Christian pop-punk artist Grace Graber has released her second full-length original album, Sophomore Year, on November 6, 2026. Featuring nine original songs, the new collection reflects her personal growth, struggles, and renewed confidence in her identity as an artist and follower of Christ.
The release follows the success of her viral PUNK X PRAISE VOL 1 project earlier this year, which introduced her energetic pop-punk interpretations of popular worship songs to a wider audience.
Although Sophomore Year is arriving now, the album has been three years in the making. Graber first developed its school-year concept during a songwriting session with Josiah Prince of Disciple. The idea became a fitting reflection of her own journey: navigating uncertainty, discovering where she belongs, and gradually growing more confident in who she is.
For Graber, the sophomore-year theme represents a season of transition. While still figuring out her identity and direction, she has gained a stronger understanding of her purpose and the community surrounding her.
Her musical journey has included relocating to Nashville, releasing her independent debut album The Breakthrough in 2024, and establishing herself as a dedicated voice in Christian pop-punk. However, the experience also brought disappointments, unexpected challenges, and moments when she questioned whether she truly belonged in the Christian music industry.
One of the songs shaped by those difficult experiences is the energetic rock track "Fire Drill," which came from a painful personal situation that helped her recognize where she needed to move forward.
A significant turning point came when Graber began putting her own pop-punk spin on worship favorites, including Brandon Lake's "Gratitude." The response across social media opened new opportunities and helped her discover a stronger sense of belonging within Christian music.
That renewed perspective also led to the creation of her K-LOVE podcast, Breaking Through with Grace Graber, where she explores the connections between music, faith, and mental health.
The healing and encouragement she found along the way became central themes throughout Sophomore Year. Songs such as "Jericho" and "Make Believe" reflect this transformation. The latter is particularly meaningful to Graber, honoring the Christian rock artists who have encouraged and influenced her journey, including Hawk Nelson and Stellar Kart.
The album also features "All Stars," co-written by Graber, Adam Agee, and Josiah Prince. Working alongside musicians whose songs helped shape her own adolescence represents a meaningful milestone in her development as a songwriter.
The creative team behind Sophomore Year also includes longtime producer Blake Cross and Ross Black. Together, they helped shape a collection that looks back on the lessons of Graber's early career while pointing toward what lies ahead.
Rather than forcing her experiences into a particular narrative, Graber has embraced a more honest approach to songwriting, allowing the songs to reflect both the difficult and rewarding parts of her journey.
The album features nine tracks, including:
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"Feels Like Highschool"
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"Fire Drill"
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"Jericho"
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"Make Believe"
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"Full Circle"
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"All Stars"
With Sophomore Year, Graber celebrates the importance of healing, finding the right community, and moving beyond the need for acceptance in the wrong places. Her message encourages listeners to acknowledge difficult experiences while allowing God to lead them toward renewed purpose and confidence.
About Grace Graber
Grace Graber is a Christian punk artist known for combining heartfelt original songwriting with energetic pop-punk interpretations of worship music. Her songs explore mental health, redemption, faith, and the healing love of Jesus.
Her discography includes The Breakthrough (2024) and Sophomore Year (2026), alongside her popular PUNK X PRAISE VOL 1 project. She also hosts the K-LOVE podcast Breaking Through with Grace Graber, discussing the intersection of music, faith, and mental health.
Having experienced depression and PTSD, Graber credits Christian rock music with playing a significant role in her personal journey toward healing. Artists and bands such as Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, and Disciple have influenced her music and continue to inspire her work.
Stream Sophomore Year on your preferred platform through the official album listening link.
For more information, visit Grace Graber's official music links.
