The New & Notable for January 2026 includes releases from December to January 23. We hope this music will strengthen your faith and help you navigate these tumultuous times.  Use utrsubmissions@gmail.com to point us to music you would like us to consider, and feel free to comment here.

ALBUMS & EPs

7 – The 77s

80’s and 90’s alternative rock mainstays release their first album since 2008. The band is tight and grooving. Mike Roe’s stellar guitar work is a trademark 77s sound and a strong component of this record.  The songs are well-written and recorded with a mix of upbeat and slow grooves. A great album for the eclectic listener. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

Since You Asked Me – Jan Krist

This veteran artist returns with her first release in over five years and some of the best work of her career. Thoughtful, well-crafted, straight-up honest songwriting and superb folk-based music with a vintage feel. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] [BANDCAMP]

Residence I-IV – Josh Gauton

On this EP, Texas-based songwriter Josh Gauton has curated a transcendent audio-visual experiment that takes you on a journey through faith, scripture, and humanity. This is pure indie-folk magic that will calm your nervous system and remind you to breathe out. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

The Darkest Light – Matthews

Matthews Ntlele is a South African singer-songwriter best known for his work with Elevation Worship. In his solo debut, we are given incredible blues riffs, elements of African soul, plenty of gospel, and a lick of pop to boot. This is filled with eclectic sounds, smart production, and soaring heartfelt ballads. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

The Hero & The Villain – Dan Bremnes

Filled with heartfelt pop hooks, anthems, and ballads, in The Hero & The Villain, Dan is articulate about faith, self-deception, and grace. Balancing CCM sensibilities with mainstream pop, this is a unicorn of an album. We’ll be revisiting this one often. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

Jamie Macdonald – Jamie Macdonald

Despite this being Jamie’s debut, her album is immaculately produced and delivered with expertise beyond her years. As a clear CCM artist, this album is filled with poppy tunes and soaring vocals that will give you shivers. A powerful and gifted singer, we can’t help but be excited about Jamie’s potential in the Christian and mainstream markets. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

SINGLES

“When Will We Overcome?” – Common Hymnal

Common Hymnal’s theme is praise and protest, and this track syncs right up with that theme. This anthemic track is, of course, an answer to the Civil Rights song “We Shall Overcome,” which has regrettably not been fulfilled, and that longing is powerfully portrayed here. The song is compelling and somber, as a call on the Lord for help is heard. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“The 6th Of January (Yasgur’s Farm)” – Amy Grant

Amy presents important history lessons from the past and also today’s historical perspective. There is a look back, and a current look, cleverly including references to music and events, both past and recent. Kudos to songwriter Sandra Emory Lawrence.[SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Hold On” – Savannah Locke

Savannah beautifully and sincerely encourages us not to give up our faith and hope while we endure these confusing and disturbing times in this gorgeous emotional ballad. If you are feeling discouraged or dismayed, give this one a listen. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Complexity” – Allie Crummy

Is there room for our humanity in this modern age complexity? Too much digital and not enough humanity? This is the dilemma Allie is wrestling with here. As always, her songwriting, vocals, and production quality are outstanding. Be sure to listen all the way to the end. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“We’ll Sing Glory” – Paul Zach

Music with a steady beat and a gospel feel brings us a timely reminder of hope of renewal in the midst of turmoil and darkness. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Life Goes On” – Colony House

This coming-of-age track with a surf-rock sound speaks of the rites of passage of growing up in America. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Upper Hand (Tamar)” – Aryn Michelle

This is Aryn’s newest single from the upcoming BLOODLINE project, which presents stories about the women in the lineage of Jesus. Tamar’s story is particularly messy, and the music reflects the chaos in an interesting and accessible way.[SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“FORM” – Eniola Abioye

An interestingly arranged, acoustic-oriented song with velvety, soothing alto vocals that captures the essence of the Gospel. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Not By Might” – Mountains in the Sea

This indie pop husband-and-wife duo pumps out an infectiously upbeat, spirited, truth-filled song with a catchy melody and relatable lyrics.[SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Balm” – Dan Stirling

A catchy reminder that the Lord is the one who provides relief when we are in distress. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Behind the Scheme” – Kevi Morse

Producer, entrepreneur, and rapper Kevi Morse creates a sonically rich song proclaiming God is behind everything seen and unseen. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

“Más Que Ayer” – Isaias Baquedano

A beautiful & building song of surrender and devotion to God. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE]

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles