This blog post has been a long time coming, but I was inspired to share it after I created a Praise playlist on Spotify and shared it with my following – the feedback was so wonderful. More people reached out and thanked me for that playlist than ever before.
Which got me thinking – we can listen to worship music without it sounding like hymns all the time. I think that’s what draws me to worship music in the first place – praising God in a way that I feel comfortable doing so.
So today, I’m sharing my favorite songs that are or could be about God, depending on how you perceive them, and where to find more music like them.
01. Who Am I by NeedtoBreathe
A current and absolute favorite. I could sing this one all day long. Basically anything by NeedtoBreathe is good and can be interpreted in different ways, so give them a listen if you haven’t.
Some favorite lyrics:
Oh, while I’m on this road you take my hand
Somehow you really love who I really am
I push you away, still you won’t let go
You grow your roses on my barren soul
Who am I, who am I, who am I
To be loved by you?
02. Rescue by Lauren Daigle
This song has gotten me through some tough days, and I’ve sent it to friends as a way of showing them that I care (because lyrics can mean so much than words, right?).
Some favorite lyrics:
I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It’s true, I will rescue youThere is no distance
That cannot be covered
Over and over
You’re not defenseless
I’ll be your shelter
I’ll be your armor
03. Air I Breathe by Mat Kearney
One of my all time favorite artists forever right here. Mat’s songs all give you the feeling that he could either be talking about loving his wife or loving God, and I can get on board with that. He’s a gem.
Some favorite lyrics:
I feel like a contender
Bringing my fist to a pistol war
I surrender that I need you now and you’ve loved me more
It’s like an ocean over my head and I’m under the light
In slow motion tonightIt’s the same fight all over again
It’s the same bite breaking in my skin
It’s the same light when you let me in
You let me in you let me in
04. Everywhere by Michelle Branch
Michelle is another one who for some reason, I thought she started out as a Christian artist but broke more into mainstream as her career advanced. This was the first song as a teen that made me wonder is she talking about a guy or is she talking about God. I’m good with either, and she’s still one of my favorite artists.
A few favorite lyrics:
‘Cause you’re everywhere to me
And when I close my eyes it’s you I see
You’re everything I know
That makes me believe
I’m not alone
05. Forever on Your Side by NeedtoBreathe + JohnnySwim
Another all time favorite listen here, and not only is it NeedtoBreathe, but they bring in one of my other favorite duos – JohnnySwim. This is just a feel good song with a great beat.
Some favorite lyrics:
All these pieces, they fall in line
Because I’m forever on your side
Take my hand when you can’t see the light
‘Cause I’m forever on your side
I will carry you every time
‘Cause I’m forever on your side
06. (There’s Gotta Be) More to Life by Stacie Orrico
Hellooooo throwback to high school. I remember listening to Stacie Orrico on repeat and memorizing all the words to a few of her songs. This one is still a great one for this playlist. It’s about feeling that there’s more out there than the material world, and it’s an awesome reminder.
Some favorite lyrics:
I’ve got it all, but I feel so deprived
I go up, I come down and I’m emptier inside
Tell me what is this thing that I feel like I’m missing
And why can’t I let go
There’s gotta be more to life
Than chasing down every temporary high to satisfy me
07. Don’t Let Me Down by The Chainsmokers featuring Daya
Admittedly, this is not a Christian song in technical terms, but after my sister sang this song at her church in Nashville, I couldn’t think of it any other way than as a prayer during hard times. You’ve heard it before, but take another listen from a Christian perspective. It’s a good one for this list.
Some favorite lyrics:
Crashing, hit a wall
Right now I need a miracle
Hurry up now, I need a miracle
Stranded, reaching out
I call your name but you’re not around
08. Can’t Live Without by Hollyn
This song sounds like summertime driving on a ocean-side road at sunset. It’s just a good song.
Some favorite lyrics:
Starin’ at the ceiling after midnight
Over-thinkin’ everything in my whole life
All of these regrets are clouding my mind
Lord I need the strength to try it one more time
09. How to Be Yours by Chris Renzema
This song was on an indie playlist and I honestly didn’t make the connection between it and a Christian song until I really listened to the lyrics. Boom, instant favorite.
Some favorite lyrics:
You say that you love me
Don’t say that you love me
‘Cause I don’t know how to be yours
You say that you want me
Don’t say that you want me
‘Cause I don’t know how to be yours
10. Flying by Cody Fry
Another indie playlist find, but pieces of this song remind me of faith. It does seem like it’s from the perspective of someone who has given up hope, but I think we can all relate. Had to add it to the list.
Some favorite lyrics:
Did faith let me down
Or did I not have enough?
That distinction is tough
Still, I thought your hands
Protected me from the fall
Did you mean that at all?
Want to listen to all of these songs plus some more of my favorite Christian songs to jam out to? Follow my Praise playlist here.
What songs would you add to this list? Share in the comments or DM me on instagram!
Love the playlist, it was amazing.
You may really love this song called Love, by Musiq Soulchild. He wanted to add a gospel song to his album but his label didn’t want a Christian song on it so what they did was instead take it off they changed the word Lord to Love!!! God is love. It became the #1 song on the album.