Jake Wesley Rogers, Hot Gospel | Song Review

Missouri-bred pop singer/songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers shines on his entertaining, reflective, and thought-provoking single, “Hot Gospel.”

“When you’re looking out a great, big window / Talking to your therapist / And you say don’t wanna let go / But you don’t wanna exist.” Ooh-wee! That is a lot! Notably, openly gay, Missouri-bred pop singer/songwriter Jake Wesley Rogers is finally doing it! What is he doing? Releasing his debut album, In The Key Of Love, on May 9, 2025.  The intriguing song at hand, “Hot Gospel”, marks another fabulous advanced single. Rogers wrote it alongside producer Dallas Caton. 

The instrumental backdrop is a fine canvas for Rogers to paint upon with his voice.  His instrument is distinct and incredibly expressive. Jake always brings his ‘A game,’ singing authentically and sincerely.  The first verse (excerpted above) sets the tone.  Memorably, in the pre-chorus, Rogers mentions his Missouri roots, God, and not needing “to believe to do it well.” Again, do what, Jake? “Do the hot gospel,” of course, he sings in the chorus, continuing, “Do the bad believer / Do the broken healer / Do the saint, do the spell / Do the heaven, do the hell.” The second verse is shorter than the first but remains thought-provoking.  “Hot Gospel” closes with an outro where Jake asserts, “I’m going to make the most of this hill / I’m gonna do the hot gospel.” At least part of that hill seems to be God and the conservativeness of Missouri. Jake Wesley Rogers is incredibly talented.  The entertaining and reflective “Hot Gospel” is a prime example of his elite artistry. It is well-written lyrically and musically (harmony, melody, and instrumentally).

Jake Wesley Rogers // In The Key Of Love // Facet / Warner // 5.9.25

[: Facet / Warner ]