From longer days and rising temps to ample sunshine and luxurious free time, summer ushers in a well-loved rhythm — one that often beats to a drum all its own. Whether you’re hitting the beach, diving into the pool or taking a leisurely drive with the windows rolled down, K-LOVE is serving up the soundtrack for your summertime plans. From upbeat worship anthems to party-starting pop singles, the latest songs from your favorite K-LOVE artists are sure to keep you encouraged and get you hyped for the hottest months of the year. While there is no shortage of fresh picks for your 2023 playlist, here are 10 contenders we think are a shoe-in for the title of “Song of the Summer.”
“The King Is Alive,” Jordan Feliz
Jordan Feliz is spreading the good vibes with his summertime jam, “The King Is Alive.” The synth-soaked singalong is heavy on the grooves and primed for windows-rolled-down fun. Yet behind the contagious West Coast beats lies a significant message that reminds listeners Jesus is with us — alive and well. As Feliz contends, the reality of His resurrection isn’t simply reserved for Easter; it’s an active truth we get to embrace, experience and respond to every single day.
WATCH NOW: "The King Is Alive" Official Lyric Video
“Heaven Changes Everything,” Big Daddy Weave
Following years of excruciating loss, Big Daddy Weave returns with a song that sets our sights on eternity on “Heaven Changes Everything.” The perspective-shifting single adds another anthem of hope to the group’s celebrated catalog. Co-written by Big Daddy Weave frontman Mike Weaver, Matthew West and Jeff Pardo, “Heaven Changes Everything” is the follow-up to “God Is In This Story,” the outfit’s chart-topping duet with Katy Nichole, which they performed together live at the 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards. The brand new radio offering is anchored in the peace of 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and leads the award-winning band’s forthcoming studio effort.
WATCH NOW: "Heaven Changes Everything" Official Music Video
“Running Home,” Cochren & Co.
Life keeps us all running, but as Cochren & Co.’s new single attests, the direction we’re running is what’s most important. After all, the direction we take determines the destination. As for the band from Indiana, they’re headed home. The group’s soulful and upbeat “Running Home” borrows a page from the story of the Prodigal Son as lead singer Michael Cochren shares his own personal journey of choosing to run toward God instead of running away from Him. He wrote the choir-infused, chart-topping track with Matthew West and Jeff Pardo. “Running Home” is the title-cut of Cochren & Co.’s sophomore album, the 10-song follow-up to the collective’s 2021 full-length debut, “Don’t Lose Hope.”
WATCH NOW: "Running Home" Official Lyric Video
“Easy To Praise,” Patrick Mayberry
On the heels of “Holy Spirit Come,” Patrick Mayberry is throwing a praise party to open his next chapter of new music. Enter “Easy To Praise,” a congregational singalong that makes worship effortless, if not contagious. After all, we serve a God who isn’t hard to praise. Joy does indeed radiate from the three-minute shout-at-the-top-of-your-lungs anthem, which explodes with heart-pounding drums, thick guitars and cheerful piano. And the memorable chorus will have you lifting your voice in no time with its hook-filled exuberance. There’s no way this track won’t make you smile. “Easy To Praise” previews the charismatic singer/songwriter’s first full-length project, due later this year.
WATCH NOW: "Easy To Praise" Official Music Video
“To Not Worship You,” MercyMe
The words of a conversation evolved into a melody on MercyMe’s latest single, “To Not Worship You.” As the band ruminated on the size of our God in comparison to whatever life might throw at us, they started wondering, “How is this not a song?” They quickly remedied that by penning the acoustic-led “To Not Worship You,” the second track sent to radio from 2022’s “Always Only Jesus.” The perspective-shifting selection follows the band’s most recent No. 1 hit, “Then Christ Came,” which features their longtime friend and labelmate Phil Wickham. Across the nearly four-minute offering, the band recognizes that the same God who tells the stars when to shine is the very God who holds our lives in place, and He is worthy of all praise.
WATCH NOW: "To Not Worship You" Official Music Video
“Big God,” Terrian
Terrian’s “day job” might involve singing background vocals for TobyMac as a member of his Diverse City Band, but behind the scenes, the Memphis native has been quietly honing her gifts, writing and recording songs of her own — often with the help of the hitmaker himself. If you weren’t able to catch Terrian on this spring’s “Hits Deep Tour,” odds are, you’ll race to get tickets next time Toby’s in town just to see his background singer after you hear “Big God,” Terrian’s latest solo endeavor. The newcomer wrote the standout pop gem last December with Toby and songwriters Benji Cowart and Jordan Mohilowski. The well-crafted lyric reminds us that the challenges of this world pale in comparison to the size of our Creator. “Big God” is the lead single from Terrian’s next highly anticipated release, the follow-up to 2021’s “Genesis of Terrian” EP.
WATCH NOW: "Big God" Official Music Video
“That’s The Thing About Praise,” Benjamin William Hastings (feat. Blessing Offor)
For his inaugural solo single, Benjamin William Hastings enlists Blessing Offor for “That’s The Thing About Praise.” The soulful, groove-heavy selection hails from Hastings’ expansive 25-song self-titled debut. With a dose of realism, the track beautifully expounds on the truth found in the adage that life is hard, but God is good. Hastings proposes that our response to suffering, pain and disappointment should be praise. He contends it may not change our situation, but it often adjusts our perspective. While the artistry and experimental sonic landscape of the Irish-born singer’s music is fascinating, it’s his thought-provoking lyrics that immediately draw you in and keep you listening. The pure poetry of “That’s The Thing About Praise” provides an excellent glimpse at the newcomer’s extraordinary pen.
WATCH NOW: "That's The Thing About Praise" Official Music Video
“Yes I Am,” Christian Paul
Fresh talent Christian Paul officially enters the chat with “Yes I Am,” a party-starting, testimony-driven soul jam that unveils the rising star’s impressive falsetto and his transformative story. Already dubbed an “Artist to Watch,” the Alabama native was first introduced to the soulful sounds that color his debut radio single during a childhood soundtracked by everything from Michael Jackson to Nirvana — thanks to his music-loving father. “Yes I Am” marks a new beginning for the born again artist. He’s currently working with well-known mainstream producers to develop his unique sound that ultimately leans on his previous pop experience while fully elevating his unabashedly Christian lyrics.
WATCH NOW: "Yes I Am" Official Music Video
“Praise You Anywhere,” Brandon Lake
Just weeks after winning the first three K-LOVE Fan Awards of his career, Brandon Lake unveiled his highly anticipated new single, “Praise You Anywhere.” The uplifting anthem, imploring listeners to worship regardless of their circumstances, showcases Lake’s confident vocal across a heart-pounding drum pattern. Fans initially heard the faith-building track during a K-LOVE First event. “This song is about turning to praise in and out of every season. There are times when we’re surrounded by storms and times when we’re living in immense blessing… We light God’s heart up when we simply praise no matter what we’re facing,” Lake contends. “Your situation might not change, but choosing to praise will change your perspective. This will get your eyes off a storm and onto God. I hope as you listen to this song and choose to praise, you’re encouraged, and your faith is lifted.”
WATCH NOW: "Praise You Anywhere" Official Music Video
“What Are We Waiting For?” for KING & COUNTRY
Following their 13th career No. 1, “Love Me Like I Am (feat. Jordin Sparks),” for KING & COUNTRY dropped “What Are We Waiting For?” — the long-awaited title-cut from their 2022 LP of the same name. The pop-centric offering is as convicting as it is memorable as the duo poses questions that challenge us and call us onward. An earnest plea for unity, change and action, the heartfelt anthem underscores the values for KING & COUNTRY stands for. “What are we waiting for?” the Australian-born brothers ask in harmony. “Why are we wasting all the time like someone’s making more?” “What Are We Waiting For?” debuted during an exclusive K-LOVE First event, allowing the K-LOVE family to hear the thought-provoking single before anyone else.
WATCH NOW: "What Are We Waiting For?" Official Lyric Video
