In today’s lively and ever-changing world of Christian music, there have been few albums that have touched people’s hearts and triggered meaningful conversations like Brandon Lake’s King of Hearts. Released on June 13, 2025, the album is a meaningful project that blends different music genres, from rock to gospel, showcasing Lake’s versatile skill as both a worship leader and an artist. While the entire album dives into themes of finding freedom, grace, and unconditional love of God, it is the unexpected collaboration with country artist Jelly Roll on the track “Hard Fought Hallelujah” that has truly breached traditional boundaries, connecting with a broader and more diverse audience.
An unexpected collaboration built upon shared stories of redemption
The pairing of a popular Christian artist like Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, a prominent country artist known for his testimony of past struggles, might seem like an unlikely collaboration. However, as both artists have openly shared in numerous interviews, this collaboration was not simply a musical journey but rather a personal one that emerged from a mutual recognition of the impact of redemption and the importance of God’s grace.
In an interview with Relevant Magazine, Jelly Roll shared how deeply the song affected him, even before he became part of the project. “It’s been years since I worshiped the way that I worshiped to that song, “he admitted, describing how its message of bringing imperfection before God related to his own life story. Jelly Roll’s background is well-known, shaped by struggles with addiction and time spent behind bars, experiences that bring authenticity to his performance that listeners can truly feel.
On the other hand, Brandon Lake found genuine inspiration in Jelly Roll’s public displays of faith. In an interview with K-LOVE, Lake said, “I wanted to share this song with somebody that had a really beautiful and hard-fought story, and the first person that came to mind was Jelly”. For Lake, Hard Fought Hallelujah was not just about singing; it needed a voice that had truly been through hell and came out with a Hallelujah. Jelly Roll’s testimony made it clear that he was not just the right choice; he was the only one who could bring that kind of depth and truth to the song. The collaboration has been widely praised for its emotional depth and honesty, but has also received criticism from some parts of the Christian community. Brandon Lake has responded with grace, standing firm in his belief that ministry is not limited to church walls or specific groups of people.
“Last time I checked, those who carry the light are meant to walk into the darkness,” he told Hope Nation. “We have a God who not only can meet us anywhere, but actually wants to meet us anywhere and with anyone who calls on Him.”
This perspective is what has fueled this collaboration, a desire to share hope with those who may feel marginalized or disconnected from the traditional expressions of faith.
Hard Fought Hallelujah shines as an anthem that speaks to perseverance, unshakable faith, and the grace that carries us through life’s hardest moments. Unlike typical worship songs that celebrate victory and joy, this one finds its power in the struggle, reminding us that some of the most heartfelt praise comes from pain and uncertainty. Jelly Roll’s honesty does not just add depth to the track; it makes it real and relatable. For many listeners who have walked similar paths, his words resonate in a way that is hard to describe. He has been open about how worship and a growing faith have helped him reshape his life. In an interview with Relevant Magazine, he talked about feeling hurt by the church but eventually finding a more genuine connection to God, one that made sense to him. Performing Hard Fought Hallelujah became more than just music for him; it was healing. When he and Brandon Lake performed this song together at the Grand Ole Opry, it was not just a concert; it was a moment of grace that touched everyone.
Beyond the album: A lasting impact.
The impact of Hard-Fought Hallelujah has been extraordinary, elevating King of Hearts to new heights. Beyond the numbers, the song has triggered important conversations around faith, redemption, and how worship music can reach people from every background, no matter where they have been or what they are going through. This collaboration is not just a musical success; it is a heartfelt reminder of the album’s message: that God is after our hearts, just as they are. It is a truth that is resonating, where stories of faith rising from struggles continue to inspire followers internationally.
Caitlin 
Clara 
Kath Smart