Contemporary worship was already a phenomenon in Christian music at this time last year. But few could have known about the tragedy that was to come on September 11, or the comfort and impact that songs of worship would bring to so many, particularly Michael W. Smith‘s Worship project. Here then, in no particular order, is our new list of favorite worship albums, chosen for their level of artistry, their thoughtful words of praise, and their practical impact on the worshiping body of Christ.

City on a Hill: Sing Alleuia

Various Artists (Essential)

Andy: The second installment of this widely popular series stays in the tradition of joining together some of Christian music’s biggest stars in unique duets. Like the first volume, the sequel features the production work of Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd, who base the project on gentle acoustic beats and rousing orchestral crescendos. With such wonderful collaborations as Nichole Nordeman, Mac Powell (Third Day), and Jennifer Knapp on “Sing Alleluia,” and Cademon’s Call with Phil Keaggy on “Communion,” you’ll enjoy spine tingling praise.

Russ: Christians come together for the sake of worshiping the Almighty with creativity. Old hymns blend with modern worship. Inspirational songwriters duet with roots rockin’ lead vocalists. There’s even a liturgically based mini-communion service in the album’s final few songs. This album is what worship and Christian community are all about.

Psalms

Shane Barnard and Shane Everett (Inpop)

Russ: I’ve picked Psalms for this list primarily because of Shane Barnard‘s songwriting skills, specifically his gift for artful-yet-catchy adaptations of Scripture for worship. Numerous artists have used the Psalms as a source for songwriting over the years, but few have done it as well by appropriating key verses and phrases to verses and choruses. Since Shane also uses draws upon Job and Hosea for this album, I look forward to seeing what else he can do with God’s word for years to come.

Andy: What I really appreciate about Barnard and Everett’s transformation of the Psalms into these modern-day musical compositions is their strong acoustic musicianship. Clearly, the duo was influenced by the likes of Caedmon’s Call and Dave Matthews Band, and being able to pull off the vocals, guitars, and backing beats with similar flair works in the duo’s favor, giving a relevant sound to such sacred texts. Barnard is truly a modern-day troubadour whose possibilities seem endless given the vast material available in the Bible to work into verses and choruses.

Welcome to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Worship Circus

Rock ‘n’ Roll Worship Circus (Vertical)

Andy: Known for their intense live show and classic rock and roll influences (Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and The Beatles) the Rock ‘n’ Roll Worship Circus is a trailblazing rollicking rock band in Christian music, void of clichés and haphazard arrangements. Instead, their spiritual themes and vertical lyrics are couched behind a blaze of guitars and drums, backed even more importantly by personal integrity possessed by each group member.

Russ: I love Rock ‘n’ Roll Worship Circus for taking a different approach to praising God, combining fun British rock sounds with times of breath-taking worshipful atmosphere ala Pink Floyd. Anything that gets people excited about coming to worship the Lord is a good thing. Given time, I think this band might be as influential as Delirious has been on modern worship.

Top 25 UK Praise Songs

Various Artists (Maranatha!)

Russ: This album calls attention to the art of arranging, an essential skill in being a worship leader. Everyone can mimic the original versions of “Shout to the Lord” and “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” for their own church’s worship, but sometimes it’s helpful to try something new musically to grab the congregation’s attention or express the personal style of the church. Might this album inspire worship leaders to stretch their artistic skills for the sake of glorifying God?

Andy: I’ve always said artists need to put just as much effort into artistry as they do ministry, and thankfully, the worship leaders on this project echo those sentiments. Because the group is based in the UK, the songs have an obvious underlying Brit-pop influence, yet the arrangements are clever and carefully developed. Keep your ears glued to cuts like “Shine, Jesus Shine” and “We Want to See Jesus Lifted High.” You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the inventive reworkings.

Kara

Kara (Vertical / Integrity)

Andy: Growing as a worship artist from her stint with the band Three Strand, Kara is even more effective as a solo artist on her Vertical Music debut. The self-titled released is loaded with groovy dance jams, bursting pop beats, and refreshing contemporary melodies that will translate well into the church setting. The production on Kara’s project is top notch and matches, if not surpasses, anything in the mainstream market, proving that musical quality and uplifting spiritual messages make for an appealing combination.

Russ: This is a different kind of worship album … one that has a beat you can dance to. As cool as the techno-pop production is on this album, don’t let that shy you away from using these songs in church. Kara’s original songwriting translates well to rock and acoustic settings. Additionally, the reverse vertical song “I Love You” is a love letter from God to us that leaves me with chills. Good stuff, especially if you’re a fan of Rebecca St. James‘s Worship God album.

If You Say Go

Vineyard Music Group (Vineyard)

Russ: I think this is easily the best album Vineyard has released since 1999’s acclaimed Hungry. The Violet Burning’s “Invitacion Fountain” is already on the verge of becoming a new classic, but it’s just one of several new songs I’d love to introduce to my own worship teams. Teenage worship leader Rachel Milstead has a wonderful voice, and her song “Make Me Whole” is one of the most beautiful worship songs since “Breathe.” And the closer, “My Everything,” is absolutely electrifying. On top of that, the enhanced CD includes a bevy of resources for worship leaders. Expect a lot of these songs to appear on other worship albums for the next three years.

Andy: You can always depend on Vineyard’s ability to cull together some of the most anthemic praise material available and put it together with the worship leaders who can get the job done right. They obviously can’t strike gold with every release, but they’ve managed to do so in the last few years with projects like Hungry and Holy. If You Say Go continues in that tradition, and it will particularly impact the high school and college crowd looking for substance beyond worship cheerleading.

Effortless

Rita Springer (Floodgate)

Andy: Rita Springer delivers penetrating worship experiences along her endless road of touring, while her recordings serve as soundtracks for believers to step into personal interaction with God. Her latest Effortless combines angelic vocals (along the lines of Tori Amos or Ginny Owens) with the soothing piano playing fans have come to love over the years. Springer wears her passion for worship on her sleeve and never once leaves the parameters of a praise experience.

Russ: ‘Passionate’ is a word you can’t use enough when describing Rita’s songwriting, and ‘poetic’ is a close second. Though her vocals are energetic, they can also be as powerful as Melissa Etheridge and the Indigo Girls. The sense of worship seeps through the speakers on this one, with a terrific band that recalls Rich Mullins’s A Liturgy, A Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band album at times. Rita’s a terrific songwriter who deserves a wider listening audience for her contributions to the church.

You Shine

Brian Doerksen (Hosanna! / Integrity)

Russ: This long-time contemporary worship leader is overdue for some recognition, and this is the album to do it. You Shine is the first solo album from the man responsible for “Refiner’s Fire,” “Lord Light the Fire Again,” and “Come Now Is the Time to Worship,” which appears at the album’s end for thoughtful reasons. It’s so clear from the songwriting, the arrangements, and the performance that Brian really understands what it means to worship lead … and how to be artistic about it as well.

Andy: In the past, worship leaders have often remained anonymous behind praise compilations, and although I appreciate their humbleness in doing so, it’s nice to be able to follow the work of favorite songwriters, especially the ones who think outside the box. Doerksen mixes up this project with new compositions as well as new versions of audience favorites that previously appeared in the Hosanna and Vineyard collections. Stylistically, You Shine runs the gamut between progressive pop and incandescent balladry.

Amazed

Lincoln Brewster (Vertical / Integrity)

Andy: Lincoln Brewster has played guitar for a list of legends ranging from Journey’s Steve Perry to Michael W. Smith, and he’s always kept his blend of alternative rock and pop on the cutting edge throughout his career. Amazed is particularly listener friendly through its course of rearranging modern-day worship standards (like Delirious‘ “What a Friend I’ve Found”) while featuring many spirited originals (including “All I Really Want” and “Everybody Praise the Lord”).

Russ: “Everybody Praise the Lord” is the coolest rock worship song I’ve ever heard. Lincoln knows how to write catchy and memorable worship songs that you’ll find yourself humming long after listening to the album. But most of all, I love Lincoln’s willingness to promote instrumental excellence in worship – he absolutely smokes as a lead guitarist. If you liked Sonicflood’s first album, you’ll love this one.

Alive

Student Impact Worship Team (Willow Creek)

Russ: We’re going with a slightly unorthodox choice by picking this independent release from the Student Impact youth service at Willow Creek Community Church, but let that be an indicator of how good it is. Twenty-something worship leader Aaron Niequist leads an impressive praise team of teens on this album of mostly original songs. The music is fun, memorable, and irresistible – great for worship services of any age demographic.

Andy: Having personally participated in several worship services at Willow Creek, I can attest to the congregation’s abundance of musical talent and infectious methods of delivery. Hearing primarily the youth of the church on this project is encouraging and shows promise that the parish will have a new generation of impacting worship leaders coming up in the ranks. Youth groups across the nation will fall in love with Student Impact’s free-flowing style and spirited moments of praise, finding themselves quickly adapting Willow Creek’s methods in subsequent services.

Check out our “Best-Of” Archives to see other lists from previous years

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Ta-da! It’s ChristianityToday.com’s first annual Favorite Worship Albums list. You should note that this isn’t a best-of list, but a compilation of our favorites from October 2000 to September 2001. We felt it important not to rank worship albums, saying one is better than another, since we all have different ways in which we prefer to worship God. These albums were chosen based on creativity, production, and most importantly, their ability to bring the listener into a place of worship. We hope you enjoy these selections as much as we did! (Note: Click on album image to purchase album at musicforce.com)

The Noise We Make

Chris Tomlin (sixsteprecords/Sparrow)

Andy:Straight from the Passion movement, Tomlin releases a touching record of worship set to a mix between acoustic and plugged-in rock and roll. Tomlin is not only blessed with the ability to lead worship, but also does so with a certain aura of artistic intricateness on The Noise We Make. The project features several original songs, as well as some covers, such as Delirious‘ “Happy Song,” and material from the Passion series. The disc’s highlight, “Need You Now,” encourages believers to call upon the Lord at all times and take up their cross to follow him daily.

Imagerical

Matt Brouwer (Reunion)

Russ:Matt’s my pick for most promising new worship songwriter. His debut is filled with simple, catchy worship songs that are thoughtfully crafted. Much of this album can be used in contemporary worship settings, especially “Sanity,” “Rivers of Mercy,” and “A New Song.” Matt primarily relies on adapting Psalms for the song lyrics, but it’s the music that really makes Imagerical stand out. The production is a slick modern pop crossing of Michael W. Smith with Jars of Clay, but it rarely overwhelms the listener. Matt Brouwer is a terrific example of a worship leader who writes worshipful pop songs, not simply praise choruses, and he’s sure to be a recognized songwriter if his future albums are this good.

Over Under Everything

Circadian Rhythm (40 Records)

Andy:For any U2 fan, here’s the chance to hear their legendary style set to a worshipful tone. In fact, their cover of U2’s “Gloria” is not only performed up to par with the original, but it allows listeners to really embrace the message of the song. Standout tracks such as “Beautiful Savior,” “We Are Hungry,” “Something Glorious,” and “Sounds of a Revolution” run the gamut of guitar-driven rock and roll to more subtle, pop-driven balladry. The lyrics are simple in meaning and easy to understand, allowing listeners a distraction-free worship opportunity, without the need to dissect the songs’ meanings.

You Are so Good to Me

Waterdeep (Squint)

Russ:I sincerely hope more people come to discover Waterdeep, a band equally adept at writing passionate classic rock and poetic worship. Fans who have already heard Enter the Worship Circle or seen them in concert already knew about this skill, but Waterdeep’s latest only confirms their talent. If you can imagine the Grateful Dead and Sheryl Crow leading semi-improvisational worship, you have an idea of what Waterdeep sounds like. As much as I love the band’s classic sound, it’s their simple, confessional songwriting that grabs me—songs of mercy and hope that remind us of how wretched and ugly we are, and how loving and beautiful our Savior is.

All Around the World

Various Artists (Kingsway/Sparrow)

Andy:Worship leaders Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Oakley, and Neil Wilson team up to deliver an action-packed collection of modern worship tracks. The quartet strives to interpret each track with intensity and emotion and to match the results with slick production and glossy instrumentation. “Jesus You Alone” lends an exuberant message to a radio-friendly beat, while “Can a Nation Be Changed?” features the quartet urging believers to live out their faith within society. The foursome collaborates on those two numbers and also performs some solo material, giving most tracks a sense of individuality.

In the Company of Angels

Caedmon’s Call (Essential)

Russ:Considering this band’s previous work, it’s no surprise Caedmon’s Call has a solid recipe for an excellent worship album. Using the band’s well-blended acoustic pop/rock sound as a foundation, the album is a smart balance of original songs, a few classics, and old hymns by Isaac Watts reworked into new songs—not to mention an unreleased work written by Rich Mullins. Many of the song lyrics are poetic expressions of praise, particularly Kemper Crabbe’s “The Danse.” I love how the band readily embraces traditional worship to create something altogether new.

Porch and Altar

Charlie Hall (sixsteprecords)

Andy:Hall lends his blend of alternative worship straight from the Passion movement to Six Steps Records. This sophomore release for the worship label showcases Hall mixing up rock and roll with more contemplative meditations. Porch and Altar closes with a breathtaking four-song sequence—comprised of “Make Straight,” “The Cross,” “Savior of the World,” and “One Thing”—designed to bring listeners into the presence of God. Particularly moving are “The Cross,” a touching acoustic ballad pointing to the cleansing and comforting power of Christ’s cross, as well as “Savior of the World,” which extends on those images, provoking thoughts of the Resurrection.

Rhythms of Remembrance

Apt•Core (Rocketown)

Russ:And now for something completely different … There’s no beating Rhythms of Remembrance for this year’s most creative (and unusual) worship album. Blending electronica and techno with world music beats and spoken scripture passages, producer Will Hunt has come up with a worship album that’s somehow both relaxing and exciting. I’ve listened to this album while exercising, during work, as I’m falling asleep, and as pre-service music for my church’s youth service. Though it’s surely too modern for some tastes, this project is proof that you can worship the Lord with almost any kind of music.

Invade My Soul

By the Tree (Fervent)

Andy:After selling more than 30,000 copies of their independent releases, By the Tree signed to the brand new label Fervent Records to release their national debut. Songs such as “Reveal” and “There for Me” are both wake-up calls for struggling believers to lift their hands in praise to God, while the sheer passion of the title cut encourages listeners to allow Jesus into their souls. Although the lyrics on this project may seem a bit watered down at times, listeners can easily memorize the songs and offer the words of praise after merely a few spins of the disc.

Never Gonna Stop

Tommy Walker (Hosanna / Integrity Music)

Russ:One of my favorite worship leaders today, Tommy Walker is a master at blending traditional and contemporary worship elements (such as the brief reference to “Angels We Have Heard On High” in “Give Us the Sounds”). He writes memorable praise songs with the best of them. But what I really appreciate about Tommy is his commitment to musical excellence in worship. A gifted vocalist and lead guitarist, his CA Worship Band is the closest thing I’ve heard to a Christian Dave Matthews Band, offering superb instrumental solos to the praise of the Lord. Tommy Walker should be required listening for all worship music enthusiasts.

Sonicpraise

Sonicflood (Gotee)

Andy:Before their dismemberment, Sonicflood released a live disc of many songs found on their self-titled debut project, as well as some new recordings. By doing so, many felt they merely regurgitated old material into a concert setting—when, in fact, such updated renditions are a lot more powerful. The live effect does wonders for Sonicflood, who truly uplift listeners with “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “I Want to Know You (In the Secret),” and “I Have Come to Worship.” Even slower numbers, such as “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” have a fresh vibrancy to fully engage fans in a corporate worship setting.

Desperate

Among Thorns (Worship Extreme)

Russ:Of all the alternative rock worship bands that have released albums this year, the latest from Among Thorns impressed me the most. Unlike similar sounding bands who debuted in 2001, Among Thorns never quite succumbed to using overly repetitive worship lyrics. And if they did get a little repetitive, they punctuated it dramatically with the music and instrumental arrangements. I also love how they opened Desperate with a heavy classic rock sound, gradually moving into mid-tempo tunes, and eventually drawing the listener into the slower worshipful songs. The powerful album closer, “Forever,” still sends chills down my spine!

Check out our “Best-Of” Archives to see other lists from previous years.

Ta-da! It’s ChristianityToday.com’s first annual Favorite Worship Albums list. You should note that this isn’t a best-of list, but a compilation of our favorites from October 2000 to September 2001. We felt it important not to rank worship albums, saying one is better than another, since we all have different ways in which we prefer to worship God. These albums were chosen based on creativity, production, and most importantly, their ability to bring the listener into a place of worship. We hope you enjoy these selections as much as we did! (Note: Click on album image to purchase album at musicforce.com)

The Noise We Make

Chris Tomlin (sixsteprecords/Sparrow)

Andy:Straight from the Passion movement, Tomlin releases a touching record of worship set to a mix between acoustic and plugged-in rock and roll. Tomlin is not only blessed with the ability to lead worship, but also does so with a certain aura of artistic intricateness on The Noise We Make. The project features several original songs, as well as some covers, such as Delirious‘ “Happy Song,” and material from the Passion series. The disc’s highlight, “Need You Now,” encourages believers to call upon the Lord at all times and take up their cross to follow him daily.

Imagerical

Matt Brouwer (Reunion)

Russ:Matt’s my pick for most promising new worship songwriter. His debut is filled with simple, catchy worship songs that are thoughtfully crafted. Much of this album can be used in contemporary worship settings, especially “Sanity,” “Rivers of Mercy,” and “A New Song.” Matt primarily relies on adapting Psalms for the song lyrics, but it’s the music that really makes Imagerical stand out. The production is a slick modern pop crossing of Michael W. Smith with Jars of Clay, but it rarely overwhelms the listener. Matt Brouwer is a terrific example of a worship leader who writes worshipful pop songs, not simply praise choruses, and he’s sure to be a recognized songwriter if his future albums are this good.

Over Under Everything

Circadian Rhythm (40 Records)

Andy:For any U2 fan, here’s the chance to hear their legendary style set to a worshipful tone. In fact, their cover of U2’s “Gloria” is not only performed up to par with the original, but it allows listeners to really embrace the message of the song. Standout tracks such as “Beautiful Savior,” “We Are Hungry,” “Something Glorious,” and “Sounds of a Revolution” run the gamut of guitar-driven rock and roll to more subtle, pop-driven balladry. The lyrics are simple in meaning and easy to understand, allowing listeners a distraction-free worship opportunity, without the need to dissect the songs’ meanings.

You Are so Good to Me

Waterdeep (Squint)

Russ:I sincerely hope more people come to discover Waterdeep, a band equally adept at writing passionate classic rock and poetic worship. Fans who have already heard Enter the Worship Circle or seen them in concert already knew about this skill, but Waterdeep’s latest only confirms their talent. If you can imagine the Grateful Dead and Sheryl Crow leading semi-improvisational worship, you have an idea of what Waterdeep sounds like. As much as I love the band’s classic sound, it’s their simple, confessional songwriting that grabs me—songs of mercy and hope that remind us of how wretched and ugly we are, and how loving and beautiful our Savior is.

All Around the World

Various Artists (Kingsway/Sparrow)

Andy:Worship leaders Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Paul Oakley, and Neil Wilson team up to deliver an action-packed collection of modern worship tracks. The quartet strives to interpret each track with intensity and emotion and to match the results with slick production and glossy instrumentation. “Jesus You Alone” lends an exuberant message to a radio-friendly beat, while “Can a Nation Be Changed?” features the quartet urging believers to live out their faith within society. The foursome collaborates on those two numbers and also performs some solo material, giving most tracks a sense of individuality.

In the Company of Angels

Caedmon’s Call (Essential)

Russ:Considering this band’s previous work, it’s no surprise Caedmon’s Call has a solid recipe for an excellent worship album. Using the band’s well-blended acoustic pop/rock sound as a foundation, the album is a smart balance of original songs, a few classics, and old hymns by Isaac Watts reworked into new songs—not to mention an unreleased work written by Rich Mullins. Many of the song lyrics are poetic expressions of praise, particularly Kemper Crabbe’s “The Danse.” I love how the band readily embraces traditional worship to create something altogether new.

Porch and Altar

Charlie Hall (sixsteprecords)

Andy:Hall lends his blend of alternative worship straight from the Passion movement to Six Steps Records. This sophomore release for the worship label showcases Hall mixing up rock and roll with more contemplative meditations. Porch and Altar closes with a breathtaking four-song sequence—comprised of “Make Straight,” “The Cross,” “Savior of the World,” and “One Thing”—designed to bring listeners into the presence of God. Particularly moving are “The Cross,” a touching acoustic ballad pointing to the cleansing and comforting power of Christ’s cross, as well as “Savior of the World,” which extends on those images, provoking thoughts of the Resurrection.

Rhythms of Remembrance

Apt•Core (Rocketown)

Russ:And now for something completely different … There’s no beating Rhythms of Remembrance for this year’s most creative (and unusual) worship album. Blending electronica and techno with world music beats and spoken scripture passages, producer Will Hunt has come up with a worship album that’s somehow both relaxing and exciting. I’ve listened to this album while exercising, during work, as I’m falling asleep, and as pre-service music for my church’s youth service. Though it’s surely too modern for some tastes, this project is proof that you can worship the Lord with almost any kind of music.

Invade My Soul

By the Tree (Fervent)

Andy:After selling more than 30,000 copies of their independent releases, By the Tree signed to the brand new label Fervent Records to release their national debut. Songs such as “Reveal” and “There for Me” are both wake-up calls for struggling believers to lift their hands in praise to God, while the sheer passion of the title cut encourages listeners to allow Jesus into their souls. Although the lyrics on this project may seem a bit watered down at times, listeners can easily memorize the songs and offer the words of praise after merely a few spins of the disc.

Never Gonna Stop

Tommy Walker (Hosanna / Integrity Music)

Russ:One of my favorite worship leaders today, Tommy Walker is a master at blending traditional and contemporary worship elements (such as the brief reference to “Angels We Have Heard On High” in “Give Us the Sounds”). He writes memorable praise songs with the best of them. But what I really appreciate about Tommy is his commitment to musical excellence in worship. A gifted vocalist and lead guitarist, his CA Worship Band is the closest thing I’ve heard to a Christian Dave Matthews Band, offering superb instrumental solos to the praise of the Lord. Tommy Walker should be required listening for all worship music enthusiasts.

Sonicpraise

Sonicflood (Gotee)

Andy:Before their dismemberment, Sonicflood released a live disc of many songs found on their self-titled debut project, as well as some new recordings. By doing so, many felt they merely regurgitated old material into a concert setting—when, in fact, such updated renditions are a lot more powerful. The live effect does wonders for Sonicflood, who truly uplift listeners with “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” “I Want to Know You (In the Secret),” and “I Have Come to Worship.” Even slower numbers, such as “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” have a fresh vibrancy to fully engage fans in a corporate worship setting.

Desperate

Among Thorns (Worship Extreme)

Russ:Of all the alternative rock worship bands that have released albums this year, the latest from Among Thorns impressed me the most. Unlike similar sounding bands who debuted in 2001, Among Thorns never quite succumbed to using overly repetitive worship lyrics. And if they did get a little repetitive, they punctuated it dramatically with the music and instrumental arrangements. I also love how they opened Desperate with a heavy classic rock sound, gradually moving into mid-tempo tunes, and eventually drawing the listener into the slower worshipful songs. The powerful album closer, “Forever,” still sends chills down my spine!

Check out our “Best-Of” Archives to see other lists from previous years.