Chris Tomlin – The King is Still the King

Released: September 26, 2025 (Capitol CMG)

5/5

Written by: Darcy Webber (September 26, 2025)

Chris Tomlin released The King is Still King, the newest album in his almost three decades of Christian music artistry. His God-given gift for lyrics and music writing shine throughout, and his ability to stay modern and relevant is nothing short of amazing. But those who have followed Tomlin from his humble beginnings will be glad to hear old-school mixtures of steel guitar and southern-style choir, expertly woven in among electric guitar and drums.

If you could sum up this album with one theme, it would be praise and worship. Every song is either a call for collective worship or personal testimony and praise, and each of them point us to the truth and wonder of a God who is deserving of it all. He ties them all together with short interludes: instrumental, spoken word, or repeating lyrics. Chris also seems to use this album as an answer to Matthew 28:18-20 where Jesus instructs to make disciples of all nations. His lyrics use personal testimony and point us to the attributes of Jesus and God to bring us to the altar.

While a listener would enjoy the album as a whole, there a few stand-outs that should be mentioned. The starter, “How Good It Is,” is an upbeat song of praise and joy. It’s a great horizontal worship song that could cheerfully teach youth as well about why God is worthy of our praise. Drawing you in with a great lead guitar intro, “Doesn’t He” keeps you listening with great lyrics. Chris lays out all the attributes and truths about Jesus, then asks the essential question: “Doesn’t He deserve it all?”

Most of the album could be categorized as “horizontal” worship: worship in which we tell each other about God, Jesus, and how to worship and praise Him. “Jesus Saves” is a great altar call, a testimony to those who don’t yet know fully that Jesus is the only one who can bring the dead to life and salvation from sin. There are a couple that are more direct praise and personal, like “Help My Unbelief” and “Still the King.”  Tomlin’s Texas roots come through in “Help My Unbelief” with the sorrowful tones of the steel guitar intertwined with piano and acoustic guitar. The song is a cry out to God when we have doubts or the troubles of the world color our perspective of or relationship with the Father.

Tomlin sings with a few guest worship artists such as Aodhan King and Jamie MacDonald. But this author’s favorite is “He Has Done Great Things” with Phil Wickham. It’s a gentle love song to Jesus that turns the horrifying event and images of the crucifixion into a beautiful scene of grace and salvation. Chris Tomlin continues to create and publish great Christian worship music, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!