Jonathan McReynolds Blends Afrobeats and Gospel on New Live Album 'Closer'
Gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds recorded his new album 'Closer' live in Chicago, mixing 80s synth-pop, Afrobeats, and acoustic soul. The project features Tasha Cobbs Leonard and musicians from Team Eternity Ghana.
Jonathan McReynolds recorded his new album "Closer" live in Chicago, and the result is one of the more adventurous gospel projects of 2026. The album blends 80s synth-pop, Afrobeats, and acoustic soul into a sound that feels both rooted in tradition and open to the world.
McReynolds brought in Tasha Cobbs Leonard for a standout collaboration. He also worked with Team Eternity Ghana, a group of Ghanaian musicians whose presence gives the album an international texture that sets it apart from most contemporary gospel releases.
The live recording captures the energy of a Chicago audience responding to music that moves between praise and introspection. Tracks like "Own Advice" and "Emoji" have already gained traction on streaming platforms.
Gospelbuzz named "Closer" one of the most significant gospel releases of 2026, pointing to McReynolds' willingness to incorporate global sounds without losing the theological depth that has defined his earlier work.
The album arrives as gospel music is seeing growing international reach. Artists like Dunsin Oyekan from Nigeria and Sinach, whose worship songs are sung in multiple languages, are expanding what gospel sounds like and who it reaches.
McReynolds has been a consistent presence in gospel music for over a decade. "Closer" suggests he is still pushing the genre forward rather than settling into a familiar formula.
