Sunshine, vacations, family time and listening to great Christian music are a few of the highlights that make the summer of 2014 so memorable. Whether attending one of the many Christian music festivals around the country, listening to an Ipod during a jog, or just tuning into a favorite Christian radio station, there have been many inspirational songs filling the airways throughout the lazy days of summer this year. These songs, and the amazing artists that perform them, have encouraged, uplifted, and motivated many listeners these past few months to stay focused on the Lord and the hope of His calling. Looking back on the past few months, it is clear that certain sights, sounds, and experiences will undoubtedly be linked to the powerful lyrics and tunes of this past summer’s top 10 Christian songs. Some of these outstanding songs are as follows:
As a worship leader, Meredith Andrews’ song “Open Up the Heavens” is a cry to hear from the heart of our heavenly Father. All of her songs on the album seek to honor the Lord, but this song is one that she often leads in worship to open up the service at Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. It is an invitation for God to have His way and show His glory throughout the service.
Favorite Lyrics:
You're the reason we're here
You're the reason we're singing
Open up the heavens, we wanna see You
Open up the floodgates, a mighty river
Flowing from Your heart and filling every part of our praise
“Artist of the Year” Dove Award and Grammy winner, Francesca Battistelli, is one of Christian music’s best-selling new artists after releasing her third album If We’re Honest. Her single “He Knows My Name” was co-written with Seth Mosley and Mia Fieldes, and according to Battistelli, “it’s an anthem…God calls us by name. His words for us are chosen, free, forgiven, beautiful, wanted, loved.”
Favorite Lyrics:
He calls me chosen, free, forgiven, wanted, child of the King,
His forever, held in treasure
I am lovedI don't need my name in lights
I'm famous in my Father's eyes…
This well-known Christian band is excited about being on the road again this year with their new album, Love Come to Life. They believe that all of their songs, including “Overwhelmed,” point to something so much bigger than themselves and their goal is to bring glory to God. Throughout their 12 years as a band, they have continuingly written music to reflect the passion and energy synonymous with their other albums.
Favorite Lyrics:
You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by YouAnd God I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I'm overwhelmed, I'm overwhelmed by You
Restart is the Newsboys third album since they were joined by former DC Talk vocalist Michael Tait, and their song, “We Believe,” is quickly climbing the charts. Tait explains that, “this song is a testament and a definite creed for what we as Christians believe; our hope and eternal salvation!”
Favorite Lyrics:
So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, We believe!
As the most awarded Christian performing artist today, Chapman’s newest album The Glorious Unfolding is the culmination of seven years of life experiences and challenges wrapped up into a creative and faith-building project. He shares that he wants his music to be an upbeat celebration while still expressing an honest message of God’s faithfulness.
Favorite Lyrics:
Of this glorious unfolding
We will watch and see and we will be amazed
If we just keep on believing the story is so far from over
And hold on to every promise God has made to us
We’ll see the glorious unfolding
Matt Maher’s newest album All the People Said Amen is like the artist himself, as it is very autobiographical and compelling. His music draws in the listener with a humble and authentic appeal. Maher himself describes his songs as a collage that seem chaotic at a distance but a closer look points to the fact that all are God’s work of art.
Favorite Lyrics:
If you're rich or poor, well it don't matter
Weak or strong, we know love is what we're after
We're all broken, but we're all in this together
God knows we stumble and fall
And He so loved the world, He sent His son to save us all
And all the people said, “Amen,” whoa oh…
NeedtoBreathe is a contemporary Christian band consisting of two brothers, Bear and Bo Rinehart, and Seth Bolt—all from South Carolina. The songs from this latest album reflect a deep yearning for the Lord, but their song “Multiply” is a heartfelt cry and a prayer calling out to God to multiply their offerings of praise to Him.
Favorite Lyrics:
God of mercy, sweet love of mine
I have surrendered to Your design
May this offering stretch across the skies
And these Hallelujahs be multiplied
Loosely based on Psalm 1, this summer hit is a joy-filled song that reminds listeners that God has big plans for everyone, and that He wants His people not only to survive but to thrive. Mark Hall, the frontman for Casting Crowns, has been a youth pastor for over 20 years, and he explains that this song came out of their student ministry. This song, along with all of the other ones on the album, continually challenges each believer to evaluate their relationship with the Lord and with others.
Favorite Lyrics:
Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on High
Shine like the sun made darkness run and hide
We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thriveJoy unspeakable, faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable, anything is possible.
Even though they have been around since 1994, and have earned four gold albums and a platinum disk through the years, MercyMe has done it again with their new song “Greater” from their most recent album Welcome to the New. According to Bart Millard, lead singer for the group, this new song best reflects “the grace message of joy.”
Favorite Lyrics:
Bring your doubts, bring your fears
Bring your hurt, bring your tears
There’ll be no condemnation here
You are holy, righteous and redeemed.
Australian brothers, Joel and Luke, the duo that comprises For KING & COUNTRY, have seen this song top the charts for six weeks in a row, and the music on their second album is touching hearts and impacting lives around the world. Winners of the New Artist of the Year at the 2013 GMA Dove Awards, their lyrics are very personal, and yet their powerful rhythms and instrumentation surprise the listener each time.
Favorite Lyrics:
Love like I'm not scared
Give when it's not fair
Live life for another
Take time for a brother
Fight for the weak ones
Speak out for freedom
Find faith in the battle
Stand tall but above it all
Fix my eyes on You
While playing at the beach or working hard this summer, Christian music always seems to make time more enjoyable and uplifting. This year’s top Christian artists and songs are no exception, as they have sought the Lord for lyrics and music that come straight from His heart. Their own lives reflect the joys and struggles that everyone faces on a daily basis, so their music connects with each listener’s experiences as well. For some, the past few months have included difficulties and troubles, but these songs propelled them forward in spite of the challenging times. The godly lyrics and anointed melodies of the top 10 Christian songs of this past summer have inspired and encouraged all listeners and from now on will always be associated with the summer of 2014!
God has been good to me over the years, and I have so much to be grateful for to Him. First of all, I feel blessed to be the pastor’s wife of a thriving church in northern Michigan and the mother of four amazing grown children. It is also very rewarding to be a Christian author, editor and translator for the Kingdom of God. Growing up as the daughter of missionaries in Santiago, Chile, doing vocational mission work in Sicily, Italy while my husband was in the US Navy, and traveling all around the United States, has instilled in me a strong love for God and His people around the world. Some of my favorite pastimes include supporting my children’s contemporary Christian band ONLY9AM, singing on the worship team at church, traveling, and connecting with family and friends via social media. My favorite song this summer has been “You Make Me Brave” by Amanda Cook from Bethel Church, as God has been stretching my faith and walk with Him in new ways recently. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and especially with my precious three-year-old grandson.