In the world of music, we’ve been living in a single-driven society for quite some time now. And while the concept of a full album isn’t extinct, artists are finding new and innovative ways to give each individual song a greater shelf life to keep up with the ever-changing times. Oftentimes, the best way to do this is to reimagine a popular single. From live versions to acoustic sessions, there’s any number of ways artists can retool their hits. One of the most fun ways? Collaboration. Without a doubt, collabs inject familiar tunes with a new personality, immediately elevating a good track to a great track. While there’s certainly no shortage of refurbished releases, here are 10 alternate versions of songs you already love.
Colton Dixon’s “Build A Boat” — Alternate Version With Gabby Barrett
Colton Dixon’s “Build A Boat” spent 10 weeks at the top of the charts. Meanwhile, he enlisted the help of country music sweetheart Gabby Barrett to add her unmistakable vocal to the track that speaks to stepping out in faith. The duet between the former “American Idol” hopefuls closes Dixon’s forthcoming seven-track EP, “Canvas,” bowing Apr. 28. The father of two recently kicked off his headlining “Build A Boat Tour” with friends Jordan St. Cyr and Apollo LTD.
WATCH NOW: "Build A Boat" Official Visualizer
Steven Curtis Chapman’s “Don’t Lose Heart” — Alternate Version With Mitchell Tenpenny
Steven Curtis Chapman’s chart-topping single, “Don’t Lose Heart,” made history when it became the celebrated singer’s 50th No. 1 at radio. After meeting country riser Mitchell Tenpenny at an “I Am Second” taping, Chapman invited the up-and-comer into the studio to help him round out a fresh version of his record-breaking hit originally found on his current full-length project of all-new material, “Still.”
WATCH NOW: "Don't Lose Heart" Official Audio Video
Tauren Wells’ “Joy In The Morning” — Alternate Version With Elevation Worship
Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown takes over the first verse of “Joy In The Morning” on this reimagined release of the title-cut of Tauren Wells’ third studio effort. Moreover, the worship collective’s Tiffany Hudson helms a stunning extended refrain on the updated track written by Wells, Brown and Steven Furtick. This isn’t the first time the two acts have collaborated. Wells was previously featured on Elevation Worship selections “Never Lost” and “Echo.”
WATCH NOW: "Joy In The Morning" Worship Version Video
for KING & COUNTRY’s “For God Is With Us” — Alternate Version With Hillary Scott
for KING & COUNTRY teams up with Lady A’s Hillary Scott for a country-tinged rendition of “For God Is With Us,” a soaring anthem that reminds us of God’s consistent presence in our individual lives and the bigger story He’s writing. The Gospel-centric single was voted Song of the Year at the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards. Moreover, the 16-time K-LOVE Fan Award-winning duo’s duet with Scott was nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY® Award.
WATCH NOW: "For God Is With Us" Official Audio Video
David Leonard’s “Good Lord” — Alternate Version With Katy Nichole
Katy Nichole seamlessly slides into the second verse of David Leonard’s hit, “Good Lord.” The soulful choir-assisted song opens Leonard’s latest solo endeavor, “Plans.” The collaboration was born from a friendship as the former member of both NEEDTOBREATHE and All Sons & Daughters wrote and produced multiple cuts on Nichole’s full-length debut, “Jesus Changed My Life.” Both artists are on tour with CAIN throughout the spring.
WATCH NOW: "Good Lord" Official Lyric Video
MercyMe’s “Then Christ Came” — Alternate Version With Phil Wickham
It was a no-brainer for MercyMe to add Phil Wickham to their latest single, “Then Christ Came,” because Wickham is a writer on the song and a longtime friend of the band. The acclaimed group gave fans an early preview of the beautifully penned selection when they included a clip of the then unfinished demo on 2021’s “inhale (exhale).” Even when it was incomplete, MercyMe and Wickham both knew they had something special. The full song appears on MercyMe’s “Always Only Jesus,” which dropped last fall.
WATCH NOW: "Then Christ Came" Official Audio Video
Jason Crabb’s “Good Morning Mercy” — Alternate Version With Dylan Scott
Jason Crabb cranks up the lap steel on this brand new spin-off of “Good Morning Mercy.” Infused with more country credence than its predecessor, the addition of Louisiana native and country recording artist Dylan Scott feels like a natural fit. Scott — who has long admired Crabb from a distance and says the Southern Gospel crossover legend was one of the first artists he ran into when he moved to Nashville — isn’t bashful about his faith, and his genuine friendship with Crabb shines through on this “Good Morning Mercy” refresh.
WATCH NOW: "Good Morning Mercy" Official Music Video
Matthew West’s “Me On Your Mind” — Alternate Version With Anne Wilson
Fan favorite Anne Wilson lends her organic touch to Matthew West’s most recent No. 1 hit, “Me On Your Mind.” The original chart-topping single, sans Wilson, opens the worship portion of West’s first-ever double album, “My Story Your Glory.” The thoughtful, congregational-friendly selection was penned by West, Wilson and Jeff Pardo — the same songwriting trio behind Wilson’s juggernaut debut smash, “My Jesus.”
WATCH NOW: "Me On Your Mind" Official Music Video
Mac Powell’s “New Creation” — Alternate Version With Ellie Holcomb
Mac Powell’s signature grit meets Ellie Holcomb’s gravelly tone on the pair’s joyful iteration of “New Creation,” the namesake of Powell’s first solo Christian offering. Infusing fresh life into the upbeat title-cut, together, the two seasoned artists sing of what they know to be true: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV)
WATCH NOW: "New Creation" Official Audio Video
CeCe Winans’ “Believe For It” — Alternate Version With Lauren Daigle
Passionate about connecting one generation to the next, CeCe Winans lives out her multigenerational mantra by inviting leading Christian vocalist Lauren Daigle to join her on a powerful rendition of “Believe For It.” Though decades apart in age, together, the two women’s larger-than-life ranges complement one another with an ease that only comes with years of honoring your vocal gift. The pair performed the song live for the first time at the 2022 K-LOVE Fan Awards.
WATCH NOW: "Believe For It" Official Audio Video
