Forrest Frank wants you to know that Christian music doesn’t have to be boring.
In a recent profile for Christianity Today, Frank claims that there is a large cohort of Gen Z listeners who crave music that “speaks openly and unapologetically about Jesus.”
At 29 years old, Frank is a bit of an anomaly. As one half of the American pop duo Surfaces, Frank has produced several smash hits with vibey tunes oscillating between surf music and cool jazz.
Frank already has a resume that’s unparalleled in Christian music circles, and he’s shown an ability to go well beyond them. He’s collaborated with Elton John, he’s played live on Late Night with Seth Meyers, and written a walkout song for Texas A&M’s college football team. Child of God recently earned a Grammy nomination as well. While the album might initially draw listeners in with relatable lyrics, timeless rhythms, and Frank’s growing popularity, there’s something deeper at work here.
Across the album, Frank’s authentic theology is on full display as he works his way through complex topics like depression, fatherhood, and marriage. These songs are ultimately uplifting, hopeful, and brimming with positive messages for teenage and young adult listeners who are asking the same questions.
As a deluxe album, Child of God gathers a collection of Frank’s most successful hits and singles. Across the 27 tracks, Frank’s overarching message remains consistent: In a relationship with Christ, we are set free.
Frank’s most popular song off the album, “No Longer Bound” illustrates this clearly as he sings, “Nothing I could ever do/Could separate my love from You.”
On “Up,” with Canadian rapper Connor Price, Frank discusses his recent success in both his music career and personal life singing, “I was down but now I’m up/This all God this ain’t no luck.” This is a theme across the album in which Frank acknowledges God as his “Miracle Worker” saying, “I know there’s nothing you can’t do/I don’t know who else to run to/Miracle Worker I need a miracle soon.”
Several of Frank’s songs mimic the rhythms and messages found in Psalms and Proverbs. On “Always,” Frank crafts modern versions of praise by singing, “You are loved, you are chosen, your body isn’t broken/For every door that closes, a better one gets opened/You got a light inside, too radiant to hide/If you don’t think so, let me change your mind.”
The track “All I Need” reaffirms Frank’s source of trust and faith as he sings, “Something flipped the switch used to want a Judas heart/Even with the kiss You keep me on the team/Even when I miss.” Similarly, on “Good Day” Frank sings, “I’m ‘bout to have a good day/In every single way/The God who made the universe/Knows me by my name.”
One of the clearest illustrations of Frank’s mission statement through this album appears on “Never Get Used to This.” Frank says, “From the mornin’ to the evenin’/I could sing Your praise all day/From the prison to the garden/You’re the God who’s breakin’ chains/When I look back on my whole life/There’s a silver lining of grace/I can’t wait to thank You, Jesus.”
Two of the album’s most emotionally charged songs feature lengthy portions of spoken word (“Child of God”) and personal testimony (“Grandad”). While each of these songs contain powerful displays of the transformation that comes from a relationship with Jesus, there are potentially triggering references to self-harm and personal hardships.
Forrest Frank would deny the claim that he’s found a perfect formula for producing hits through his Christian music. Yet Frank’s 4-plus million followers across social media and climbing streaming numbers on Spotify and Apple Music would disagree.
When asked about his social media presence, Frank responded “If God told me to delete my Spotify, I’d do it right now. If God told me to delete my Instagram, I’d do it right now.”
It’s an insightful quote. One that shows Frank’s messages are consistent beyond his music.
It’s apparent Frank thoughtfully considers his newfound influence due to his rapid ascension in Christian and secular music circles. But what impresses me even more is the level of authenticity and honesty he apparently maintains in his creative and musical process.
Both his longtime fans and new listeners are fortunate as Frank’s career is only beginning. From his songs to his interviews to his music videos, Frank is a light that points to Jesus in an industry that often does the opposite.
If Child of God is any indication, Frank worship music will remain committed to proclaiming the gospel and the hope of a relationship with Jesus in creative and engaging ways for listeners of all ages.
Jackson Greer is a High School English Teacher in the suburbs of Texas. He lives in Coppell, Texas with his wife, Clara. They love debating whether or not to get another cat and reading poetry together. Also, he is a former employee of Focus on the Family’s Parenting Department.
Our weekly newsletter will keep you in the loop on the biggest things happening in entertainment and technology. Sign up today, and we’ll send you a chapter from the new Plugged In book, Becoming a Screen-Savvy Family, that focuses on how to implement a “screentime reset” in your family!
