belongs,” “House of the Lord” and “Hymn of Heaven,” Wickham first previewed “I Believe” with lead single “This Is Our God,” which swiftly ascended to the top of the charts and even more quickly found a home in Sunday morning worship sets around the world. The victorious album opener is the perfect complement to the album’s namesake, a track that made its radio debut as an Air1 Premiere.
WATCH NOW: Phil Wickham - I Believe (Official Music Video)
RELATED CONTENT: Air1 Premiere "I Believe" Phil Wickham
“When Jonathan Smith, Chris Davenport and I set out to write ‘I Believe,’ we had a clear goal in mind: Write a declaration of faith in Jesus, full of joy and life that we could sing with the Church,” Wickham shares. “In a world with so much confusion, it is like water to our souls when we sing the truth of what we believe. Because, for those of us who follow Jesus, we believe in life, healing, hope and a God who loves us more than we can imagine. I hope this song blesses you today. I invite you to sing along and preach to your own souls the truth of who He is.”
While the effort’s initial radio offerings are fueled by high-energy worship that’s mirrored in additional congregational-friendly selections like “Praise the Lord” and “Isn’t He Good?” the all-new collection also serves up multiple moments of reverence that showcase the worship veteran at his absolute best.
Case in point, “Sunday Is Coming” is a triumph in storytelling as Wickham details the events leading up to the Resurrection across an expectant masterpiece that boasts, “Friday’s good ‘cause Sunday’s coming.”
WATCH NOW: Phil Wickham - Sunday Is Coming (Official Music Video)
RELATED CONTENT: Phil Wickham Declares Jesus is Alive in "Sunday Is Coming"
“This song tells the Easter story, but it’s not just for Easter. Every time I listen to it and sing it my heart is strengthened once again with hope and light. This is the Gospel. It’s good news full of hope for a world that is desperate for it,” the Dove Award winner shares. “I can’t wait to sing this song with you all in the days, months and years to come.”
Equally as compelling is “The Jesus Way,” an anchor track that keeps with the theme of the project, emphasizing the singer’s true allegiance and ultimate mission as he sets a melody behind the upside-down Kingdom-minded currency of heaven. Meanwhile, exquisite moments of intimate reflection find a home in two notable collaborations: “Psalm 23 (feat. Tiffany Hudson)” and “Holy Moment (feat. Naomi Raine).”
Elsewhere, the stunning “Creator” is a vibrant celebration of the God of the universe and a personal favorite of Wickham’s. “I can’t wait to start singing this one live in rooms with people,” he enthuses. “I’ve always had a heart that has been drawn in to worship God because of the things He has made. This song is right in line with that. I love the visuals it stores up.”
Wickham’s music is already a valuable resource for the Church, and these additional 14 tracks only serve to cement him as a trusted ally in worship leading and a steadfast commercial success in the CCM space as he continues to dominate Christian radio with a blend of worshipful pop he’s nearly perfected.
The father of four is currently testing his new material on audiences filling arenas across the country as he co-headlines the “Summer Worship Nights” tour with Brandon Lake through the beginning of September. Additionally, the pair will also share the bill when Air1’s “Worship Now” event debuts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Oct. 23, 2023.
