Kirk Franklin is on Holy Ghost fire, and the flames are not getting squelched anytime soon. Days after releasing “Try Love,” the second single from his soon-to-be-released album Father’s Day, he quickly follows that up with the project’s third single “Needs.” On the piano-driven ballad, Kirk proffers a tried-and-true solution to the noise and confusion all around us: Jesus.
“Needs” starts with a straightforward declaration. “There’s so many voices out there right now / Telling you what they feel you need / I found the answer’s really simple / And it’s been there the entire time,” Franklin speaks, referring to Jesus. He has examined his life and come to an important conclusion. He needs Jesus. Period.
“I need peace, I need grace / I need strength for one more day / I need patience for this race / I need Jesus,” the vocalists sing. “I need truth that will not change / I need grace when I’m the one to blame / In a crowded room / Someone who knows my name / I need Jesus.” This powerful acknowledgement has Kirk trading feel-good praise songs, empty prayers and positive self-talk for the dependence and confidence of a life fully yielded to Christ.
Franklin is known for sharing his personal testimony throughout his music, but “Needs” feels different. It’s giving soul searching and spiritual maturity. The release of “Needs” precedes the debut of his upcoming documentary, also titled Father’s Day, which premieres on his YouTube channel on Friday, September 15th. The Father’s Day doc will take a deeper dive into his personal testimony and the album’s backstory.
The album Father’s Day will be released by Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records on Friday, October 6th and is currently available for pre-save/pre-add on Spotify and Apple Music, respectively. The 10-track collection is Kirk Franklin’s first solo record since his GRAMMY Award-winning set LONG LIVE LOVE from 2019. Father’s Day features songs written and produced by the gospel music whisperer and guest appearances from Tori Kelly, Le’Andria Johnson, Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds and more. Fans are in for a sho-nuff blessing.
While you wait for the album to drop, listen to “Needs,” watch its visualizer and view the Father’s Day cover art and tracklist right here. For more Kirk Franklin, be sure to tune into his documentary and to get tickets for The Reunion Tour featuring fellow gospel superstars Tye Tribbett, The Clark Sisters, David and Tamala Mann and Israel Houghton kicking off September 28th in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Kirk Franklin Father’s Day tracklist:
1. Welcome Home
2. Try Love
3. All Things
4. Needs
5. You Still Love Us
6. Listen
7. Unconditional feat. Le’Andria Johnson
8. Again feat. Chandler Moore, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr
9. Again & Again feat. Kelontae Gavin & Maranda Curtis
10. Somebody’s Son
