Jonathan McReynolds Talks New Album 'Closer' & Spiritual Growth
Jonathan McReynolds Talks New Album ‘Closer’ & Spiritual Growth
- McReynolds' new album 'Closer' opens with a bold, 80s-inspired track that defies expectations of his acoustic sound.
- McReynolds' songs stem from intimate conversations and prayers, capturing authenticity and resonating deeply with audiences.
- The title track 'Closer' featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard challenges the modern obsession with 'bigger' and 'better', refocusing on intimacy with God.
Gospel music isn’t just about sound; it’s about the spirit behind it. Few artists embody this truth quite like Jonathan McReynolds. Known for his acoustic guitar, conversational lyrics, and transparent approach to faith, McReynolds is gearing up for a major release that promises to push boundaries while pulling listeners nearer to the heart of God.
In a recent interview on Praise 1025 with Jekalyn Carr, the Grammy-nominated artist opened up about his highly anticipated new album, Closer. From bold 80s-inspired openers to deeply personal revelations, McReynolds is ready to take us on a journey that feels both fresh and familiar.
A Bold New Announcement
If you think you know what to expect from a Jonathan McReynolds album, get ready for a surprise. While his signature acoustic vibe remains the foundation, Closer kicks off with an energy that demands attention.
Speaking about the album’s opening track, “Echo,” McReynolds shared his excitement about exploring new sonic territories. “When you guys hear it, is a very bold way to start the record,” he told Carr. “One day I just woke up and I just felt… I was like, Lionel Richie. Now I don’t even listen to a whole bunch of Lionel Richie stuff… but I just really just wanted to explore that world, that sound.”
This isn’t just about trying a new genre; it’s a statement. “Echo says, no, that’s not what we’re doing today,” McReynolds explained, laughing about defying expectations of him sitting quietly with a guitar. “We might get to a little bit of that, but we’re not doing that today.”
The song serves as a powerful reminder of our spiritual lineage. McReynolds describes the concept beautifully: “Our lives are really echoes of prayers that have been prayed. Our prayers, our mama’s prayers, grandma’s prayers, we’re walking echoes.”
The Writing Process: From Conversation to Melody
One of the reasons McReynolds’ music resonates so deeply with audiences is its authenticity. His songs often feel like you’re eavesdropping on an intimate prayer or a candid conversation with a friend. During the interview, he revealed that this “conversational” style is intentional—because that’s exactly where the songs come from.
“It probably comes off conversational because most of the songs come straight from conversation,” he noted. “I just kind of hear something profound or I pray something that I think is really accurate.”
He described those moments of clarity in prayer where words just click. “Sometimes you just be saying stuff like, ‘Lord, help me, blah, blah’… And then other times, like you say something like, really, like that was it. Like that was really accurate to my heart in that moment.”
It’s this commitment to honesty that transforms simple phrases into anthems. “Those type of moments or those type of weird words are normally the ones that I just kind of… throw it up in the air. I sing it and see if it works.”
Collaborating with Greatness on ‘Closer’
The title track, “Closer,” is set to be a standout moment on the project, featuring a powerhouse collaboration with Tasha Cobbs Leonard. McReynolds didn’t hold back his admiration for her, calling her “maybe our generation’s greatest.”
The song itself is a tear-jerker, deeply rooted in a message that challenges the modern obsession with “more.”
“God, I know that our generation says, let’s do bigger. And I know even for myself… we always strive to be better. But in this season, God wasn’t asking for either one of them for me. He just asked me to be closer,” McReynolds reflected.
This perspective shift is the heartbeat of the album. It’s a call to prioritize intimacy with God over outward success. “Maybe the bigger and the better comes with the closer, but if it doesn’t, I’m still closer. And that’s really the point of this Christian journey.”
Finding Purpose in the ‘Off-Season’
Beyond the music, McReynolds shared wisdom on how he maintains his focus and joy when he’s not on stage. For anyone navigating the highs and lows of life or career, his advice on handling the “out of season” moments is pure gold.
“If you’re like me, you know, you get up for projects. So give yourself some mini projects,” he advised. Whether it’s planting a garden, fixing a hole in the wall, or wandering through Home Depot looking for inspiration, the key is to keep moving and creating.
“Make sure that your life, all the eggs are not in one basket,” he said. “When you do have an off season and the main thing is kind of like… off to the side, I still have… maybe the project is health. Maybe the project is how much can I work out?”
This holistic approach to life keeps him grounded. He even spoke about his love for teaching, having recently taught a class on spiritual formation at Virginia Union University. “It keeps you wanting, it keeps you accomplishing, it keeps you encouraging, encouraged that you could do it.”
A Verified Faith
In a world full of imposters and filters, McReynolds is focused on what’s real. He touched on a track called “Verified,” likening the social media struggle for verification to our spiritual walk.
“There’s so many scamming and fake versions of Jesus too. There’s so many scamming and fake unverified versions of God and our faith as well,” he observed. Through this album, he wants to point listeners to the truth. “I want to point to… the verified version, the one that was really there, the one that was crucified… My God is verified.”
The Payoff
As Closer prepares to drop on March 27, McReynolds views this body of work as a testament to endurance and growth.
“It was the soundtrack and the payoff to all the work that I’ve been doing health-wise, cholesterol-wise, discipline-wise, all that stuff,” he said.
Ultimately, his hope for the album is simple yet profound: “If you’re not moving closer to God, you really do have to wonder if you are drifting away… I hope this album… is another kick in the pants, that you got it. God loves you anyway. So move closer to that.”
Get ready to move. Closer is coming, and it sounds like exactly what we need right now.
