If you think of Christian music as sappy pop songs with three chords, this Spotify list will surprise you. Christian music can be surprisingly diverse. Whether hip-hop, folk, fresh releases or older classics, Christian music has one thing in common — a celebration of the divine. Check out this Spotify list of our favorites that you may not have heard before.
Kari Jobe performed the song “Forever,” which has become a Christian music classic. The song is about the Resurrection.
Jobe said her song, “Forever,” is based on 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 in the New Testament, according to a Christianpost.com article. Its message serves as a reminder that the enemy is no longer in control.
“My favorite part of the whole song is ‘our resurrected king has rendered you defeated’ because it’s so powerful for us to realize that death has lost its sting. Life himself defeated the grave,” the article says.
A more recent addition, “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle, addresses continually trusting in God, even when things don’t go the way we planned.
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“Brother” by Needtobreathe discusses protecting the people around you from the trials of life, and answering their call.
Christian music legend Michael W. Smith is responsible for many unforgettable Christian songs, but “Friends” is one that fans may not have heard.
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A slower song, “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris, is a floating tribute, touching on the life of Christ.
Charlotte Church and Josh Groban collaborated on an arrangement of “The Prayer.”
Amy Grant’s classic “El-Shaddai” is one of the classics in Christian music, and has been covered by many other Christian bands.
Mandisa’s “Overcomer” has become a motivation song comparable to Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song.”
Although Brandon Heath is known for his classics “Give me your Eyes” and “Jesus in Disguise,” his lesser-known song, “The Harvester,” is a folky must.
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Tenth Avenue North’s “Losing” talks about forgiving others even when it’s hard and emphasizes that the choice is between love and hate.
Francesca Battistelli’s song “Run to Jesus” isn’t her biggest hit, but the message is powerful.
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Sufjan Stevens has a very acoustic sound focused on intricate harmonies in his song “Holy Holy Holy.”
Reba McEntire’s distinctive country sound was prominent in her new Christian-based album, of which “Back to God” is a part.
“Strong Enough” by Matthew West talks about feeling inadequate and having Christ’s “hands of mercy” enable him.
Patty Griffin’s “Up to the Mountain” has a slight jazz feel and is a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Griffin sings about being obedient and climbing mountains when asked.
The moments after Mary Magdalene discovered Christ was risen are captured in Natalie Grant’s song “Alive.”
Hillary Scott’s anthem “Thy Will” also echoes themes from the end of Christ’s life.
Zach Williams is a fairly new artist, and the song “Chainbreaker” in his first album has taken off.
Steven Curtis Chapman has had many hits, but “Be Still and Know” is a quiet song that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The band Passion recorded “Remember” in 2016. The song discusses remembering the power of Christ even when we are at our lowest points.
A more alternative song, “I’ll Keep On” by Jeremiah Carlson and Nathan John Feuerstein, explores a little bit of a hip-hop sound.