(October 8, 2025) Ushering in the gifts of piano playing and choir directing from an early age, Kirk Franklin has stamped his distinguishable sound on his astounding 13-album discography, all gold or platinum certified. And the awards are still flowing as 2025 began with a Black Music Icon Award, a deserved recognition indeed for an artist who often invites talents from various genres (Chance the Rapper, U2’s Bono, i.e.) in messages of God’s eternal plan. From The Family to solo projects over the past 25 years, this ambassador for urban gospel music has artistically grown through his trials and tribulations, demonstrating how hope gets the victory through the earthly mental battles.
In another dose of friendly melodies — a regular expectancy from his past discography (“I Smile,” “Brighter Day,” and the previous single, “Do It Again”) — the latest edition of First Listen presents Franklin’s latest 2-track single, “Able,” including an acoustic version. The simplistic pop R&B flavored soundtrack pushes the emphasis on the warm vocal presentation.
Though Franklin trusts the lead vocalists to carry the message, his non-singing contributions generate a team player motivational boost on handling our emotional dilemmas: “So, when you question if He’ll ever fail you/ Just look where you have come from and that should tell you…/He’s able (To heal this pain)…/I’m amazed every day how He’s able (To heal my mind).
In promoting his recent World Tour, the video for “Able” captures the emphatic audience reaction to Franklin and his ensemble who demonstrates their heart for the One who is able. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
