Joel Vaughn – ‘Surrender’ album review

Joel Vaughn has plied his trade as a worship leader in Texas these last twelve years, but his newest EP takes him closer to a modern-pop radio sound than anything previously released. Surrender, the Texan’s new five-song EP, kicks off with “As You Are,” an R&B-tinged jam that should find an instant home on plenty of pop playlists. Vaughn sings of self-acceptance and identity on the first two tracks, the other of which is “One In A Million” which features Matthew Parker. While the pulsing “Every Alley Of My Heart” is worth a quick mention, the highlight is found on the mid-tempo number “If I Trust In You”, which is as infectious as anything this side of Bruno Mars. If Vaughn’s going to land a mega-hit from this mix, it’s likely this middle track.