Pastoring his own church inspired Tauren Wells to craft some new congregational-friendly songs that invite listeners to lift their voice in praise. “Let The Church Sing,” the Platinum-selling artist’s five-track EP, was shaped by the inception of the Church of Whitestone, which became the largest first-day church launch in American history after 4,000 people attended opening weekend services at the church Wells and his wife, Lorna, started in Austin, Texas, in 2024.
While Wells has always carried a pastoral heart — even when he was fronting Royal Tailor — “Let The Church Sing” delivers an unexpected communal effort defined by fresh vertical worship selections, primed for Sunday morning. The bouncy title cut, which introduces the brief set, fuses funk with modern pop beats and an easy chorus to extend a warm welcome meant to join believers, far and wide, in a jubilant refrain. If convincing people to sing was the goal, mission accomplished. The contagious, choir-assisted opener is a stuck-in-your-head earworm, recalling Wells’ bright anthem, “When We Pray.”
Meanwhile, poignant ballad “Thank You for the Cross” paints a vivid portrait of Jesus’ pivotal sacrifice and the emotional scene that surrounded the history-defining moment. The selection will, no doubt, contribute a meaningful centerpiece to many an Easter service this year and for years to come.
EP closer “Not Guilty” follows in its footsteps with its timeless, Gospel-centered message. The final offering begins like a hymn with its melodic first verse set to a familiar melody before exploding with the simultaneous relief, confidence and gratitude of a prisoner sentenced to death, yet set free.
Wells settles into a sweet spot midway through, melding sharp lyrics, memorable melodies and fresh sonic elements to create the expansive “The Room Is Yours.” Ushering in the presence of God from a posture of sincere surrender, the powerful original features Wells’ background singer, Robert Angel. Honed from countless miles logged together on the road, their respective vocals automatically intertwine on the immediate highlight.
“The Room Is Yours” serves as a fitting bridge to the next track, “Making Room.” The lead single is a natural standout with its thoughtful turn of phrase and Wells’ smooth falsetto. Clearing space for the Lord to move, “Making Room” sets the tone for the inevitable praise to follow.
“I’ve always been on staff at a church. However, I’ve never written from the lens of what I would hope our congregations would sing. When we started dreaming about planting our church, it was a major spiritual process and excavation into the heart. These songs are the fruit of that,” Wells explains. “When you listen to this project, I want you to walk away thinking about how amazing the church is. I hope that we can re-engage with the wonder and beauty of community and faith. I’m still the same child of God, but with a sharpened focus on what He has called me to do in the world.”
Although a far cry from the defiant blaze of his most recent radio hit, “Take It All Back,” the short collection is a pleasant, comfortable addition to his repertoire, mirroring the season the father of four currently finds himself in.
While leading the inevitable growth of his church plant — where he’s behind the pulpit most Sundays — Wells will continue to tour nationwide with an extensive itinerary already planned for 2025. Additionally, “The High Note” podcast host will debut his first book when “Joy Bomb: Unleash Jesus’s Explosive Joy for an Extraordinary Life” drops May 20.
