You know that feeling when a song comes on and it feels like a warm hug from 1985, even though it was recorded just a few years ago? That’s exactly what happened when Zacardi Cortez released Oh How I Love You. Honestly, it's one of those rare tracks that manages to bridge the gap between your grandmother's favorite Sunday morning quartet records and the crisp, high-def production we expect in 2026.
It’s soulful. It’s gritty. Most importantly, it’s deeply vulnerable.
The song officially hit the airwaves back in 2018, but it took on a whole new life with the Imprint (Live in Memphis) project in 2022. If you’ve ever watched Zacardi perform, you know he doesn't just "sing" a song. He wrestles with it. He lives in it. When he leans into the lyrics of "Oh How I Love You," he’s basically putting on a masterclass in what people call "urban inspirational" music, but let’s be real—it’s just straight-up good soul music.
Why This Track Hits Different
Most gospel songs today are chasing a specific "stadium worship" sound. You know the one—lots of delay on the guitars, very atmospheric, very "clean." Zacardi went the opposite direction. He went back to the roots.
Oh How I Love You was written by a powerhouse team: Lucius B. Hoskins, Fred Sanders Jr., Izk Jenkins, and Nicholas Humes. They managed to capture a vibe that feels like a lost Stevie Wonder or Donny Hathaway B-side. It starts off with that unmistakable Rhodes piano sound and a groove that makes you want to sway before the first syllable even leaves his mouth.
Then there’s the message. It isn't just a "God is good" anthem. It’s a personal, almost romantic-sounding confession of devotion. Lyrics like "It's not enough words in my vocabulary to express how I feel" sound like something you'd say to a spouse, but in Zacardi’s hands, it’s a vertical conversation with the Divine. It’s intimacy set to a 4/4 beat.
The Man Behind the Voice
Zacardi Cortez is a Houston native, and you can hear that Texas "sauce" in everything he does. He’s been mentored by the legendary John P. Kee since he was about eight years old. You can hear that influence, right? That gravelly "growl" he uses when he gets excited? That’s pure Kee.
But Zacardi has something else—a range that feels like it shouldn't be legal. He can hit those high, crystal-clear tenor notes and then immediately drop into a soulful, chesty baritone that feels like velvet.
The Cultural Impact of the Imprint Version
While the 2018 studio version was a hit, the live version from Memphis really solidified its legacy. In gospel music, the "live record" is the gold standard. It’s where you prove you aren't just a product of Auto-Tune and studio magic.
In that recording, you can hear the audience's reaction. It’s visceral. People aren't just listening; they're responding. That’s the "E-E-A-T" of the music world—Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trust. Zacardi has the experience of a man who has toured with James Fortune & FIYA and held his own next to Lalah Hathaway. When he sings about love and commitment, people trust him because they've seen him stay the course through the ups and downs of the industry.
Breaking Down the Style
The song is often labeled as "Retro-Soul" or "Traditional Gospel," but it’s actually a hybrid.
- The Instrumentation: Heavy on the bass and organ, giving it that "Sunday morning" feel.
- The Vocal Arrangement: It uses a lot of call-and-response, which is the backbone of Black gospel music.
- The Production: Even though it sounds old-school, the mix is incredibly modern. The drums punch through the speakers in a way those 70s records never quite did.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that Oh How I Love You is just another "love song to God." While that's true on the surface, it’s actually a song about survival. If you look at the context of Zacardi’s career—moving from a featured singer for others to a solo powerhouse—this song feels like a declaration of independence.
He’s saying that despite the industry shifts, despite the trends, his foundation is this specific kind of love. It’s a "man ain't supposed to cry" type of vulnerability that we don't often see in male vocalists in this genre. He literally sings about putting his pride aside and letting the tears fall. That's powerful stuff.
How to Experience the Best Version
If you’re just getting into Zacardi’s catalog, don't stop at the Spotify single. You’ve got to find the live performance videos. There’s a specific energy in the way he riffs toward the end of the song—often going five or six minutes longer than the radio edit—that truly captures the essence of the track.
- Listen for the "Pinch Myself" line: It’s one of the most genuine moments in the lyrics.
- Watch the "Imprint" Live Video: The chemistry between him and the band is insane.
- Check the 2026 Charts: Even now, years after its release, this track still pops up in the Top 20 Gospel Airplay recurrent charts because it’s a "wedding song" staple in the church world.
Actionable Steps for Music Lovers
- Create a "Nu-Soul Gospel" Playlist: Pair this track with artists like PJ Morton, The Walls Group, and Le'Andria Johnson. It fits perfectly in that pocket.
- Study the Vocal Technique: If you’re a singer, pay attention to his "vowel shaping." Zacardi has a way of rounding out his notes that gives him that massive sound without straining.
- Support Live Music: Zacardi is still touring heavily in 2026. If he comes to a city near you—whether it's Houston, Atlanta, or Chicago—go see the show. The "Oh How I Love You" moment is usually the emotional peak of the night.
The beauty of this song is that it doesn't try too hard. It’s just honest. In an era where everything is over-produced and curated for 15-second clips, a full-throttle soul ballad like this reminds us why we fell in love with music in the first place.
To get the full effect, find a high-quality audio source, put on some decent headphones, and just let that bassline wash over you. It's more than a song; it's a whole mood.
Next Steps for You: You can start by listening to the Imprint (Live in Memphis) album in its entirety to understand the sonic journey Zacardi was on when he re-imagined this hit. Following his ZetRoc label updates will also keep you in the loop for any 2026 anniversary releases or special "Unplugged" sessions he has planned.
