This is the second of our two New & Notable articles for the summer: New & Notable for Summer Part 2 2026 covers releases from July 10 to August 21, and there are many! You are sure to find some impactful music here. Remember that all the music here is available in our UTR Media New & Notable playlist. Clicking Save is helpful to us.  If you are an artist who would like us to consider adding your music, send an email to utrsubmissions@gmail.com.

ALBUMS & EPs

Bloodline – Aryn Michelle

Aryn is a master of conceiving and creating concept albums. This recording, which traces the women in the genealogy of Jesus, is the epitome of well-crafted music and took three years to develop. The result of the time and focus is obvious in every track. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

I Am A Prism – Judah and the Lion

A cinematic, angst-filled album about wrestling with the Divine to discover the meaning of love. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

My Geography – Tyler Smith

Wonderful acoustic-based music with a personal touch. These superbly composed songs about life and living make this record a treasure. Produced by Jeremy Casella, it is tasteful and pristine. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

 Strong Beginnings – Weak Sheep

A dreamy take on Indie music. Let yourself be drawn into this thoughtful, reflective album. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] [BANDCAMP] – Garret

The Art of Letting Go  – Hopeful.

An insatiably catchy first full-length album from the next generation of Californian surf rockers to transform CCM. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

SINGLES

“Forward and On” – Ross King

The first single Ross released after his wife passed away last year. Somehow he takes the backdrop of grief and heartache and turns it into an anthem of encouragement and motivation. If you’ve ever experienced a dark day, I’m convinced this song will hit like the sun breaking through the clouds. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Dave

“Heaven Is Full of Criminals” – Rick Lee James, Phil Keaggy

On this beautifully recorded alt-pop release, enhanced by Phil Keaggy’s guitar wizardry, Rick Lee James gives us something to think about: how wide and deep is God’s grace and mercy? [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

“Sanctus” – Jocelyn

The female-fronted indie rock mixed with shoegaze worship song you never thought would exist is now here! Shout out to Aryn Michelle for sharing this on her playlist. I’m now following Jocelyn and digging into the back catalog. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

“Neverafter” –  Anberlin

Featuring lead vocals from Matty Mullins, the iconic band confronts religious hypocrisy with biting lyrics and epic beats. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

“Water Under the Bridge” – Stephanie Staples

Stephanie poetically gives us insight into struggling with the past but learning to let go of it. The song is well written and performed. The vocals, production, and string arrangements are exceptional. We encourage you to listen closely. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Larry

“The Deeps” – Brogan Gaskill, Ian Austin

Exhibiting a Josh Garrels influence, this duo creates something reminiscent. Starting softly but ramping up to a powerful crescendo, this song dives into the motif of going deeper with the Lord. An instant classic.[SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

“Fantasy” – Sam Ryden

Written after his grandfather passed away, this talented indie artist brings in shades of James Taylor and Jackson Browne on this singer-songwriter gem with poignant lyrics and smooth vocals. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Dave

“Martyr Complex” – Sam McCabe

The prayer of someone struggling to find their true identity and sufficiency in Christ. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

“King of Heaven” – Jon Reddick

Worship music can become obnoxiously formulaic and repetitious, but Reddick has found a formula for creating songs that defy redundant, samey-samey sound. He does it again by keeping it fresh while keeping the truth of God squarely in focus. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

“Rap Like a Girl” – Lanell Grant, Porsha Love, Tylynn, and TuKool Tiff

These ladies of rap are fierce in their approach and performance, ready to make sure you know what they’re all about! We guarantee this song will get you moving. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Garret

“Time to Rise” – Bonray

Groovy from the onset, this upbeat song about refusing to waste the opportunities God puts in front of us will get you bouncing along in no time. The Bonner siblings have grown up creating catchy tunes, and it’s now time for you to jump in for the ride. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

“We Cannot Lose” – FLEIVA and Ke’Eron

What happens when house artist FLEIVA wraps his beats around Ke’Eron’s velvet worship vocals? Pure magic. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Jessica

“The Price to Stay Alive” – Zauntee

For hard music lovers, this song shreds from the downbeat with approachable harmonic sound. A slight departure from his usual hip-hop roots but deeply engaging nonetheless. [SPOTIFY]  [YOUTUBE] – Mick

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

We picked every recording here because 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