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JFH Music Review


Forrest Frank, 'CHILD OF GOD II'
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Forrest Frank
CHILD OF GOD II



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Hip Hop / Rap / Pop
Album length: 20 tracks: 58 minutes, 40 seconds
Street Date: May 9, 2025


READER RATING:   


Forrest Frank can't stop and won’t stop with the follow-up to CHILD OF GOD, aptly titled CHILD OF GOD II. As he wraps up a sold-out 26-city tour, Frank finds himself at the pinnacle of Christian music. With a reach that spans from the youngest generation of believers to the oldest, it’s hard not to marvel at the 30-year-old's impact on the CCM landscape.

Last year's CHILD OF GOD featured several tracks that had been released before the full project, yet it still managed to be an engaging and meaningful listen. CHILD OF GOD II, by contrast, doesn’t carry the same familiarity, but invites listeners into a collection of fresh tracks and sounds that still feel unmistakably like Frank.

The album opens with "ENCORE," featuring the words "CHILD OF GOD" sung just underneath the track. What sounds like a voice memo from a phone call between Forrest and his grandfather (similar to a track from the first album), captures a touching moment of prayer. It's a compelling intro that feels like a natural continuation of the CHILD OF GOD series.

"YOUR WAY’S BETTER" and "AMEN" are two of the catchiest songs on the project, and easily among my personal favorites. Though "YOUR WAY’S BETTER" was previously released on CHILD OF GOD (Deluxe), and doesn't bring anything new production-wise, it provides a strong sense of continuity and sets the tone for what the album delivers.

Beyond those, there's plenty more to enjoy. "WOKE UP THIS MORNING (featuring Nathan Davis Jr.)" and "DROP!" lean into a more current Christian hip-hop sound, paired with infectious beats. "DANCING IN THE PRESENCE," a lo-fi-inspired, vibey cruising track, stands out in the best way. With Frank showing off his vocals over a groovy guitar and drum combo, it's impossible not to relax and get lost in the rhythm.

"NOTHING ELSE," featuring country star Thomas Rhett, and "POV," are standout tracks that showcase the album's emotional and musical range. "LIKE WATER," featuring Limoblaze, introduces an Afrobeats-inspired flair that may feel different to many listeners, but beautifully diversifies the album's already rich sonic palette. "IN THE ROOM" leans into strong corporate worship vibes, likely resonating well with many worship listeners.

Then there's "TESTIMONY," where Frank shares his personal story live from his recent tour. The absence of music and lyrics makes this track one of the most powerful moments on the project. "HOME," which closes the album, evokes the parable of the prodigal son, making it a fitting and heartfelt conclusion to CHILD OF GOD II.

Overall, CHILD OF GOD II delivers more musically than its predecessor. We see Forrest Frank step into new sounds and collaborations that, in my opinion, come together really well. Best believe I'll be playing a lot of these songs again on repeat.

- Review date: 5/8/25, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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JFH Staff's Second Opinion



Forrest Frank is having a moment. In current mainstream Christian music, there is no one hotter, and I'm here for it. It shouldn't surprise anyone that he has another full-length album out less than a year after CHILD OF GOD dropped in July of 2024. The adage strike while the iron is hot applies here, and Frank is all-in on the mission. Selling out his current tour, fans eagerly pre-saving this follow-up to the tune of 100,000-plus, and counting, is further proof that his music has hit a nerve. All this as his song "YOUR WAY'S BETTER" continues to trend on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, reaching a mainstream audience, as well due to a fun accompanying dance. So, whether CHILD OF GOD II was always planned so soon or not, this is Forrest doing his best to Carpe Diem and treat his growing listening base to more joyful hip-hop to bop over the summer.

I fully enjoyed last year's album of positive messages and hooky sing-along choruses, so I anticipated liking the follow-up. Turns out, I do; even though the equally long (20 tracks!) album was daunting at first glance, CHILD OF GOD II picks up where its predecessor left off. His ability to succinctly hit the hook and utilize enough diversity sonically kept me invested and coming back. Throughout, Frank weaves light trap beats, smooth R&B, calypso, reggae, and more into an infectious blend of pop music that's hard to resist. Some tunes are more forgettable than others, but there is more to like than to skip on this tracklist. Favorites for me, beyond each of the singles, are: the joyous reminder found in "B.I.G.," the smooth vibes for days on "PARADISE," the stripped Jack Johnson-like "LIVE UR LIFE," and the funky fun of "CELEBRATION." All in all, CHILD OF GOD II keeps the party going, and I don't see the momentum Forrest Frank has built slowing anytime soon. It's not too late to join the fun and let these irresistibly catchy songs wash away the anxiety of the age! - Review date: 5/8/25, Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

. Record Label: River House / 10K Records
. Album length: 20 tracks: 58 minutes, 40 seconds
. Street Date: May 9, 2025
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: ForrestFrank.com (CD)
. Buy It: ForrestFrank.com (Vinyl)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. ENCORE (2:24)
  2. YOUR WAY'S BETTER (3:18)
  3. AMEN (2:14)
  4. B.I.G. (2:47)
  5. FATHERS HOUSE (2:24)
  6. NO L'S (2:09)
  7. PARADISE (2:29)
  8. WOKE UP THIS MORNING (2:13)
  9. DANCING IN THE PRESENCE (3:04)
  10. NOTHING ELSE (1:58)
  11. OUTSIDE (2:16)
  12. LIVE UR LIFE (2:41)
  13. CELEBRATION (2:41)
  14. HAPPY (2:15)
  15. DROP! (3:54)
  16. LIKE WATER (2:44)
  17. POV (2:37)
  18. IN THE ROOM (3:33)
  19. TESTIMONY (8:01)
  20. HOME (3:05)

 

 

 



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