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 of friends for this EP of beautiful songs of faith and devotion. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

honest Jesus music vol. 1 – Shaylee Simone

We love everything about this record! As the title states, it is honest Jesus music – authentic songs written candidly, oozing with topics that may be challenging for some. The music is catchy, clever, and superbly produced. Do not hesitate to give it a close listen! [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

 The Sacred Ordinary – Kyle Church

Kyle Church’s message is that we need to pay attention to the actual lives we are living because this is who we are, and we need not to miss the sacredness of the day-to-day. The music leans acoustic and is elegantly executed. The songwriting is brilliant, overflowing with wisdom. You will discover many gems to ponder. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

Voyage – Tree63

This album is such a treat! I never thought I’d be listening to a new Tree63 album after all these years, and I’m so happy with this blend of nostalgia and fresh music. Joyful and bouncy, this album will have you moving and singing along in no time. If you’ve never heard them, I’m jealous of you being able to hear them for the first time now. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

Happy To Be Here – Benjamin Williams Hastings, Aohdan King

Two of modern worship’s most prolific songwriters have curated an original album that sounds suspiciously like the 90s worship of old…and it’s amazing. From acoustic choruses to simple chord progressions and basic theological truths, this will remind you of old-school Baloche or Redman.   [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

There Is a Way That Seems Right to a Man, but in the End It Leads to Death – Zambroa

Best appreciated with headphones, this inventive, edgy post-rock album will give you plenty to think about while you listen closely. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

SINGLES

“The Devil & The Darling” – Michelle Lynn Thompson

Michelle puts words to what many experience when someone you love is caught in the web of addiction. This had to be a tough one to write and share, but I am so thankful she did. Powerful, sincere, emotion-filled vocals with simple production will bring this one home to you. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] [BANDCAMP] -Larry

“Evergreen” – Rend Collective

A single that Rend’s label never wanted them to release, Evergreen is honest to the core. A jig and sing-along about God’s faithfulness in our struggle, which will infuse you with hope. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

“Hope to Carry On” – Brandon Heath, Bonnie Keen, Andrew Greer

This iconic song of faith was written by one of Christian music’s songwriting legends, Rich Mullins, who was only around 20 when he wrote it! Recorded in Rich’s old living room, Brandon Heath is joined by Andrew Greer and Bonnie Keen, whose harmonies make this recording soar. Part of the Back to Bellsburg sessions. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Dave

“Mad Big World” – Terrian

Terrian describes the life of faith as a trust fall into God’s capable hands. This upbeat tune dives deep into the maxim that the world can’t steal your joy if you trust fall into the Lord. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

“Yes, This Is My Garden” – Future of Forestry

Eric Owyoung unveils the beauty and mysticism of Christ in his new single. This cinematic and poetic gem takes us back to Eden in the suffering seasons of life.[SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

“Prayin’ on a Tailgate” – After Grace

God can find you anywhere, and you are never too far away from Him to be found. These brothers-in-law from Arkansas proclaim this truth in this country rock tune. The gospel is clearly articulated throughout their catalogue. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] -Mick

“Bye Bye” – Seph Schlueter

Another toe-tapping ditty from a guy who is becoming a regular on the Christian charts. Singing out the truth of saying goodbye to the old life and living fully in new life in Christ. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

We picked every recording here because we believe they are well worth your time. Click on the title for a YouTube link. All of these recordings are also represented in our UTR Media New & Notable playlist. 

Albums/EPs

Singles