Emerging voices Joe L. Barnes and Seph Schlueter are teaming up for “Road Less Traveled,” a folk-driven pop song about choosing to follow Jesus. The declaration is quickly resonating with fans thanks to an infectious melody and lyrics that find the two artists pledging to walk the narrow way even when the path ahead is lonely, unpopular or difficult.
Barnes wrote the countercultural anthem with Ben Tan, Anna Golden, Joel Houston and his wife, Lauren Scott Barnes.
“‘Road Less Traveled’ is an invitation to become more like Jesus. It invites us to embrace His heart for those who are lost, that we may become His hands and feet. To go out to all the world and make disciples, to welcome them into His Kingdom and His family,” he explains. “I hope the song encourages us all to go share His heart and advance His Kingdom.”
The former Maverick City Music collaborator steers the first verse, singing:
I was never one for rules
Don’t want no cookie-cutter faith
I’ve seen Jesus walk with sinners
Turn rebels into saints
There’s more outside these walls
Than the fear inside of me
So you can keep your earthly crowns
Find me somewhere washing feet
Schlueter guides the second verse, inspired by Matthew 9:37-38, as he vows:
Now the laborers are few
The harvest’s overflowing
Many are called, but not enough are going
So count me in the number
Carrying my cross
To take the love of Jesus
And gather up the lost
Barnes first gained attention by contributing lead vocals to Maverick City Music’s “Promises.” Schlueter rose to prominence on the strength of his debut single, “Counting My Blessings.”
This fall, fans can catch both rising acts on the road. Barnes has been tapped for the opening slot on Jamie MacDonald’s second “Left It In The River” run. Meanwhile, Schlueter is part of the lineup for Air1’s 20-city “Worship Now Tour.”
