Various Artists: House of David: Season One (Music inspired by the Prime Video Original Series)

Various Artists
House of David: Season One (Music inspired by the Prime Video Original Series)
Capitol Christian Music Group (release date: February 27, 2025)

By Robert M. Marovich

“Got a harp in one hand and a sling in the other,” sings veteran Christian Contemporary Music artist Chris Tomlin. This apt description of the biblical figure David opens “After Your Help,” one of ten songs that comprise the soundtrack to the first season of the Amazon Prime Video series House of David.

The album offers a mixture of radio-sized songs based on the Psalms and on the dramatic life and times of David, performed by today’s top-tier CCM, gospel, and pop artists. A good example is the album’s first single, “40,” for KING & COUNTRY’s “atmospheric cover of U2’s pop ballad based on Psalm 40 (He put a new song in my mouth / A hymn of praise to our God). Another solid selection is “I’ve Got a Story,” which teams Tori Kelly with NEEDTOBREATHE.

Israeli singer Eden Golan offers spectacular vocals on “Beautiful Horizon,” while Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s “Take Courage My Heart” has a distinctly Dylan folk sensibility. Michael Iskander, who portrays David in the video series (and can sing!), duets with American Idol finalist Gabby Barrett on the orchestral “Lead Me to the Water,” its melody borrowing from Middle Eastern music.

Holy hip hop star Lecrae joins recent Capitol Christian Music Group signee Jamie MacDonald on “Unbreakable.” Lexington, Kentucky native Anne Wilson blends CCM and country as she croons “Won’t Go Wasted.” Tasha Cobbs Leonard contributes “Help,” a ballad based on Psalm 121 (I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills). Not only is “Help” the album’ s finest selection, but it’s Tasha’s best performance in recent years and has the bonafides to become a single on both the CCM and gospel charts. Nigerian-born vocalist Blessing Offor closes the album with an anthemic performance of the David-and-Goliath-inspired crossover track “Giants Fall.”

Notwithstanding the variety of artists, the songs and arrangements have that quintessentially dramatic small screen soundtrack quality. Some are celebratory, others brooding, and all draw inspiration directly or indirectly from the Psalms and blend rock, pop, folk, and gospel. All are melodic and none are fillers.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “Help,” “Giants Fall”