Some people think Christian music is all the same— cheesy, slow, and basic— when in fact Christian music can vary quite a bit. For example, artists use rhythm, tempo, and lyrical creativity stylistically to spice up songs. From making you bounce in your seat and bob your head to making your eyes misty and your heart swollen, here is a list of the top 10 spiritually uplifting songs.
10. “Build a Boat” by Colton Dixon: A No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs and Christian Adult Contemporary (AC) Airplay charts in early November 2022, “Build a Boat” speaks about the songwriter’s hope and strength in God. A pre chorus drum beat builds up and leads into a hype chorus perfect for singing at the top of your lungs while driving or riding in the car.
9. “Fix My Eyes” by For King & Country: The peppy feel of this song is announced off the bat as it starts with lively clapping. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is merely a happy-go-lucky song, however. The lyrics immediately dive into the deep subject of how the songwriter would live differently if he could do things over. “Fix My Eyes” received Platinum status from the Recording Industry of Association America (RIAA), which signifies that one million units of the song have been sold.
8. “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” by Matt Redman: “10,000 Reasons” has been showered with recognitions, including GRAMMYs, Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, and two-time RIAA Platinum status. Recognizing the song’s pretty melody and beautiful praise of the Lord, over ten different artists have covered this song.
7. “Can’t Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen and Brandon Lake: Released this year, this upbeat and fun song is currently No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian AC Airplay list and No. 2 on their Christian Airplay chart. The duo, Queen and Lake sing, “What the world couldn’t give, no, it can’t take away,”promoting the idea that joy is constant and not circumstantial.
6. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED: This gorgeous nine minute long song has received GMA Dove Award Song of the Year, as well as RIAA Platinum Status. The lyrics of “Oceans” harken back to the story of Jesus calling Peter out to walk on the sea with Him, and the songwriter prays for the faith and trust to “walk upon the waters / Wherever You would call me.”
5. “Run to the Father” by Cody Carnes: The relatable lyrics make “Run to the Father” great to sing with heartfeltness in worship or in Adoration. Sing along with Carnes as he prays, “Running into Your arms / Is running to life from death.” This song ranked No. 59 in Christian Copyright Licensing International’s SongSelect Top 100 Worship Songs in Churches.
4. “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury: “Reckless Love” gained the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and Mediabase’s Christian Audience chart. Throughout his song, Asbury conveys the awe-inspiring magnitude of God’s love for humanity in a way that washes over listeners. He sings, “Oh, the… reckless love of God / Oh, it chases me down, fights ‘til I’m found, leaves the 99.”
3. “O Death” by MercyMe: The creative lyrics and perspective offered in this song make it fun and unique. The singer is talking to death, as if death is a person, and gleefully proclaiming, “O death, you are dead to me,” reveling in Jesus’s triumph over death. This song achieved No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian AC Airplay chart at the beginning of August this year.
2. “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake: “Hard Fought Hallelujah” took the song charts by storm, rising to the top of five different charts, including the Christian/Gospel Songs chart and Billboard’s Christian Streaming Songs chart. This song has more of a slow rock feel, and Lake sings soulfully with rawness about persevering in faith.
1. “Friend in High Places” by Zach Williams: Surprised? “Friend in High Places” is not greatly acclaimed, but it is well worth a listen. This song possesses well-crafted, honest lyrics and a soothing instrumental background, which includes an accordion feature. It also draws a contrast with Garth Brook’s “Friends in Low Places.” While Brooks takes solace in alcohol and human relationships, Williams proclaims a message of trust and hope in God, who has redeemed him.
There is variety in Christian music, but the best part of Christian music is what remains unchanged. The best part is how the music draws the listener to God, whether that be through the beauty of the sound, the truth of the words, or the feelings it causes to rise up in one’s heart. Music is a gift from God; may it lead us closer to Him.
