Donnie McClurkin Releases Final Single “Better Afterlife” Ahead of Last Studio Album
Published Oct. 17, 2025
Since his breakthrough as a solo artist with the 1996 self-titled debut, Donnie McClurkin has helped shape contemporary gospel and modern worship with enduring songs such as “I Call You Faithful,” “Wait on the Lord” (with Karen Clark Sheard), “Stand” and “Great Is Your Mercy.” Across a long career he has earned multiple Grammy Awards, 10 Stellar Awards and two BET Awards.
On Oct. 17, 2025, McClurkin issued what he calls his final single, “Better Afterlife,” the lead track from his forthcoming farewell studio record. The song is intended as a message of hope: to remind listeners that even through difficult seasons, circumstances can improve and endurance brings renewal.
“It’s a byproduct of the times that we’re living in. I just wanted to help encourage everybody that no matter how bad times are, it’s going to get better after a while. Nothing remains the same… there needs to be some kind of encouragement to let them know that we’ve been through hard times before and we made it through.”
The single previews FINALLY!, McClurkin’s final studio album and his first full-length release since 2016’s The Journey. The album was recorded at TBN Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and is slated for release in 2026 on Camdon Music / Fair Trade Services.
Production on FINALLY! is led by Trent Phillips and Tre’ Corley, with McClurkin credited as co-producer and Jerard Woods serving as co-producer and vocal producer. The project blends new material with reimagined classics such as “What a Mighty God” and “The Solid Rock,” under the guiding concept of “Bringing Gospel Back to Gospel Music.”
At 65, McClurkin says he’s choosing to conclude his recording career on his own terms while continuing select public work. He plans to keep performing occasionally — including an appearance at the United in Sound Festival at Carnegie Hall on Jan. 24 — and he remains active as senior pastor at Perfecting Faith Church in Freeport, New York, and as host of The Donnie McClurkin Radio Show, syndicated in more than 65 markets.
McClurkin also continues philanthropic initiatives focused on housing and community development. In partnership with Food for the Poor, his team has completed three homes in Jamaica and intends to add two more houses annually, in addition to ongoing efforts in New York.
Listen
Credits
- Single: “Better Afterlife” — released Oct. 17, 2025
- Album: FINALLY! — scheduled for release in 2026 via Camdon Music / Fair Trade Services
- Producers: Trent Phillips, Tre’ Corley; Co-producer: Donnie McClurkin; Vocal producer/co-producer: Jerard Woods
