As Forrest Frank and Brandon Lake made history this week by landing on the Billboard Hot 100 — the first time in over a decade that Christian music has broken through in this way — it’s clear we’re living in a new era of faith-fueled pop culture. And there may be no better soundtrack for this moment than Forrest Frank’s Child of God II.
If you missed Part 1 of our Child of God II review, stop what you’re doing and go read it here. In that one, I sat down with all three of my kids — Ryker (12), and twins Golda and Georgia (9) — to break down the first 10 tracks of Forrest Frank’s soulful, spiritual, and genre-bending sequel.
Now it’s time for Part 2 — and this time, it’s just Ryker and me, riding in the car on the way to school, cranking the back half of Child of God II like it’s a worship-themed road trip playlist with a coastal breeze.
Spoiler alert: the second half brings the fire, feels, and a little bit of Forrest Frank’s emo era. Let’s go.
11. Outside
Ryker: “Forrest is relatable in this song. We have school for one more week… it is difficult to get out of bed.”
Logan: “Is this a response to The Beach Boy’s in My Room?”
12. Live Your Life
Ryker: “This one’s chill. Kinda like Jason Mraz.”
Logan: “Forrest has been spending some serious time at the beach and as a lifelong Parrothead who misses Jimmy Buffett… I never thought Forrest would be the replacement I needed.”
It’s got island vibes, acoustic bounce, and a breezy attitude that says, “Worship God and wear flip-flops.”
13. Celebration
Ryker: “The ultimate party song. This will be played at every school party until well after I graduate.”
Logan: He’s not wrong. It’s pure joy, full of Forrest’s signature hooks that feel made for dance floors and youth group pizza nights.
14. Happy
Ryker: “Classic Forrest Frank style. Feels like a sequel to Good Day.”
Logan: I’m not sure you can have a “vintage” vibe on album number two, but this does feel closer to a track on the OG COD.
15. Drop
Ryker: “Perfect car jam. Release the live rock/metal version!
Logan: “Yes, take a page from Tauren and Skillet – Release that live version, please. Rock n roll Dad’s need it!”
16. Like Water
Ryker: “This could be a Sunday morning worship song. Made for the Church to sign together”
Logan: “Fair warning: This song may encourage your youth pastor to start rapping and grow a mustache.”
17. POV
Ryker: “I’m not used to love songs in Christian music, but I liked it.”
That comment hit me. I think that says a lot about how much worship has dominated Ryker’s musical life. A simple, beautiful song about loving your wife feels… out of place?
Christian music could embrace more of celebrating all of God’s creations — including our marriages.
18. In the Room
Logan: “This is for people like me who are down for a little Emo Forrest.”
Slower pace. Deeper subject matter.
Ryker: “Feels like a song playing during the emotional climax of a movie.”
19. Testimony
This isn’t a song — it’s Forrest’s live testimony, like what he shares on tour. And no, we won’t spoil it. Go listen. It’s powerful and personal. Worth the inclusion.
20. Home
A gentle, heartfelt closer.
Ryker: “This album showed the softer side of Forrest with slower jams, but it’s still a great next step.”
Logan: “It’s certainly not a rehash. Forrest grows… more than a mustache.”
Final Thoughts
Child of God II is a level-up. While the first half delivered the big hits and gospel-pop moments, the second half explores love, testimony, peace, and purpose. It’s Forrest Frank doing what only he can do: blending genres, sharing his soul, and bringing the Kingdom to the culture — one beachy, bouncy, beat-filled song at a time.
We’ll be blasting this one all summer and so should your family.