Well, this has been a long time coming.
After more than a dozen books, more than a dozen years of ministry, and more unfinished creative dreams than I can count, I finally did the thing I’ve wanted to do since long before anyone called me “Pastor” or “Author.” I made an album.
Today, I’m excited (and a little nervous) to officially announce that The Jacked Up Life Soundtrack is now available on Apple Music, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms.
It’s not a worship album in the typical sense. I don’t sing on it. I don’t play the instruments. But I did write the lyrics and the melodies—and poured more of my heart and theology and scars into these songs than anything I’ve ever published with a barcode.
This is music for people who know what it’s like to stand in a pile of emotional and spiritual rubble, staring at the cracked foundation of your life, wondering if God still builds anything out of this kind of mess. If that’s you—or ever has been—this album is for you.
A Soundtrack for the Imperfect Life
The Jacked Up Life Soundtrack is the musical companion to my book The Jacked Up Life, which tells the story of what happens when guilt, fear, and shame shake the foundation of your identity—and how God meets you in the middle of it, not after you’ve cleaned it all up.
Each song on this album mirrors a chapter of the book, but this is more than just a bonus feature or reading companion. These tracks carry their own emotional arc. They wrestle with regret, unravel perfectionism, and slowly piece together something like hope.
The sound ranges from reflective acoustic moments to anthemic pop and contemporary Christian textures. You’ll hear echoes of doubt, determination, grace, and gritty joy.
And no, you won’t hear my voice.
But that was intentional. One of my longtime creative inspirations has always been the late, great Quincy Jones—not just because of his talent, but because of the kind of artist he chose to be. Quincy released albums full of vocal brilliance, but he didn’t sing a single note. He saw himself as the thread pulling everything together—writing, arranging, shaping something bigger than his own voice. Now, I’m no Quincy Jones; not even close. But his recent passing reminded me of that model and gave me the freedom to finally pursue my dream of songwriting and producing music.
Why Now?
Honestly, the big thing that held me back was the lie that I was “too late” or “too old” or that it “wasn’t my lane.” But after the sudden disintegration of my last pastorate, and through the very process of writing my book The Jacked Up Life, I realized something:
God doesn’t wait for perfect timing or clean resumes. He builds with what’s jacked up—so the foundation can be grace, not perfection.
So I started writing. And tracking. And rewriting. And praying. And listening. And learning new tools that gave these melodies the life I’d only imagined. Now, it’s not just something I dreamed about. It’s something I can share with you.
What to Expect Next
Over the coming days, I’ll be posting right here on GodGuy.com about each track—what inspired it, what chapter it connects to, and how the lyrics emerged from some of the messiest and most meaningful moments of my life.
From the confessional country anthem “Time and a Half” to the vulnerable healing cry of “Pour It New,” these songs are meant to be sat with—not just sung to. So whether you’re listening while driving, walking, crying, or doubting, I hope these songs serve you.
Start Listening Now
If you’re ready to stream it right now, here are the links:
👉 Listen on Apple Music
👉 Stream on Spotify
(And if you like it, would you do me a favor and follow the artist page, add it to your library, and maybe share it with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone?)
One Last Thing
This album wasn’t made in a vacuum (it was actually my basement.) No, actually it was made in the quiet spaces between real-life responsibilities, pastoring people, wrestling with my own thoughts, and figuring out what faith looks like when it’s more about being honest than impressive.
So thank you for being here.
Thanks for reading the book, if you did. Thanks for sticking with me through the years. And if you’re just discovering my work for the first time, welcome to the jacked up journey. You’re in good company.
Because Jesus didn’t come for the polished.
He came for the jacked up to jack us up for something eternal.
And sometimes, grace sounds like a song.
Take a listen!
—Michael