The King Is Still the King

Tomlin explained the inspiration behind the album, saying,^[3]

If I could pick one word to describe this album, it would be celebration. Scripture talks so often about creation praising God—rivers clap their hands and mountains sing. I wanted to bring that into the album using the sounds God created—wind, thunder, rain, waves and birds. This record is full of sounds that celebrate who God is. Not just in lyrics–but in how it feels. My hope is the whole record brings joy and life–lifting people up in their spirit.

The King Is Still the King was Tomlin's first album in three years, making it his longest time between album release dates.^[4]

The lead single released from The King Is Still the King was "The First Hymn", featuring Ben Fielding, on April 11, 2025.^[5] The song was supported by a live video and a lyric video.^[6][7] "The First Hymn" covers the song P.Oxy 1786, which, written in the 3rd century AD, is credited as being the earliest known Christian Greek hymn to contain both lyrics and musical notation.^[8] The single's tracklist featured both a studio recording, as well as a live recording, from the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.^[5] "The First Hymn" was featured in a documentary of the same name, directed by Dr. John Dickson, which studied the origins of P.Oxy 1786.^[9][10] It premiered at Biola University on April 14, 2025, and was made available digitally in August 2025.^[11][12] Tomlin spoke about the song, saying,

This song reminds us of the history of our faith—it’s not a trend, it’s not a fad, and it’s certainly not 30 minutes old. It’s ancient, it’s historical, and it’s eternal. The worship of the one true God—the giver of all good gifts—has echoed through generations.

On April 16, 2025, as the first of Spotify's Easter Singles Campaign, Tomlin released a cover of Billy James Foote's "You Are My King (Amazing Love)".^[13][14][15]

On July 10, 2025, Tomlin appeared on Fox & Friends, where he announced the song "How Good It Is" and the release date for The King Is Still the King.^[16] The following day, "How Good It Is" was officially released and the album was made available for preorder.^[3][17] It was supported by lyric video.^[18] "How Good It Is" became Tomlin's biggest single debut since his 2020 collaboration with Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line on "Thank You Lord".^[19] On July 27, the song appeared on Fox & Friends, premiering to Television audiences.^[20]

"Doesn't He" was released as a promotional single on August 8, 2025, supported by a lyric video.^[21][22] Tomlin spoke about the song's meaning, saying,^[19]

There's only one name that is worthy of all worship; worthy of all praise. When we sing "Doesn't He deserve it all" we are responding to the goodness of God, the greatness of God, the holiness of God. "Doesn’t He" was the very first song written for the upcoming album. It's felt special from the start… I am excited that the moment has come to release it!

The album's final predecessor, "Jesus Saves", was released on September 5, 2025, supported by a lyric video.^[23]

Within its first week, The King Is Still the King became Tomlin's biggest global streaming debut of his career.^[28]

With the release of the album, it debuted in the UK at No. 12 on the OCC Official Christian & Gospel Albums chart and No. 42 on the Official Album Downloads chart.^[29] In the US, it debuted at No. 8 on the Top Christian Albums chart, No. 41 on the Top Album Sales chart, and No. 36 on the Top Current Album Sales chart.^[30][31][32]

All tracks are produced by Chris Tomlin and Jonathan Smith except where noted