2026 is the new 2016. It was a decade ago when Elevation Worship released Here As In Heaven, a defining project for the group featuring songs like "Here As In Heaven," "Resurrecting," and "O Come to the Altar." A project that really helped shape the sound of modern worship and set the tone for so much of what we're still hearing today.

Ten years later, Elevation Worship returns with a new live album, SO BE IT. Even the cover feels intentional, pulling from the same color palette as Hallelujah Here Below. This is a declarative record, one that sits in agreement with the Word of God. It immediately pulls me to the Book of Proverbs 16:1, "We humans make plans, but the Lord has the final word." And if that's true, then every promise He's spoken still stands.

With features from Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, and Leeland, this 10-track project delivers a strong, cohesive body of work. Songs like "SO BE IT," "Jesus Be the Name," "I Know A Name," "God, I'm Just Grateful," and "Alleluia" lead the way -- but like any album, the real question is how the rest of project holds up.

"SO BE IT" stands out immediately. It feels reminiscent of the title track from When Wind Meets Fire, carrying a sound that feels fresh within the worship space. It's built on the foundation of Scripture and comes across as a bold, proclamative anthem, one that centers the core of our faith. It's easily one of my favorites on the album.

"Alleluia," featuring Chandler Moore, is a strong, upbeat track that I can already hear translating into local church sets. The same goes for "Keep On," led by Davide Mutendji, Tori Elliot, and Isaiah Templeton. Then you've got a run of songs - "I Know A Name" (feat. Brandon Lake), "Jesus Be the Name," "Call God," and "Your Name Is God" (feat. Leeland Mooring) - all circling the same central idea: lifting up and calling on the name of Jesus. What I appreciate is that, even within that shared theme, each song still manages to feel distinct.

Out of that group, "Jesus Be the Name," led by Tiffany Hudson, really stands out. It's simple, singable, and built for the church. The first verse especially flows in a way that sticks with you: "Your name for all my life / And still find more to love each time / Jesus be the name ever on my lips / It's sweeter every time that I call on it." "Thank You," led by Jonsal Barrientes and Tiffany Hudson, does exactly what the title suggests; it leans fully into gratitude. It's straightforward, but that's what makes it land: "Thank You, thank You / For the wonders You've done / And the ones that You're still gonna do."

My favorite on the album has to be "I Got Saved," led by Chris Brown. It takes you right back to that moment -- the decision to follow Jesus, to call on His name, and to step into a new life. It's simple, reflective, and incredibly effective. I can see a lot of churches picking this one up. The bridge, especially, hits: "Not who I used to be, I got the Holy Spirit down inside of me / My God calls me by a brand new name..." You can hear the room in it -- the voices, the weight, the conviction behind every line.

Closing the album, "God I'm Just Grateful" feels like the perfect landing point. Chandler Moore does what he does best -- deliver emotion in a way that feels real, not forced. You can hear the journey in his voice: the highs, the lows, everything God's brought him through. That authenticity carries the song, "Who am I that You keep me on Your mind? / God, I'm just grateful for You..." It's easily one of the strongest moments on the project.

SO BE IT is solid front to back. It gives you high-energy moments, balanced with reflective writing and worship that feels grounded. It's not my favorite release from Elevation Worship, but it's one that could grow on me over time, and I wouldn't be surprised if many tracks from this project become a staple for a lot of churches in the next year.

- Review date: 2/19/26, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com