We are grateful for the team of musicians, singers, and worship leaders in our church. So we decided to ask them what they’re listening to this summer. Here’s what they said. Use their recommendations to build your new summer playlist!
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(Nothing mentioned here is an official endorsement from The Crossing. Use your own discretion for yourself or your family)
David Cover - Worship Leader
At this point in my life, the music I listen to is largely driven by what my four boys are into and what’s appropriate for their age and stage. My 9 year old loves Forrest Frank (obviously) and Twenty One Pilots (especially "Drum Show", which is probably a daily listen). My 7 year old goes back and forth between The Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, & the High School Musical soundtracks. My 12 year old is hungry for any clean rap (which is a challenge to find). And my 13 year old loves a very bizarre genre called phonk as well as Muse, Foo Fighters, & Jack White.
For me, I’ve mostly been listening to The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean and Trying Times by James Blake. I always love James Blake’s no rules approach to making music. Even though his songs primarily live in the melancholic, I somehow never fail to get inspired by his creativity and choices. In fact, I’m going to find a way to rip off "Make Something Up" in a worship service at some point 😉
Johnny Knox - Worship Leader
Truth be told, I rarely listen to music! Music already consumes so much of my day to day that when I get a moment of leisure, I prefer silence. Strange, I know… But one album I frequent is Jeff Buckley’s Grace. I’ve heard it said before that if you were lucky to see Jeff Buckley in concert, all you could do is stand in a wide-eyed silence as Jeff pours every ounce of his heart into his performance. This album captures that very definition for me. “Mojo Pin” has a slow, torturous burn with random outbreaks of awesomeness. “Last Goodbye” is the credits song to the movie you wish was made about your life. And if you want to cry like you’ve never cried before, put “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” on. Let your tears cleanse you of your apathy. Funny thing about Jeff Buckley’s voice is that I kind of hate it. But that’s what makes me love it.
Sophia Burks - Vocals
I’ve been really getting back into country with the warm weather and Flatland Calvary’s new album, Work of Heart. I especially like “Real Slow” as it is a fun reminder of taking everything in as you experience it. I’ve been trying to do that more amidst life’s busyness.
Owen Roush - Keys
The song, "Gravity Blues" by Geese is revivalism done right. Instrumentally, the song lives in a fun pocket. The band jams over a tried-and-true chord progression to create the alt-country/blues rock setting. However, Cameron’s vocal is where I get so immersed by the song. At first, the weird, croaky, over-expressiveness feels out of place, but after a couple listens, it becomes fascinating. The song blends an unlikely vocal performance over a catchy instrumental to make something truly unique.
Noah Lee - Violin
Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of John Mayer! There’s just something about how relaxed and natural his expression is that reminds me that musical decisions don’t have to be complicated to connect with people. It’s been encouraging me to care more about what my playing communicates rather than just how it sounds.
Ricky Presberry - Vocals
“Amazing,” by Pastor Mike Jr, really struck me the first time I heard it. No mistake, it was definitely ripped from the Gnarles Barkley classic, “Crazy” (not uncommon in the gospel genre). Pastor Mike’s testimony in this song jolts me back to the reality that, despite everything that I am (or ever was), God reached down in his loving kindness to call me into the family of God. I don’t know Pastor Mike’s story, but it makes me excited that God didn’t leave me on the outside. It’s hard not to get excited when I hear this song.
Isaac Schneider - Guitar
I’ve really been enjoying the Allman Brothers recently because of their knack for creating completely original things. I’ve always found it awesome to listen to music that has been uniquely created in a similar fashion to the way that God uniquely created all of us. I’m always learning from the Allman Brothers, and I try to incorporate it into Sundays at church, Tuesdays for Veritas, or my own individual playing. Go create just like the Lord!
Audrey Sharp - Worship Leader
Right now, my listening is a little bit all over the place—in the best way. I think this happens to me as the seasons change! I’ve had Olivia Dean on repeat. Her newest album, The Art of Loving, feels like sitting with a friend and singing along to every track. It’s full of immaculate, soulful vibes—perfect for a slow morning at home, a walk on the trail, or driving around town with the windows down.
I’ve also been listening to artists like Maggie Rogers, Lennon Stella, and Joseph, all of whom blend textures and sounds in a way that keeps things fresh and interesting. Lastly, the track "Close to You" by Dayglow has been in the mix too—it's honestly just one of those songs that’s instantly a mood-changer.
I’m drawn to layered, sonically interesting, harmony-driven music with elements that surprise me, and all these artists do that so well!
Johnny Tucker - Keys
I’ve been listening to a lot of Needtobreathe lately. They’ve always been my band. Their sound somehow lands between Southern rock grit and soulful Americana, with songs that make you want to both drive fast and cry a little. They call themselves “the biggest band you’ve never heard of,” which feels about right — but I’ll keep trying to convert everyone I know. Their mix of faith, honesty, and killer melodies reminds me why good music can preach without ever saying it outright.
Grady Frazier - Worship Leader
I quickly grow tired of listening to lyrics and the standard pop construction of songs. So, I primarily listen to European jazz-ish instrumental music. I say “ish” because there is a wave of genre bending music that feels like jazz at its core with different clothes on. I have a handful of artists I cycle through. I can’t pick one because I listen to each of them at least every month. Here are the albums I cycle through:
Svaneborg Kardyb - Over Tage & Superkilen; Bremer/McCoy - Forsvinder; Matthew Hallsall - An Ever Changing View (I referenced a couple songs from this album during the worship service on November 2, 2025); Hania Rania - Esja; Vega Trails - Sierra Tracks.
Apart from jazz, the album I have on repeat is Turnstile’s Never Enough. It riiiiiiiippppss. If you love the old Tony Hawk Pro Skater playlists, give this record a spin. Be warned: Turnstile is hardcore punk. (Additional warning, there is some explicit language). Turnstile does a tasty job of pushing the genre boundaries with songs like “I CARE”, “SEEIN’ STARS”, and “MAGIC MAN”. You’ll be able to head bang and drum on your steering wheel throughout the album, but there are many instances of dreamy vocals, glassy guitars, big synths amidst the huge drums, heavy guitars, and occasional screams.
Scott Johnson - Worship Leader
I’ve been listening to This Music May Contain Hope, the new album by RAYE, and it immediately set itself apart with its lush Hollywood strings, big band jazz and sixties R&B leanings, and a cinematic sweep I haven't encountered in some time.
The album unfolds like a romantic odyssey in four acts that takes human longing seriously, holding desire and cost, struggle and hope in dramatic tension.
Each song took me down an unexpected musical road, keeping me on the edge of my seat as a listener, with something genuinely arresting to say both musically and lyrically.
Nick McEnery - Keys
Citizens consistently put out some of the best Christian rock albums and m us eum is no different. It’s an instant good mood and pairs well with riding bikes or grilling with family and friends.
Jackson Samson - Bass
I’ve been into Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory and Meteora albums—specifically the songs, “One Step Closer” and “Somewhere I Belong”. I wish I had a better explanation for why it’s resonating with me—but the honest answer is I just want to play drums to them daily!
Ready to start listening? We made you a curated playlist from Crossing Music's recommended listens! While you're at it, follow thecrossingmusic on Spotify for weekly playlists from Sunday worship!
