GRAMMY nominated, two-time Dove award winner Aaron Cole returns with a brand new 13-track album that continues to showcase Cole's range as one of the most skilled artists in the CCM, CHH landscape. Sorry, I Changed gives us a new era of Cole with lyrics of faith, hope, and authenticity. This is the artist's first album with Provident Label Group, and his first album since his departure from Gotee Records. With blends of Cole's clean rapping skills and smooth vocals, the Bristol, Virginia native puts together a really good project that shows a mature version of the artist. In an era where Christian Hip-Hop music continues to grow more and more, Aaron Cole's voice is among the best there is.

The opening track, "2 Cents," is one of my favorites of the album. This one feels like a reintroduction to Cole. It starts with low energy as the words "take my hand" are sung throughout. I can just tell Cole is about to come in with some bars on this. From hearing about the loved ones he's lost, the tears shed and getting married, everything about this track feels real. My favorite line before the beat drops is "You can't elevate just by staying the same, so I'm sorry I had to change." I love how that flows with the title of the album.

More album favorites include "Hand on My Life," which is one of the best on the project. The chorus says "God's hands all around me, look at my life you'll see, God's hands all around me." With a clean beat and catchy chorus, I can't get over how nice this one is. In "Refuge," Cole gives us the truths of what God is speaking in the midst of our troubles. I also love the feel and beat on this track.

I can hear clearly how Aaron Cole's musical influences permeate this album. "SBTN," featuring gospel legend Kirk Franklin, is a jam. This song samples Franklin's classic hit "Something About the Name Jesus." It's head bobbing jam that'll get you dancing to the beat. I grew up on the Kirk Franklin track, so hearing how the sample is used definitely brought me back. "Have Your Way," which threw me for a loop (in a GOOD way), samples Carl Thomas' 2000 R&B hit, "I Wish." Cole makes a plea for the Lord to have His way in all things. "Proof" has an Afrobeats vibe that sings of how faithful God is and that he doesn't need more proof of God and who He is. I really liked "Infinity," which features DOE. This track gives smooth, old school R&B vibes mixed with 80s synth sounds. The addition of DOE gives this song some beautiful layers. Other favorites include "I Love It" and "Prayed 4 Me."

Overall, Sorry, I Changed is a great album that has a wide selection of favorites for me. Aaron Cole puts together one of his most solid projects to date. And the best part? You can tell Cole took his time building this album. He did what most artists forget to do when creating a project like this. When you go out and experience life and allow the Lord to move in the good and the bad, there are stories, phrases and perspectives to draw from. Christian Hip-Hop is alive and the genre is better off with an artist like Aaron Cole in it.

- Review date: 4/24/24, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com