How do you come up with a top 10 list of the best male voices in Christian music today? Lucky for you, that’s my problem and struggle and not yours, but let’s see if you agree. Christian music has transformed and exploded with artists like Michael W. Smith who began in the 80’s and hasn’t stopped singing. Or Ben Calhoun of Citizens Way who I could listen to for hours. Some obvious names come to mind, such as Mac Powell from Third Day, who are so engrained in music that I can’t imagine him ever retiring. Get ready. Get set. GO!
Here are 10 of the best male voices in Christian music today!
After season seven of American Idol, Colton Dixon made waves in the Christian music world with “You Are”. It’s hard to listen to a Christian radio station and not hear “More of You,” “You Are” or “Our Time Is Now”. He has a strong following and I’m excited to see where God takes him.
Burden Me was the first album released by Jeremy Camp. He has been on the Christian music scene for a long time, but started humbly playing during worship services while in college. This lead to performing throughout Southern California and he hasn’t stopped since. “I Still Believe” and a few other songs from early in his career reflect the illness and death of his first wife, who died in February 2001 – just three and a half months after they were married. Some of my favorite Jeremy Camp songs include “There Will Be a Day”, “Stay”, “Beautiful One” and “Healing Hand of God.”
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Mike Weaver has been the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave since the band formed in 2002. His voice is so smooth and the words sink in deep when he sings “Redeemed”, “The Only Name (Yours Will Be)”, “What Life Would Be Like”, “Every Time I Breath” and so many other songs.
Casting Crowns is a household name if you love Christian music. Lead singer Mark Hall is one of seven youth pastors who make up the group, but they originally were not focused on traveling and fame. I love their music because each song brings a unique message that is relevant as a Christian today. One of my favorite songs Mark Hall sings is “Praise You In This Storm.” “Who Am I”, “Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)”, “Voice of Truth”, “Courageous” and “Lifesong” are also amazing!
Seeing David Frey perform is something you need to experience! His voice is a mixture of soul, smoothness and effortless beauty. Sidewalk Prophets was originally a group of guys who met in college and unexpectedly got the break of their lives while attending Anderson University in Indiana. My two favorite albums are Three Simple Truths and Live Like That.
If you listened to Christian music in the 1990’s you probably remember the young Michael Tait as lead singer of DC Talk. The band broke up suddenly and he formed a band simply called Tait in 1997. He has been the lead singer of Newsboys since 2009. I love hearing DC Talk songs on the radio and my favorites are “Jesus Is Just Alright” and “Jesus Freak”. Powerful songs with Michael Tait as the lead singer of the Newsboys include “We Believe”, “God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion” and “Your Love Never Fails”.
Matt Maher is one of my favorite Canadian Christian musicians, although he now resides in Arizona. He has been in the Christian music industry for a while, with his first album (The End and the Beginning) released in 2001. A few songs of Matt Maher that speak to my soul include “Your Grace Is Enough”, “Rise Up” and “Lord, I Need You.”
Thankfully Bart Millard didn’t become the pro football player he dreamed of after he became injured. Instead, he joined the choir while attending Southern Methodist University, which lead to a path of music and eventually forming the band MercyMe. In 2002, the song “I Can Only Imagine” topped the Billboard 200 in mainstream music and they won a Dove Award. Bart Millard’s voice is upbeat and powerful. I love the songs “Greater”, “Shake”, “The Hurt & The Healer”, “Beautiful” and “Word of God Speak”.
I like to refer to Michael W. Smith as the grandfather of Christian music because he has been so influential and solid as a musician, Christian and family man. His style is very worship centered and so many of his songs have become part of church worship services. Seeing him perform live is an experience like no other – you will come away feeling uplifted as you sing and glorify God together. A few favorite songs include “Breathe”, “You Won’t Let Go”, “Place In This World”, “You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)”, “Open the Eyes of My Heart” and “Here I Am to Worship.”
Mac Powell’s voice is timeless in a way that is so beautiful. If you have the chance to see Third Day in person you will be blown away! He formed Third Day with guitarist Mark Lee in high school. “I Need a Miracle”, “Cry Out to Jesus”, “Born Again”, “Revelation”, “Children of God”, “Your Love Oh Lord” and “I’ve Always Loved You” will uplift you and fill your soul with something wonderful.
Ouch. This hurts a bit because so many male Christian singers have impacted me with their music. Others that have profoundly influenced countless Christians include Stephen Curtis Chapman, Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Crutch, Chris Tomlin, Chris Rice, Josh Wilson, Kevin Max of Audio Adrenaline, Mike Grayson of Mikeschair and Danny Gokey. Yes, I know you have other favorites that aren’t on my list, so please let me know which ones you love!
I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.