When the opening chords of “Shout To The Lord” rang out in the mid-90s, the song instantly defined a new era of modern worship. Written by Darlene Zschech in 1994 and sung by millions across the world, it became the kind of anthem that shaped youth groups, stadium tours, and Sunday mornings for an entire generation. Now, more than thirty years later, that song is back in the spotlight, this time with Zschech joined by a Hall of Fame lineup including the powerhouse vocals of CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith at the piano, and Stu G from Delirious? on guitar.
Recorded in-the-round at World Wide Stages in Tennessee, the song is the first single from a full album arriving January 2026. The lineup includes 25 of the most iconic names in worship, artists who together have collected 48 GRAMMYs and 176 Dove Awards. The concept is simple but powerful: pair the voices who helped define modern worship with today’s leaders and let the songs breathe again. Fans can watch the official live video here and listen to the single now at streaming platforms.
For Zschech, the roots of “Shout To The Lord” were never about writing a hit. “Many people ask me if I knew that ‘Shout To The Lord’ was a special song when I wrote it,” she remembers. “To be honest, it came at a time when the burdens of life were heavy, and I sat at my little out of tune piano and worshipped. I opened my Bible to Psalm 95, and then through to Psalm 100, I simply sang, prayed and worshipped Jesus. He has my heart, and I have always known a God who delights in caring for and carrying our burdens.”
The song poured out in minutes, and she admits she didn’t even have the confidence to play it for her worship leader. “’Shout To The Lord’ was really sung more than written, and after about 20 minutes the song was complete,” she continues. “I just held onto it for a while and worshipped Jesus with it until I had the courage to play it for our music minister. I made him stand with his back to me as I showed him the song because I was a songwriter with no confidence. After I sang it (and apologized for it along the way), he literally said ‘We are going to sing this song this weekend.’ It was sung over an offering, and by the end of leading people in the song, they were standing and worshipping. The song left my mouth, and then left my life to minister to others.”
CeCe Winans, whose career has crossed gospel, pop, and global stages, brings her unmistakable voice to the duet. “’Shout To The Lord’ is one of those songs that sets our hearts towards God,” she says. “It reminds us to trust in Him because no matter what’s going on in our lives, He is our ‘tower of refuge and strength!’ Getting to lead with Darlene—who has carried this song so beautifully for so many years—was such a joy and honor. I absolutely adore her!”
Behind the music, Michael W. Smith anchors the track on piano, co-executive producing the entire project with Zschech. “What drew me to House of Worship was the opportunity to be a part of something that unites generations through songs that have shaped the Church,” Smith explains. “Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of being a part of projects that have gone all over the world, but I’ve never been a part of a project that has brought so many of these notable songs and artists together under one roof. These songs have truly been anthems of worship for believers around the world, decade after decade. And to sing them with so many leaders in different seasons of ministry, all joined in worship, was something I will never forget!”
Stu G’s guitar gives the recording its edge. Fans will recognize him from Delirious?, the British worship band that helped fuel the late-90s guitar fueled worship explosion. Fresh off a reunion with Martin Smith at Big Church Festival, his presence here ties together a generation of church kid mixtapes.
The full House of Worship project drops January 2026 with a staggering cast list—Brenton Brown, Kari Jobe, Naomi Raine, Martin Smith, Matt Redman, Hillary Scott, Israel Houghton, Chris Brown (Elevation), and many more. Executive producers Danny McGuffey, Steve Nicolle, and John Hartley helped shape the vision, but the heart of it belongs to the artists who have lived these songs for decades.
“Shout To The Lord” is a reminder of the roots of modern worship and how far it has traveled. For those who first lifted their hands to it in the 90s, this reimagined version feels like coming home. For a new generation, it’s a chance to hear the song through fresh voices, carried by the very people who helped define an era.
