Chris Tomlin Unveils Vibrant Nature-Inspired Worship on ‘The King Is Still The King’
Following a series of all-star collaborations with country music’s biggest heavyweights, a return to his worship roots courtesy of 2022’s “Always” and a massive global anthem in the form of “Holy Forever,” 2025 finds Chris Tomlin bowing an effervescent pop record. “The King Is Still The King” — his 18th studio effort — reveals the award-winning artist rejuvenated as he unveils what might be some of his most vibrant work to date.
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From spirited album opener and lead radio single “How Good It Is” to closing collaboration “My Father’s World,” featuring three of Christian music’s brightest newcomers, “The King Is Still The King” is as full of life as anything Tomlin has ever released. Perhaps it’s indicative of the season of life the revered worship leader currently finds himself in as a veteran artist, generous philanthropist and committed husband and father.
His decades-long career seems to culminate with his latest full-length effort in all its shimmering praise. “Doesn’t He,” “Rivers Of Joy” and “That’s Who He Is” join “How Good It Is” as arena-ready anthems that overflow with an electropop enthusiasm that recalls Coldplay’s “Moon Music.”
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With all its color, “The King Is Still The King” still serves up ample helpings of poignant worship. One of the most tender moments arrives on the simple but powerful “He Has Done Great Things,” which features an emotive vocal from Phil Wickham, who is also credited as a writer on multiple songs.
Deep into the tracklisting, Tomlin covers Billy James Foote’s beloved “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” with a gentle reverence and an acoustic guitar. Although the surprisingly vulnerable “Help My Unbelief” evolves into an upbeat congregational prayer, Tomlin’s delivery feels especially raw. Elsewhere, the father of three joins forces with revered songwriter Ben Fielding for watershed selection “The First Hymn.” Alongside historian John Dickson, the pair created the unique track using the original 35 words and music discovered on a small piece of papyrus written 1,800 years ago, unearthed in Egypt and believed to be the oldest surviving Christian hymn.
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The title cut — written by Jess Cates, Kaelob Mecum and Colton Price — proves an immediate standout, despite the fact Tomlin didn’t write it. While a gifted songwriter himself, he also continues to have a knack for handpicking songs primed for widespread impact. Past evidence of this lies in “God Of This City” and “Good Good Father” — neither of which he wrote. Filled with Gospel-focused declarations and a flood of gratitude, “Still The King” is certainly another one of those gems Tomlin will likely faithfully steward around the world.
Making the project feel like a worship experience in and of itself, four interludes punctuate the 16-song sequence. Noted by emojis, these brief moments of reprieve offer space for quiet reflection as Tomlin serves up uncluttered instrumentals, a reading of Psalm 103:8-12 and sounds of nature.
Much of the album is derived from Scripture, placing an emphasis on the truth of God’s Word. Additionally, Tomlin intentionally engages the senses with the sights and sounds of creation — from the diverse landscapes that adorn the cover art to the actual chirping of birds and crashing of waves hidden like buried treasure throughout the record.
Benediction “My Father’s World” brings his celebration of creation full-circle. With the help of three emerging voices — alt-worship artist Aodhán King, soulful gospel vocalist Jamie MacDonald and British-born singer CalledOut Music — Tomlin and company join in creation’s song, exalting the Creator above all else.
“This record is full of sounds that celebrate who God is. Not just in the lyrics — but in how it feels. I wanted the whole thing to lift people’s eyes and hearts,” Tomlin shares. “Sometimes we overcomplicate things — pedals, plugins, all the gear — but for this one, I went back to the beginning. I used the sounds God made — wind, rain, thunder, waves and birds.”
In turn, Tomlin has created a soundtrack for every season of life. “The King Is Still The King” is a feast for the senses and a joy from front to back.
