We are publishing two New & Notable articles and playlists for the summer. New & Notable for Summer Part 1, 2026 covers releases from May 22 to July 10. There is so much wonderful faith-based music being released, and we do our best to share with you music that has caught our ears. Remember our UTR Media New & Notable playlist and the MORE MUSIC section to get the full impact. It is very helpful if you click Save on the playlist. Feel free to add comments about music we may have missed. If you are an artist who would like us to consider adding your music, send an email to utrsubmissions@gmail.com.

ALBUMS & EPs

Forever Now – Switchfoot

Switchfoot return to their rock and roll roots with Forever Now. Featuring bitingly honest lyrics, shredding melodies, and hopeful anthems, fans are saying this is one of their best records to date.   [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

Praise Songs – Andy Squyres

Painfully honest praise songs that only Andy Squyres could write. This has to be one of the most, if not the most. unique praise music recordings ever, presented with nothing held back. The blatant candor moved me to tears at times. Andy has released many exceptional recordings, and this is among his best. And you can’t beat the brilliant, layered, always interesting music. Transformative stuff. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

Disappear – PFR

From a band that called it quits after this album was originally released in 2001. A Kickstarter revived this release from toiling in obscurity to hopefully give thousands the opportunity to enjoy this 3-piece band afresh. Excellent instrumentation and ebbs and flows of a truly great rock album are trademark with these guys. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] -Mick

Companion Songs – The Porter’s Gate

This fantastic collective has brought us another concept album, this one of companion songs in collaboration with the group Pray As You Go—great vocals and lovely harmonies paired with beautiful music and meaningful lyrics. Listen when you have the time to really pay attention to the songs. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

MAMA – Jess Ray

Jess explores her complicated faith journey, which is like most of ours. About this record, she states, “How hard it is to be friends with a Living God, yet how worthwhile to try.” The music is enchanting – a typically wonderfully creative work from Jess Ray. It will hold your interest throughout. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

A Simple, Holy Life – Eliza King

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep. This album tells us that Eliza King is definitely someone to spend time listening to. She brought in a great collection[ read more… ]