Kirk Franklin Returns to His Church Roots With New Double Album

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Kirk Franklin is returning to his roots with a new project, and he says it may be one of the most personal and challenging albums he’s ever created.

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During a recent appearance on Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell, the gospel icon opened up about his new single, “Thank You for Everything” featuring Karen Clark Sheard, explaining that the song marks a return to the church-centered sound that first introduced him to the world.

“It’s new, but it’s old,” Franklin said. “It’s very 1992 Kirk. It’s very… Silver and Gold live church album Kirk.”

For years, Franklin leaned into crossover hits like “I Smile” and “Love Theory,” but he said this new season called for something different. While jokingly referring to his more contemporary music as “ratchet Kirk,” he laughed with Campbell as she dubbed this latest version “churchy Kirk.”

Behind the music, however, was a long creative journey.

Franklin revealed he spent nearly a year and a half working on the project, making it the longest he’s devoted to an album since his debut.

“I’ve never worked on an album as long as this,” he admitted. “Probably the only album I worked on this long was my very first album.”

He said revisiting the live choir-driven sound was intimidating because gospel music has changed dramatically over the years. Although fans often tell him they miss “old Kirk,” he questioned whether listeners truly support traditional church music in today’s market.

“There was a lot of trepidation,” he said. “People kept saying they wanted church music, they wanted old Kirk. But I’m not seeing y’all listening to other people’s church music.”

Despite those concerns, Franklin said he kept praying, rewriting songs, and trusting his team until the project finally came together. Many songs didn’t make the final cut, but the process ultimately shaped the album into something special.

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The upcoming release will feature 14 songs split evenly between two distinct styles: seven live church recordings and seven studio tracks.

“It’s gonna be a double album,” he shared. “It’s gonna be two different stories from one person.”

Franklin also highlighted several younger artists featured on the project, including Melvin Crispell III, Lena Byrd Miles, and Carson Barnes. He said surrounding himself with fresh talent helps keep him creatively inspired.

“I just enjoy working with anybody that’s hungry,” he explained. “When there’s a level of comfortability or complacency, I struggle in that.”

The conversation also turned to the recent Stellar Awards, where Franklin served as host. He praised the event’s energy and celebrated the sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 people in Charlotte, saying it gave him hope for the future of gospel music.

“There wasn’t a seat left in that arena,” he recalled. “It just really felt good.”

Mr. Griff also applauded Franklin’s growth as a host, telling him he looked relaxed, confident, and comfortable on stage. Franklin admitted that reaching his 50s has changed his perspective.

“Something happens in your 50s,” he said. “If you’re with me, you’re with me. If you’re not, I’m really, really good.”

That confidence, he explained, has allowed him to embrace who he is without carrying the weight of trying to please everyone.

As for what’s next, Franklin said the focus is on introducing fans to both sides of his musical identity through this unique double album while continuing to build the future of gospel music through new artists, live events, and festivals like Exodus.

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Kirk Franklin Returns to His Church Roots With New Double Album was originally published on getuperica.com