Kirk Franklin is a name that is synonymous with Gospel music. He’s the guy who’s never afraid to blur the lines of Christianity, whether he’s making music with Kanye West or he’s on stage hitting the quan. Kirk Franklin and his music are an acquired taste. But, you’ve gotta give the guy credit, he’s made some DOPE music over his more than 20 plus years of being in the business.

He’s also not afraid to be transparent, whether he’s talking about his struggles with pornography or if he’s being emotional at his daughter’s wedding. Kirk Franklin is someone I can admire for a ton of reasons. I recently watched an MTV interview he did and it got me to thinking: Kirk has been the soundtrack to my life for the past 10 years, and I didn’t even realize it. He’s not the kind of guy to release an album every 6 months to a year, but his music is definitely for the moment. So here are the 4 Kirk Franklin albums that have managed to change my life and draw me deeper to Christ over the last 10 years…I’m also shamelessly saying if you haven’t heard or bought these albums, what the heck are you waiting for, go buy them!

Hero (2005)

This album takes me back to being a lowly freshman in high school. I was in the midst of learning how to love myself and find my place in the world. This album helped me learn how to worship God. I’ll never forget being in Washington D.C. with my family for Thanksgiving and listening to “Without You”. The words touched me, creating a sense of gratitude in my heart. "Imagine Me" became my theme song as I learned to overcome my issues with self-esteem.

The Fight of My Life (2007)

I listened to this album during my junior and senior year of high school. I was still struggling with self-esteem and depression. I was had a job at the time and was trying to figure out where I would go to college. It was during this time that I spent many days crying out to God. “Help Me Believe” was on repeat almost every day because I really needed help believing that I would make it!

Hello Fear (2011)

I listened to this album so much that my CD barely even plays anymore! Lol. I was 20 years old when this album came out; I was struggling in school and lost someone very important to me. This album helped me heal and I learned about personal growth during this time.

Losing My Religion (2015)

Kirk’s most recent album has definitely been a game changer for me. I’ve had this album on repeat for the greater part of 2016. In fact, the album has its own personal playlist on my phone. I find myself listening to the album during my darkest moments. The thing I love the most is that while it's a gospel album, it's still relatable on a non-religious level. From top to bottom, Losing My Religion is perhaps one of the greatest gospel albums of all time.

Kirk Franklin’s music has gotten me through some very tough times in my life. It has encouraged me, empowered me, and shaped my life in so many ways. So thank you, Kirk, for making timeless, fun, inspiring, God music that has the ability to reach you when you’re at your lowest point.