If you’ve had a conversation about Christian music in the past year, no doubt Forrest Frank has entered the chat. The emerging talent topped Billboard’s New Christian Artists list in 2023, and in 2024, he went on to earn a K-LOVE Fan Award for Breakout Single of the Year, courtesy of sunny hit “Good Day,” two GMA Dove Awards — including a win in the coveted category of New Artist of the Year — and a GRAMMY® nomination for his full-length debut, “Child of God.”
The Texas native recently expanded his GRAMMY®-nominated project to include a total of 27 original tracks, front-loading the effort with seven brand new songs. The additional selections continue the formula that’s made Frank a household name in 2024: beat-fueled bangers, savvy lyrics, genre-pushing collaborations and vibes for days.
While Air1 might be spinning the worshipful, campy “Lift My Hands,” “Child of God (Deluxe)” is more pop endeavor than worship record. His optimistic pop rules in sharp contrast to the dark, emo faire that often reigns at Top 40 radio. Much like his generation’s playlists, Frank seamlessly switches between genres with an ease that’s natural to an artist raised in the streaming era. Breezy pop jams like CCM radio offering “Good Day,” effervescent viral hit “Never Get Used to This (feat. JVKE),” and fan favorite “UP! (feat. Connor Price),” sit comfortably alongside hip-hop selections like “Heaven on This Earth (feat. Torey D’Shaun)” and Gospel-tinged originals like “No Longer Bound (feat. Hulvey).”
If you’re sensing a pattern with the abundance of features, you’re picking up on one of Frank’s secret weapons. Much of his lightning-in-a-bottle success can be attributed to a constant stream of high-profile collaborations with artists across genres. The newcomer has worked with everyone from hip-hop titan Hulvey to soulful R&B vocalist Tori Kelly to sibling trio CAIN. Frank is fearless when it comes to collaborating, fueling heavy playlisting and countless creates on TikTok.
But it’s more than big names and fresh beats that have propelled Frank to the summit. As evidenced on “Child of God (Deluxe),” the husband and father incorporates clever lyricism that reads more like a text thread with a group of bros than it does poetry. In other words, Frank is simply a good hang. He’s relatable in both his vernacular and his style; and people seem to harbor an insatiable appetite for both.
On “Good Day,” Frank sings, “I remember back when I was low as a rug. Now I’m standing up, look at what my Father does. Turning old things new, gray skies blue. Hear the church saying, ‘Won’t He do it!’”
The thematic elements of “Child of God (Deluxe)” are simple: following Jesus as an effective way to live (“Your Way’s Better”), practicing Sabbath (“God Takes Breaks”) and savoring the things that really make us wealthy in life (“Rich Man”). Frank’s lyrics might be somewhat universal, but they also leave little doubt that he’s a Jesus follower, which is why the mainstream attention he’s drawn is even more fascinating. What is it about Frank that’s so compelling and welcoming, even to non-believers? His laidback, charismatic persona? His hyped positivity? His rolodex of talented friends? Probably all of the above.
For longtime Christian music fans, however, it’s not just the modern beats that keep listeners coming back for more. It’s Frank’s unorthodox approach coupled with his genuine sincerity most obvious on some unexpected turns taken on “Child of God.” Namely, detours that boast recordings from both his grandfather and pastor and author Jonathan Pokluda.
Most notably, a sermon preached by Frank’s grandfather where he quotes another sermon delivered by the late Rev. Billy Graham in the ’80s answers some core questions about our purpose here on Earth on “What Living Is All About.” Backed by some quirky programming, his grandfather returns on the aptly titled “Hey Grandad,” which lets listeners in on a candid phone conversation between the man of faith and his grandson, who references Graham’s transformative message and further discusses what living is ultimately all about. Spoiler alert: It’s about a relationship with Jesus.
Frank closes the entire collection with another unconventional move — a spoken-word moment from Pokluda on title-cut “Child of God.” With a message aimed at young adults like Frank, Pokluda boldly addresses those battling mental health or serious addiction — an unusual, but powerful way to end an introductory album. If nothing else, it paints Frank as a compassionate human being, who is intentionally tuned in with the struggles plaguing his generation.
The next-gen artist is arguably leading a new guard of Christian acts, and “Child of God (Deluxe)” provides nearly an hour-and-a-half’s worth of evidence. Beyond the recording, Frank’s growing impact is obvious in the multigenerational faces smiling, moshing and scream-singing along to every word at his sold-out shows. The breakthrough artist is facilitating something beyond music; he’s creating a sense of community. And that’s as clear as the ink that lines the artwork for the deluxe version of “Child of God.” Affirming community is a significant value for the 20-something, Frank chose to handwrite names of fans on his album cover.
Vibe away, fellow children of God, because if his inaugural LP is any indication, Forrest Frank and his growing legion of friends are here to ride the next wave of Christian music.
