The highly anticipated “Losing My Religion” by “Uncle” Kirk Franklin, which is the first studio album from him in 4 years, is finally here. The album’s first single “Wanna Be Happy” debuted on BET’s Sunday Best and has been a hit ever since. The catchy song samples a classic by the Reverend Al Green, which has drawn some criticism from other Christian artists and believers in general. In an interview with Christian Post Franklin states “With this song, I’m saying, if you really want to be happy, you have to start with the originator…My goal is to lead people to the manufacturer of their souls”.

Franklin is certainly no stranger to the criticism of his music and has even admitted to fans via Twitter that he was apprehensive about releasing new material, “Every artist is afraid, I’m just not afraid to admit it! WANNA BE HAPPY?” Now that the album is available to the masses many are curious to find out why he wants to lose his religion. In the title track Franklin poetically lays out the concept for the entire album with the following:

“In the beginning religion created a mask…for generations’ church was where we went to go hide. Rules without relationship is empty inside. There’s room at the cross for everyone even me…religion is prison but truth sets us free. The next time you think America, please include me. The preacher isn’t God, religion’s first mistake. I’m losing my religion, thank God…helping you lose yours is my job.”

Having now fully listened to the album twice, I like what I hear and have already chosen a favorite track, “My World Needs You”. I can personally relate to Franklin’s desire to produce music for the people. Not music that compromises sound doctrine or is scripturally inaccurate, but rather music that causes the listener to turn to God the father. The fact is that even if every line in the song doesn’t start with “Jesus”, the message of the song can always lead back to Him if the music is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Have you heard the album? Share your thoughts!