Three years have passed since Caleb & John bowed their first single, “Hallelujah Feeling.” The upbeat anthem launched the two talented musicians, who at that point, were still new friends trying their hand at merging their God-given gifts. As time progressed, the group’s Caleb Crino and John Secker developed not only a solid working relationship but also an unshakable bond.
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In 2024, they teamed up with sibling trio CAIN to send their original single, “Somebody Like Me,” to radio. The pop-centric collaboration quickly summited the charts, earning Caleb & John their inaugural No. 1. County-pop offering “Finished” followed, paving the way for their first full-length project, “My Hope,” which is finally getting its due.
The 14-track debut finds the two men writing with an array of lyricists, ranging from seasoned studio pros like Jeff Pardo and Colby Wedgeworth to burgeoning voices like Jason Earley and Austin Cain. Moreover, Caleb & John had the opportunity to write with one of their musical heroes, crafting the welcome embrace felt on “Proud” with CCM legend Steven Curtis Chapman.
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An immediate standout, “Proud” gives listeners a glimpse at the Father’s heart for us, despite our shortcomings. Chapman also adds his unmistakable vocals to the second verse. Between the song’s moving message and the warmth of their three-part harmonies, the pairing feels meant to be.
While the duo’s early singles showcased their fun-loving personality and a mix of country-flavored pop, “My Hope” provides a deeper look into their range as songwriters and a broader sonic palette that also includes hints of rock and worship, perfecting a blend that gives instant Dan + Shay vibes.
As for subject matter, “My Hope” runs the gamut of relatable topics. Spirited opener “Godspeed” clocks our spiritual pace; mid-tempo “Breathe In, Breathe Out” offers an anecdote for anxiety; and piano-led conviction “Missing Jesus” acknowledges the reality that we often let distraction keep us from experiencing God’s presence in our everyday lives. The duo earnestly delivers the latter selection with a touching sincerity that will have listeners reevaluating their own priorities.
At least one or both of the duo’s members hold songwriting credit on 13 of the record’s 14 tracks, but they close with a sparsely produced cover of Albert E. Brumley’s treasured hymn, “If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven.” (Incidentally, Brumley is also credited with penning “I’ll Fly Away.”) Taking cues from iconic versions of “If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven” previously recorded by Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Merle Haggard, Caleb & John strip the classic down to a simple acoustic guitar and their harmonies, offering a fitting benediction for the duo, who is scheduled to make their Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 10.
While “My Hope” obviously showcases their talent — both lyrically and vocally — and their ability to seamlessly borrow inspiration from various genres, the project’s finest cut is buried deep into the tracklisting via “He Hasn’t Healed You Yet.”
Crino penned the vulnerable ballad with Earley about his younger brother with special needs. Confessing that he’s prayed over his sibling countless times, believing for healing, without seeing any outward sign of change, the song serves up the album’s most personal and transparent confession. Yet, it’s also perhaps the most relatable, providing an anthem for anyone who’s ever prayed for a certain outcome only to be met with silence. “Sometimes He says yes. Sometimes He says not yet,” Caleb sings. “I believe it’s for the best, despite the tears I’ve wept.”
Whether they realize it or not, Caleb & John uncovered genuine gold in the midst of sharing what was probably the hardest song to record. In a small way, “He Hasn’t Healed You Yet” ties back into the title cut, as the duo confidently declares that nothing can steal the hope, joy and security they’ve found in Jesus — not even an unanswered prayer.
Eternally optimistic, “My Hope” is a solid introduction from a duo that proves, more times than not, artistic development takes time. It might have taken them longer to arrive at their first LP than they would have anticipated; but in the end, Caleb & John crafted a cohesive collection of songs that sets the stage for what fans can expect from them: joyful anthems, honest songwriting, well-honed musicianship and top-notch harmonies.
