Faith, farming, laughter, and music were the cloth from which I was cut. Growing up in the little white church on the hill, my favorite part of the service was being sandwiched between my mother’s perfectly harmonizing alto, my big sisters’s strong soprano, and my middle sister’s chocolate sound as we sang the poetic words and soul shaping tunes of old hymns.
Music has been an essential part of my faith walk. The right song can build my faith when it is weak or help me praise the Lord when I don’t know how. I love the classic hymns I was raised on, but I also enjoy well done modern Christian music. Let’s face it, I find it much easier to clean with an upbeat worship song than the slow, meditative rhythms of old hymns.
My eldest sister (who is a real hoot!) has aptly dubbed the majority of modern Christian music “Jesus-is-my-Boyfriend Music.” You know exactly what I mean. Some of those songs I hear on the local Christian station leave me scratching my head as to whether they are singing about Our Lord and Savior or their latest squeeze.
“I can never get enough of you..
This feelin’ can’t be wrong…
I’m about to get my worship on…
Take me away…“
Really?
Let me save you from the terrible tragedy of crumby Christian music! Here are my favorite modern Christian music artists.
You’ll notice the list is rather short. I am very picky when it comes to Christian music. I’d love to hear your suggestions for worshipful modern music.
Top Modern Christian Music Artists
1.Lauren Daigle
I first heard Lauren Daigle’s “Trust in You” last fall as we began our battle with epilepsy. I cannot sing that song and think of that time without it bringing tears to my eyes. I am ecstatic that her album How Can It Be is included with our Amazon Prime membership. I crank that album every afternoon as I throw supper together. I praise the Lord and walk away refreshed!
Lauren Daigle’s music has the sound of modern music, but her lyrics are so solid and touching. Her album How Can It Be is the perfect choice if you need more strength for your faith walk! Her music is peppy enough to push me through housework too!
I’m looking forward to trying out her Christmas albums in a couple of months.
“Though times it seems
Like I’m coming undone
This walk can often feel lonely
No matter what until this race is won
I will stand my ground where hope can be found
I will stand my ground where hope can be found
Oh, O’Lord O’Lord I know You hear my cry
Your love is lifting me above all the lies
No matter what I face this I know in time
You’ll take all that is wrong and make it right
You’ll take all that is wrong and make it right”
2.Collin Raye’s His Love Remains
I grew up listening to Collin Raye’s country tunes blaring from our small town country station while milking the cows. I have no idea how I heard about his Catholic album, His Love Remains, but it became a favorite Christmas present several years ago. It is now our chosen music for the drive home from Mass.
This album is not the peppy music you will find from Lauren Daigle, but, rather, modern renditions of old favorites with a few of his own compositions thrown in for good measure.
The great thing about this album is that it is not only Christian, but thoroughly Catholic (including songs like “Ave Maria” and “Oh, Lord I am not Worthy”.
Songs you’ll find on His Love Remains:
- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- Give Me Jesus
- How Great Thou Art
- Ave Maria
- How Beautiful
- Here I am, Lord
- I get what I need
- Oh, Lord, I am not Worthy
- Were You There
- I am the Bread of Life
- Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
- Love Remains
- Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
- Amazing Grace
3.Luke Spehar
Husband took Lowell to a music night at a local church a few years ago, and they were introduced to this amazing guitarist. Husband is a wonderful guitar player, so he appreciates the beauty of Luke Spehar‘s fancy playing. I love the sound of his songs, which is reminiscent of folk music. His three Christian albums are favorites for long car rides in our house.
I would also note that Luke Spehar is a Catholic and even attended seminary for a time as he discerned whether God was calling him to religious life. Our oldest, Lowell, has enjoyed getting each of the albums for birthdays or Christmas.
“And everywhere I go I see unanswered questions
pry apart their convictions and cause them to fall down
and it surprises me to know that he answers all questions
just by softly saying be still and know I am God”
4.Audrey Assad
I haven’t fully immersed myself in Audrey Assad‘s music, but I love her voice, the lyrics, and the sound of her tunes. Plus she is Catholic! What isn’t to love? I will be exploring her music very soon!
Other notable modern artists:
I add these here because they are Catholic, but will let you know that the above three (Lauren Daigle, Collin Raye, and Luke Spehar) are my favorites.
Matt Maher
I’ll be honest, Matt Maher is not quite my cup of tea. BUT I know others love him and I hear he is great live. I offer him here for those of you who may love him.
Jackie Francois Angel
We got to hear this artist live in a small concert at a local church. She was great, but I’m not fully familiar with her music. She is worth checking out. (She too is Catholic.)
So, who do you listen to?
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