By: Steff Willis
When for KING + COUNTRY first penned the chorus to what would become ‘YES,’ they likely didn’t know the song would grow into a powerful genre-crossing anthem.
But after Steven Malcolm wrote verses around the brothers’ melodic hook, the track found new life—bridging hip-hop and worship in a declaration of divine acceptance.
Released via Curb Records this July, “YES” fuses the lyrical depth of Malcolm’s storytelling with the soaring harmonies that have made Joel and Luke Smallbone a household name in contemporary Christian music. With four GRAMMY® Awards, over 3 billion streams, and a reputation for delivering deeply personal songs of faith and perseverance, for KING + COUNTRY bring weight to every word they sing. Malcolm, meanwhile, brings his own powerful testimony to the track
“I wrote this record from the depths of shame and guilt,” Malcolm shared
“Those who are alive in Christ, we have something in common, that we came to God with that shame, with that guilt, gave it to him and he said YES, I will take this and renew it.”
The connection between Steven Malcolm and for KING + COUNTRY came naturally, with both acts signed to the same label. After hearing the chorus, Steven wrote his verses and was thrilled when Joel and Luke said “yes” to bringing the collaboration to life.
“I’m telling ya’ll… I’ve met every Christian artist there is out there and you see behind the curtain you know… and for KING + COUNTRY are one of the most stand up, straight arrow, all about Jesus, showman, gentleman, hardworking two guys that I’ve ever met,” Malcolm said.
“For us to have a record together finally… I feel like it’s a God-thing. Shout to for KING + COUNTRY for saying yes.‘YES’
‘YES’ follows the release of Malcolm’s concept album BOATS (Based On A True Story), which dropped earlier this year. The record continues his mission to bring honest, faith-filled narratives to the forefront of Christian music, blending genres and generations in the process.
Article supplied with thanks to 96five.
Feature image: Sourced on Instagram and used with permission
