The relationship between gospel music and rock‘n’roll has never been harmonious. The latter, despite its unmistakable roots in the former (Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, anyone?), has long been considered the “devil’s music” because of, among other things, the beat. Never mind that rock‘n’roll and gospel share the same basic rhythm pattern.

Nevertheless, the two genres occasionally share the same space, albeit reluctantly. This is made evident by an upcoming album from Van Zant, consisting of the brothers Donnie and Johnny Van Zant. Donnie was, for years, a vocalist and guitarist for Southern rockers .38 Special, while Johnny has, for decades, filled the vocalist position for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Yes, the two are brothers, and yes, they are the younger brothers of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s original vocalist, the late Ronnie Van Zant.

Donnie has been mostly inactive since 2013, when inner-ear issues forced him to leave .38 Special, while Johnny has been consistently on the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd. The two haven’t recorded together since 2007, when they were pursuing a country direction. 17 years later, they’re back at it, and the results … just listen. Preferably cranked up.

“In the Sweet By and By” this is not.

Powered by a thunderous bass and searing hot deep-fried pure Southern rock licks, “Jesus Christ” has all the subtly of an enraged charging rhinoceros. The lyrics match the music: raw, in your face, no compromise gospel that even the most passionate pulpit-pounding preacher would be hard-pressed to match for sheer Holy Spirit tongues of fire fervor.

They hung Him up on the cross
They nailed Him up by His hands and feet
The blood He lost
They beat Him till there was no skin
Crucified an innocent man
He yelled out, “Father!”
“They don’t know what they do”

There were tears running down His face
There was blood pouring out His eyes
He was more than just a man
They didn’t understand
He is our Savior
The Holy One
Jesus Christ

I believe the appropriate response is, “PREACH!”

The song is the first released track from a new Van Zant album coming out in fall 2024. As Johnny Van Zant explains, “Jesus Christ” is not an outlier but instead an indicator of the new album’s direction.

For the initiated, Van Zant has a solid place in conservative’s hearts. The brothers have done only one tour together, that taking place in 2006. Ten years later, audio from one of the shows revealed this gem, covering a song Johnny and Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded in 2003.

More recently, the duo recorded an homage to their governor, namely Ron DeSantis.

Our Mike Miller wrote about the song when it was released.

MORE: Watch: Iconic Rockers Pay Tribute to Gov. Ron DeSantis in New Hit Song 'Sweet Florida'

Isn’t it refreshing to have artists standing up for conservative values and unashamedly proclaiming the Gospel? Southern rock may generally be thought of territory reserved solely for, as ZZ Top put it, beer drinkers and hell raisers. However, the traditional values and faith that permeate the South, much to the liberal North’s chagrin, remain strong and unshaken no matter how many historical markers the left tears down. God bless the Van Zant brothers for showing the world how it’s done. And for giving us a perfectly good reason to turn up the stereo while doing so.