(July 30, 2026) When Bri Babineaux was introduced to the gospel market via Tyscot Records over a decade ago, she lifted her voice to encourage the masses about God’s eternal goodness. And her recording career has been widely embraced, beginning with the debut Keys to My Heart, a contemporary mix of gospel with pop and R&B overtones which earned a Stellar Award New Artist of the Year in 2017. After a three-year hiatus, Babineaux revisited her church worship roots in her home state of Louisiana, evidenced by her sophomore project entitled The Encounter in conjunction with Integrity Music. This 2020 release was highlighted by a top 30 Billboard Gospel track, “Baptize Us Again,” an original piece about rediscovering a reliable spiritual love.
Despite another recording hiatus, her latest CD in 2026, Brianna, drew over 300 million streams, dipping into the Rhythm & Praise (R&P) zone, where edgier urban expressions mixed Biblical antidotes. And two tracks caught the attention of SoulTracks: the Choice Cut, “All,” and the First Listen, “Confident,” revealing her most vulnerable place of sanctuary.
With yet another track from Brianna, First Listen presents “Make Me Feel,” a mid-tempo R&B/pop testimony that yearns for R&P radio play. The fluctuating keyboards set the tone with complimentary percussion that provide the skipping grooves alongside the steady snare beats. Guiding “Make Me Feel” are producers Harmony ‘HMoney’ Samuels and Edgar ‘JV’ Etienne (MAJOR.) who run the groove show filled with warm harmonies while Babineaux calmly declares the Lord’s faithfulness amongst the stress:
“Even when I try to leave,
You’ll be running after me,
My God is the peace that I didn’t know I needed.”
It’s always a treat every time Bri assertively steps onto the gospel platform. Listen up!
By Peggy Oliver
