Josh Turner’s “I Saw the Light” shows off the best baritone in country music

I wandered so aimless life filled with sin
I wouldn’t let my dear savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord I saw the light

Josh Turner just dropped the first single from his upcoming album, I Serve A Savior, and it’s an instant earworm. Originally written by Hank Williams, “I Saw the Light” is a country hymn that Turner rearranged to add some minor chords and suspensions here and there. The real draw of the tune is Turner’s rich, commanding baritone that’s as thick as molasses.

The full album will be a collection of faith-based tunes and will include several of Turner’s favorite hymns and a few originals, as well as live recordings of his biggest hits, “Me and God” and “Long Black Train.” A DVD will release in tandem with the album, which this live recording of “I Saw the Light” is from. The DVD will also feature interviews with the artist and a performance by the Turner Family.

Of the album, Turner said:

“Working on this project has definitely been a God-ordained blessing. I never would have thought I’d be doing this record this year, but God opened a door and I walked through it,” Turner states. “I’ve seen many seemingly impossible things take place during the making of this record and I’ve felt God’s anointing over it.”

Faith has always been a major element of Turner’s music, going back as far as

I Serve a Savior will also feature such timeless hymns as “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Great Is Your Faithfulness.” One of the original songs on the album, “The River (of Happiness),” was written by his wife and son.

Turner began writing songs as a child, but he did not have access to musical education. With this in mind, the South Carolina native started The Josh Turner Scholarship Fund to assist students interested in pursuing a future in arts and music.