14. The Rise of Modern Simulation | Earthsuit

One of the first bands to light up my creativity in music was Earthsuit. Some of these musicians later formed the band MuteMath. They only put out one album, but I managed to find a low-bitrate version of their second unreleased album long ago, deep in the recesses of the internet. This album was officially (re)released this year as a gift to old fans.

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13. Metamorphosis | Lydi Lynn

I didn’t even know Gotee Records was still around! I enjoy this album from Lydi Lynn, especially the song Metamorphosis.

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SINGLE: Settle Down | Caleb Keepin’

Check out this new song from my friend Caleb Keepin’. His music is always a burst of fresh air.

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12. Endlaf

Endlaf features my favorite drummer, Darren King (famous for playing drums in the band MuteMath). While most tracks have a similar feel and drums are not a strong focus, this band is bubbling with gorgeous strings and sounds. Take a deep breath and give this genre a restful listen.

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11. Atlanta | Gnarls Barkley

As a musician, I’m always waiting for someone to make something “new.” I don’t really know how to classify this album from Gnarls Barkley, so I think they’re on the right track.

10. When I’m Doubting | eightFour

eightFour has yet to release much music, but I’ve really been enjoying what they’ve released so far. Take a listen to this hidden gem of a group.

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SINGLE: Yes, This is My Garden | Future of Forestry

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard Future of Forestry, but I was really touched by Eric Owyoung’s beautiful new single.

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9. Grandma’s Gospel Favorites

Time to dive into some throwbacks, but in the key of Mraz. Get your smooth nostalgia here.

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8. Valley of My Prime | Vancouver Street Clinic

Get ready to fall asleep to a beautiful piece of work by Vancouver Street Clinic. This album feels so good.

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7. Day | Jonathan Ogden

I’ve really grown to love Jonathan Ogden’s work. Take a meditative trip through Scripture and Poetry with his album, Day, following in the footsteps of his previous album, Night.

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6. Take Heart | Spencer Annis

Spencer Annis makes some wonderful music that I can really get lost in. Check out his new album, Take Heart, to experience it yourself.

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SINGLE: All Will Be Well | Every Moment Holy: Prayer Songs

It’s rare that I come across a song that captures my theological beliefs so succinctly. Check out this one that points us toward the resurrection.

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5. Moved | Emma Nissen

Emma has to be the most gifted singer in Christian music. It feels like both the music and her voice are just too good and talented to be categorized as Christian music (which is a bit of a sad revelation). It doesn’t feel cookie-cutter or like it needs to copy anyone. It’s more like, “Yeah, this is complicated jazz in 2026, and it happens to be Christian. If you don’t like it, that’s your loss.”

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SINGLE: Drag Path | Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots is easily my favorite band these days. I’ve really been digging their latest single.

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4. It Needs to Be Said Some More | Mitch Wong

Most of this album came out last year, but Mitch Wong added four tracks, and the whole project is well worth a listen. I wasn’t really captured by it until track 4. After that point, the whole album began to unfold into a beautiful, epic journey of direct bible quotes to meditative worship music.

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3. Cult Classic Vol 1 | Marty

It’s not often I come across modern rap that’s also catchy. There are a few tracks on this album that get stuck in my head, have good melodies in the choruses, and pay homage to an oldskool hip-hop genre I love.

2. This is Our Fellowship | Propaganda, ProducerTrentTaylor

Propaganda is my favorite poet. The man knows how to tell a story and craft words provocatively. You cannot listen to his music passively. You have to enter the story and feel what he feels. He is a masterclass in songwriting.

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The Hope & Repair of Heaven | 1208 Greenwood Church

I don’t like ranking my releases, but I always want to make sure they’re included! I got a chance to produce some songs and poetry for many different people at my church. Check it out for nearly two hours of music in 35 tracks!

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1. Forever Now |Switchfoot

The Beautiful Letdown by Switchfoot will forever be one of my favorite albums of all time. Not just because of the catchy melodies and creative musical sounds, but because of the thought-provoking lyrics. I haven’t heard anything from them that has hit the same way until now. Their new album Forever Now forces you to stop and listen, which is such a rarity in music. I expect this will be one of the best albums to be released this year.