There are some amazing new worship songs that have made a penetrating impact this current decade. Now that we have less than half way to go, it’s a good time to look at the music that has not only topped charts, but inspired and deepened the worshippers all over the world. Perhaps there are some trends to consider. Of course a list like this cannot contain many incredibly inspiring songs—and there are many! With diverse expressions of worship, no one style, artist, or song fits all. We think you that beautiful fact will be clear when you see the list of the Top 20 Worship Songs of this Decade.
Top 20 Worship Songs Of This Decade (2010-2016)
20. Victor’s Crown
Release Date: 2013
Writer(s): Darlene Zschech, Israel Houghton, Kari Jobe
Artist(s): Darlene Zschech
Youtube: https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lord-i-need-you-ep/id1042673379
“Victor’s Crown” is a powerful proclamation of praise. Darlene says, “In John 19, it says Jesus represented wearing the crown of thorn. And in other version it says, Victor’s Crown of Thorn.”
19. Lord, I Need You
Release Date: 2012
Writer(s): Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill, Matt Maher
Artist(s): Matt Maher
Youtube: https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lord-i-need-you-ep/id1042673379
A stirring collaboration, “Lord, I Need You” offers a prayer every believer and wanderer can sing and pray together. We all have struggles. This song allows a church to honestly sing about them in a redeeming context.
18. Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)
Release Date: 2013
Writer(s): Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Gabriel Wilson, Jenn Johnson, Joel Taylor, Kari Jobe
Artist(s): Kari Jobe
Youtube: https://youtu.be/0xHVtE3BT0c
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/burning-lights/id716142371
Kari Jobe says of her collaboration with Brian Johnson this: “The thing we kept saying was forever, just talking about how forever Jesus will be lifted high, worshipped and glorified. We wanted to paint a picture of his story of coming to earth to die for our sins…”
17. Crown Him (Majesty)
Release Date: 2013
Writer(s): Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, George Job Elvey, Godfrey Thring, Matt Maher, Matthew Bridges
Artist(s): Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe
Youtube: https://youtu.be/0xHVtE3BT0c
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/burning-lights/id716142371
Here is a hymn beautifully reclaimed in a modern style. Chris Tomlin says, “When I think about what we’re doing as worship leaders, when we’re bringing a song of praise, a heavenly anthem of praise, it drowns out all music and drowns out all other noise ….”
16. Only King Forever
Release Date: 2013
Writer(s): Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Steven Furtick, Wade Joye
Artist(s): Elevation Worship
Youtube: https://youtu.be/FVygdWkcoMc
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/only-king-forever/id785650993
Elevation Worship must make this list, as their influence in worship surely is beyond it. “Only King Forever” includes the pastor of the church as a co-writer and was written for a sermon series.
15. Lamb of God
Release Date: 2014
Writer(s): Andi Rozier, Jason Ingram, Meredith Andrews
Artist(s): Vertical Worship Band
Youtube: https://youtu.be/uqXzepuJhKs
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/church-songs/id956026099
A perfect song for communion or Good Friday, “Lamb of God” expertly guides us to consider that “there is not greater love than to lay down your life for a friend” just as John’s gospel records.
14. All the People Said Amen
Release Date: 2013
Writer(s): Matt Maher, Paul Moak, Trevor Morgan
Artist(s): Matt Maher
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R377Az6RQiI
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-the-people-said-amen-live/id634140898
Millennials…hear a pastor say, “And all God’s people said amen,” and…roll their eyes a little bit at that. Well, first of all, that’s scripture. So, please don’t roll your eyes at scripture. Take the time and learn the context,” Maher says.
13. Here for You
Release Date: 2013
Writer(s): Jesse Reeves, Matt Maher, Matt Redman, Tim Wanstall
Artist(s): Chris Tomlin
Youtube: https://youtu.be/pjVjenUHeqs?list=PL1g_9I78e25RF-xJRVZanMOp6ixnVR6X5
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/passion-here-for-you/id721294742
This call to worship, calls and commits the worshipper to identify their desire to be present for Christ in their praise. How well do we as worshippers welcome Christ into our “house” or worship?
12. One Thing Remains
Release Date: 2010
Writer(s): Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Jeremy Riddle
Artist(s): Kristian Stanfill
Youtube: https://youtu.be/fAGNF8XEq18
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-thing-remains-feat.-kristian/id715896162
Christa Black Gifford says, “Brian (Johnson) had spontaneously sung the chorus years before…and we began crafting the song around what had exploded in his heart that Sunday years ago.”
11. This I Believe (The Creed)
Release Date: 2014
Writer(s): Ben Fielding, Matt Crocker
Artist(s): Hillsong Worship
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtUNQpu2b7Q
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-other-name-live/id886056642
This is a modern adaptation of the Apostle’s Creed, which is believed to come from the First Century. Taking something ancient and delivering it in modern worship powerfully demonstrates how we are part of a faith that is very old.
10. Whom Shall I Fear
Release Date: 2012
Writer(s): Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Scott Cash
Artist(s): Chris Tomlin
Youtube: https://youtu.be/qOkImV2cJDg
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/burning-lights/id716142371
This song is based on the 2 Kings 6:15-18 story of Elisha praying “open his eyes that he may see” which revealed the previously hidden hosts of angels, horses and chariots. Bible stories make for powerful worship songs.
9. Holy Spirit
Release Date: 2011
Writer(s): Bryan and Katie Torwalt
Artist(s): Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes
Youtube: https://youtu.be/XPPMSfCdUng
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/majestic-live/id830769470
Singing about the Holy Spirit is not knew, but this one has resonated widely. Kari Jobe says, “This song is an invitation for the Holy Spirit to come and invade every circumstance in our lives…”
8. This Is Amazing Grace
Release Date: 2012
Writer(s): Jeremy Riddle, Josh Farro, Phil Wickham
Artist(s): Phil Wickham
Youtube: https://youtu.be/XFRjr_x-yxU
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-ascension/id706202509
Keeping with theme of hymns quoted in new songs, “This is Amazing Grace” offers powerful lyrics like “Who brings our chaos back into order/
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter.”
7. Great Are You Lord
Release Date: 2012
Writer(s): David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan
Artist(s): All Sons and Daughters
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qUOHjnDIFs
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-sons-daughters/id864102230
For the church, the advantage of a duo leading us in worship is that we can include the voices of men and women more creatively. This song proves this case. All Sons and Daughters delivery of this song inspires.
6. Come As You Are
Release Date: 2014
Writer(s): Ben Glover, David Crowder, Matt Maher
Artist(s): David Crowder
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2zhf2mqEMI
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/neon-steeple/id866226484
The collaboration of writers on “Come As You Are” artfully gave us a poignantly powerful song great for invitation or communion. Crowder now claims a place in the “mainstream” as his fans have grown up with him.
5. The Same Love
Release Date: 2011
Writer(s): Michael Rossback, Paul Baloche
Artist(s): Paul Baloche
Youtube: https://youtu.be/xAK3t6uG58Q
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-same-love/id594397127
Paul Baloche of Integrity Music continues to write impactful songs we together each Sunday that are both singable and lasting. “(In writing worship songs)I’m offering a vocabulary for people to sing back to God…” says Baloche.
4. Cornerstone
Release Date: 2011
Writer(s): Edward Mote, Eric Liljero, Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, William Batchelder Bradbury
Artist(s): Hillsong Live
Youtube: https://youtu.be/izrk-erhDdk
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cornerstone-live-ep/id716009479
Taking bits from standby hymns like “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less” and blending with new music makes for a song that’s new yet familiar. This “formula” seems to be working.
3. Beautiful Things
Release Date: 2010
Writer(s): Lisa Gungor, Michael Gungor
Artist(s): Gungor
Youtube: https://youtu.be/Sqy1a_Gz0zQ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beautiful-things/id353582848
Gungor, made up of married couple Micheal and Lisa Gungor, created a new genre of worship they call “post-rock liturgical.” The influence of this song as a catalyst for creative writing of worship must be noted.
2. 10,000 Reasons
Release Date: 2011
Writer(s): Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman
Artist(s): Matt Redman
Youtube: https://youtu.be/XtwIT8JjddM
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/10-000-reasons-live/id1002626925
Redman has written and co-written enough to be veteran. It is not a surprise to see his songs often on the CCLI top 25. Clearly, we have much more to hear from him. One thing to note, this song was written in just an hour—the fastest Matt has ever written a song.
1. Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)
Release Date: 2012
Writer(s): Joel Houston, Matt Crocker, Salomon Ligthelm
Artist(s): Hillsong United
Youtube: https://youtu.be/dy9nwe9_xzw
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/oceans-ep/id696342604
We all know that Hillsong creates good music that many love. But, it is not often that a worship song meant to be sung in houses of worship actually ends up at 83 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It also was number one for a record 48 weeks on the Christian charts.