In the 90’s, Christian music emerged to the top of many charts with some artists seeing their glory moments and others establishing careers that are strong today. Point of Grace, Avalon, Jaci Velasquez, Jars of Clay, and Phillips, Craig and Dean all debuted in the 90’s and continue to make a lasting impression in the music world, both Christian and mainstream. Considered top artists, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith became big in the 80’s and each had multiple hit songs through the decade of dc Talk, Twila Paris and the final songs of Rich Mullins. The songs from the early 90’s show a style that was emerging from the 80’s and encompassing funk, rock and pop from the mid to late 90’s. The Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline and other bands also started introducing Christian music to heavy metal and hardcore punk. This wasn’t everyone’s style, but it certainly shaped music in the early 2000’s.
Here is our list of the top 20 songs from the 90’s.
“The Truth” Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
20. “God Is in Control” - Twila Paris
19. “Solid As the Rock” - Michael English
18. “Crucified with Christ” - Phillips, Craig and Dean
17. “What Kind of Joy” - Steven Curtis Chapman
16. “I’ll Be Believing” - Point of Grace
15. “Can’t Live a Day” - Avalon
14. “Saving Grace” - Point of Grace
13. “In Christ Alone” - Michael English
12. “Jesus is Just Alright” - dc Talk
11. “That’s What Love is for” - Amy Grant
“The Truth” Daniel 3:17 “If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.”
10. “My Deliverer” - Rich Mullins
Favorite lyrics: “My deliverer is comin', my deliverer is standin' by, He will never break His promise, He has written it upon the sky”
9. “Flood” - Jars of Clay
Favorite lyrics: “Lift me up so high that I cannot fall, Lift me up, Lift me up – when I'm falling”
8. “On My Knees” - Jaci Velasquez
Favorite lyrics: “I can be, in a crowd, Or by myself, and almost anywhere, When I feel, there's a need, To talk with God”
7. “This Is Your Time” - Michael W. Smith
Favorite lyrics: “This was her time, This was her dance, She lived every moment, Left nothing to chance”
6. “Testify to Love” - Avalon
Favorite lyrics: “Every hand that reaches out, Every hand that reaches out to offer peace Every simple act of mercy, Every step to kingdom come, All the Hope in every heart will,speak what love has done”
5. “Sometimes By Step” - Rich Mullins
Favorite lyrics: “And I will follow You all of my days, And step by step You'll lead me, And I will follow You all of my days”
4. “Jesus Freak” - dc Talk
Favorite lyrics: “What will people think, When they hear that I'm a Jesus freak, What will people do when they find that it's true, I don't really care if they label me a Jesus freak”
3. “Place in this World” - Michael W. Smith
Favorite lyrics: “A life of pages, Waiting to be filled, A heart that's hopeful, A head that's full of dreams”
“The Truth” Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
2. “Dive” - Steven Curtis Chapman
Favorite lyrics: “Once my feet have left the ledge, And in the rush I hear a voice, That’s telling me it’s time, to take the leap of faith, So here I go”
1. “Awesome God” - Rich Mullins
Favorite lyrics: “Judgement and wrath He poured out on Sodom, Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross”
Conclusion
These songs are full of many messages and focus on great Christian themes. They uplift, provide strength and remind me that God is present and awesome no matter where we are. Millions of people have learned about God’s love and found courage by the amazing lyrics these artists have dedicated their lives to write. You can see how many personal experiences touched these artists through the lyrics and music in each song. Listen to a few of these artists and see if you don’t come to the same conclusion I did in realizing how difficult it is to list my favorites!
Resources- The Holy Bible, English Standard Version“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” photo credit: p_c_w via photopin cc
