The topics of religion and romance can sometimes cause division and be a sticking point among people for various reasons. But country singer Mark Ledlin has thrown a curve ball of sorts into the mix with an incredibly witty angle for his latest single, "Jealous Of Jesus." For the German-born artist now based in Vancouver, the song's genesis (pardon the pun) came from a discussion he was having with a friend in a bar.
The single is the latest offering from Ledlin, who has had an incredibly interesting life thus far. Born in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany (a place notable for its world championship level ski slopes), Ledlin developed a knack for writing in high school and university English classes, which provided an outlet to express himself. But that itch took a backseat somewhat as Ledlin played professional hockey in Germany for a decade, playing for the likes of the Rostock Pirhanas and Bayreuth Tigers.
Ledlin hung up his skates for good for the microphone and guitar in February 2024. But by then, the music career was in full force. In August 2020, the musician appeared in the German version of The Voice, ending up in the third round and mentored by songwriter Michael Schulte. In 2022, his premiere single "Drink About Me," hit two million streams quickly and made his name known in country music circles. Thus far, he has north of six million streams globally.
"The song walks a bit of a line in regard to being jealous of something so many believe in, but it's really not religion at all," Ledlin says of "Jealous Of Jesus." "It's about two people trying to become one and overcome what most can't. I've been through the situation of someone being so invested in something that it's hard for them to see any other view but theirs."
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"Jealous Of Jesus," written and composed by Ledlin, Dan Botch, and Garrett Ward, makes a strong case for being a late addition to many year-end singles lists. The track brings to mind Tyler Hubbard, Eric Church, and Morgan Wallen as Ledlin paints a picture featuring some great turns of phrases alongside a deliberate but delectable arrangement that builds from the opening verse onwards. It also delicately toes the line between country and pop.
"If you think the song is about being jealous of Jesus, then you didn't really listen to the words," Ledlin says. Both Botch and Ward, who co-produced the single, told him if anyone would do a song like "Jealous Of Jesus" it would be Ledlin. "We put together a great song that tells a story of two people trying to overcome different views to attempt to be together."
"Jealous Of Jesus" was written in Vancouver, where Ledlin crafted the melody and opening verse before entering the studio. After hearing enhanced mixes over a few months, the single was fully fleshed out thanks to a Nashville drummer resulting in "the beast of a song" Ledlin fell in love with.
Ledlin, who released his debut EP Cowboys Wear Sneakers Too in 2023, was a semi-finalist on SiriusXM's Top of the Country that same year. He has played sold-out shows at Vancouver's The Roxy as well as appearing at the Sunfest Country Music Festival in British Columbia's Cowichan Valley. He has also shared the stage with the likes of Lainey Wilson, Dallas Smith, Riley Green, and Kameron Marlowe among others.
"Jealous Of Jesus," following the success of his Top 40 hit "Slower Than You Planned," is sure to be another solid stepping stone for Mark Ledlin who is planning an EP release on the horizon. With a single as smart and stellar as "Jealous Of Jesus," look for Ledlin to be playing arenas again far sooner than you might expect. Just without the skates and hockey equipment.
