Worship artist and songwriter Pat Barrett is stepping into a new season with the forthcoming release of his live album Break Open (Live), a project that captures the energy and immediacy of worship in a live setting and offers fans a fresh expression of his recent music. The album arrives as Barrett continues to build momentum as one of the most influential voices in modern worship, known for songs that blend reflective lyricism with congregational accessibility.
The upcoming release centers around the idea that songs often reach their fullest expression when sung together in community, a vision that shaped the recording process and creative direction of the album. Early listening previews suggest a sound marked by organic instrumentation, extended worship moments, and the spontaneous atmosphere that only a live environment can provide. Rather than simply recreating studio tracks, the project presents these songs as living moments shared between artist and audience.
The title track, "Break Open," introduces listeners to the heart of the album, carrying themes of surrender, openness, and transformation that have become hallmarks of Barrett's writing. The song reflects the emotional core of the project and signals a broader artistic intention to bridge personal devotion with collective worship experiences. For longtime listeners, the live album serves as a continuation of the journey begun in his recent studio era, reimagining familiar songs through the perspective of gathered worship.
"This song is long-awaited on my end, and I'm so stoked it's out," shares Pat Barrett. "I've recorded it twice before, but it just never lined up to be the right thing or the right time. I look back, and I'm honestly blown away at how grateful I am that this song was recorded when it was, so it could be on this project. I'm praying for what Paul prayed in Ephesians 3: that this song somehow helps us 'grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.'"
Barrett's influence within contemporary Christian music continues to expand, fueled by a catalog that includes widely sung worship staples and a reputation for writing songs that resonate across denominations and worship traditions. The live album arrives during an active touring season, giving audiences the opportunity to experience these songs in real time and reinforcing the connection between the live stage and the recorded project.
Industry observers note that Break Open (Live) reflects a growing movement within worship music toward authenticity and shared participation, favoring the emotional immediacy of live recordings over studio perfection. The project positions Barrett at the center of this ongoing shift, highlighting his ability to translate intimate songwriting into large-scale communal moments.
As anticipation grows ahead of the album's release, listeners can expect additional music and live moments to emerge in the coming weeks, offering deeper insight into what may become one of the defining releases of Barrett's current artistic chapter. With Break Open (Live), Pat Barrett invites audiences into an experience that moves beyond performance, emphasizing connection, honesty, and the power of voices joined together.
Listen to "Break Open" and pre-save/pre-add the live project now.
