“I made this record for myself, and you can hear the freedom and joy in it,” Jordan Smith says. “In the past, there were concerns about making things sound more pop or more radio-friendly. This time, the only concern was, ‘How would Jordan Smith sing this song?’”

Jordan Smith, the Season 9 winner of The Voice, is celebrating a decade since his breakthrough on the show with the release of his latest album, The People’s Hymnal. Out now via Gaither Music Group, the project reflects a return to his gospel roots and a more personal artistic approach.

A New Take on Classic Hymns
The People’s Hymnal presents a collection of well-known gospel hymns reinterpreted with contemporary arrangements. The album blends elements of gospel and pop, featuring songs such as “Oh Happy Day” and “How Great Thou Art,” as well as a stripped-down rendition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Smith’s approach highlights the depth of these songs while maintaining a connection to their traditional roots.

The album was co-produced by Tommy Sims, known for co-writing Eric Clapton’s GRAMMY-winning “Change the World,” and Colin Linden, who has worked with artists like Lucinda Williams and The McCrary Sisters. Their production emphasizes Smith’s vocal abilities while keeping the focus on the music’s message.

A Decade of Music and Milestones
Originally from Harlan, Kentucky, Smith rose to national recognition in 2015 when he won The Voice. His success on the show led to chart-topping achievements, including becoming the first artist to hold the top two positions on Billboard’s Christian charts simultaneously. His debut album reached No. 2 in sales on iTunes, and he became the best-selling artist in The Voice history. In 2018, his song “Ashes” was recorded by Celine Dion for the Deadpool 2 soundtrack. Most recently, he placed third in the American Song Contest.

Now, with his fifth studio album, Smith marks 10 years since his rise to fame by revisiting the hymns that shaped his early musical experiences. “This album is a reflection of the songs that have carried people through generations,” he says. “I wanted to approach them in a way that feels true to me.”

Listen Now
The People’s Hymnal is available now on all streaming platforms.

Tracklist:

Oh Happy Day
How Great Thou Art
The Blood
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Lord Unto Me)
What a Friend Medley (What a Friend We Have in Jesus / ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus / Amazing Grace / Will the Circle Be Unbroken)
Where Could I Go
I Surrender All
The People’s Hymn (Precious Lord, Take My Hand / Bridge Over Troubled Water / You’ve Got a Friend)
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
For more on Jordan Smith and The People’s Hymnal, visit https://gaithermusic.lnk.to/JordanSmith_ThePeoplesHymnal

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