My Top Ten Christian/Worship/Gospel Songs of 2015

 
It's December and almost Christmas! Finally done with my shopping and I am pretty proud of myself for finishing FIVE whole days before Christmas (yeah, I'm your typical last minute dot com shopper). We have a tradition in my home of buying new music every December. Albums. Not singles(Note: I said BUY. Apparently, as an artist myself, I believe in doing unto others what I expect in return) and my little boy, almost 9 years old now, has constantly nagged me all week about how we 'reeeaaally reeeaally'reminding need new music. Why the tradition? Well, for one, it's our way of making sure we buy new, current music every year, just in case we haven't all year round (not that it ever happens that we absolutely don't buy ANY music all year). But I guess more important is the fact that we play the living daylights out of each CD all year round that by December we desperately need to hear something new. Sadly, We are not a constant radio listening family. However, we noticed they seem to recycle the same set of songs all the time anyway so nothing lost there. Generally though, I do enjoy buying CDs and I much prefer the physical copy to the MP3 one. Just my personal preference.

So yes we get desperate to change but there are some of those songs that you simply don't grow tired of hearing. It is to those songs this post is dedicated. Don't forget, this is just my opinion. I would really like to hear yours (opinions, I mean). Mind you, this list will feature songs released 2014 into 2015 and it is not in any particular order...just so you know.

1. Broken Together (From the Album Thrive by Casting Crowns)

Casting Crowns are probably one of my best Christian bands of all time. They are just one of those bands, I'm almost certain I'd like anything they release. I'm constantly on the look-out. Yep, I guess I'm a super fan! I love how they preach in song and in my opinion Mark Hall's song writing is simply off the chain! I absolutely love the simplicity and down right honesty of this song. Maybe a little sad, but it calls for deep musings on relationship matters, primarily marriage but for all other relationships too. Everyone can relate- And I think everyone did as the song seemed to enjoy massive air play all through this year.

2. Pressure (From the Album Life Music Vol. 2 by Jonathan McReynolds)

 This is one of two songs of Jonathan McReynolds on this list and I would have gladly added 3rd and 4th, if I had the space. This bro is on fire, man! Gospel music aside, you have to respect the this young man's artistry. Sheer genius in my opinion. I thought Life Music Volume 1 was amazing. With volume 2, he simply knocked it out of the park! I read a Facebook post where he said the growing popularity of his music has been mostly down to word of mouth..No kidding! I am definitely one of those mouths. Again, the beauty of this song is how well it cuts across. People -especially we church folk -can relate. There's always something special about a song that refuses to hide behind "christianese" and speaks truth, plain and simple. And when you have a combination of beautiful singing, attractive melody and ridiculously good lyrics what do you get? Pressure (the song. Not the emotion :))

3. Alive- (From the This is living Album by Hillsong Young and Free)

If you are like me and love to jump around on and off stage then this one's for you. It's a really jumpy, feel-goody song with a very catchy pop-groove to it. Truly makes you feel..well..Alive!

4. Can't live without You (From the album Withholding Nothing by William McDowell)

I truly can't get enough of this song. The high point for me is Nicole's Binions vocals..pure, simple...almost lends itself to the character of innocence. Hardly contains any of the vocal thrills and frills you come to associate gospel music with(which is great by the way).A breath of fresh air in my opinion. 
 

5. You are the Pillar (Single by Florocka featuring Lawrence Haynes) 

​Actually heard this song within hours of writing this post. It isn't often that a song hits me right between the eyes the first time I hear it. But this one did. So much so that it HAD to make it into my top 10. An amazing remake of the popular Nigerian worship song. This guy doesn't seem to have any musical limitations! A pity I don't understand the Yoruba language so obviously some parts where lost on me but the other bits more than made up for it. Even Ose (hubby) raised his eyebrows a few times whilst we listened (again). And those who know my music director hubby, know he is a tough one to please. Love it!



6. Limp (From the album Life Music Vol. 2 by Jonathan Mcreynolds)

This is the second of the two songs from Jonathan McReynolds on my list. To be honest, I struggled to choose between the songs Limp, Maintain, Christ Representers, just to name a few. Amazing body of work this guy has. With Limp, he yet again takes the listener on a walk down honesty and vulnerability lane. I know the two songs Pressure and Limp have parts in common with the repetition of the word 'limp' and 'Pressure' but you tend to get that when it's the same songwriter. I can relate and I'm sure fellow songwriters reading this can too. Having said that though, it is still amazing lyrical work.

7. Shake (From the album Welcome to the New by Mercy Me)
 
Another amazing song by veterans Mercy Me. Love love love this song! It doesn't matter where I hear it , I can't stop myself from getting my soul-train-head-bobbing groove on. But my absolutely favourite bit of this song is within it's fun and playful melody the truth of the believer's victory in Christ is evident! All the more reason to head-bob, if you ask me.

8. I luh God ( From the album Help 2.0 by Erica Campbell)

OK, shoot me, but this song HAD to be on my list...I can't help myself: I 'luh' this song!!! I know there are some who disapprove of not just the use of the ghetto version of the word 'love' but the fact that it is a woman in her 40s acting like an 18 year old 'in da hood'. To be honest, I think that was the whole point- to shock listeners. Well, consider us duly shocked, Erica! This song was soooo left field. No one saw it- or her, for that matter-coming. But that's what's so great about this song. In a world where music is now a dime a dozen and you have artists literally growing out of your ears in your genre alone, you have to do something to stand out or you will fall by the way side, no question! I think she's done an amazing job re-inventing herself. Love it. Love her!

9. Ever Be (From the album We will not be shaken by Bethel Music)

One of my new finds, actually. Heard it for the first time on Natalie's grant Be One Album released last month and simply fell in love with it. In all honesty, I think I prefer Natalie's version but no matter, it is still an amazing song. A great addition to one's daily quiet time, me thinks.


10. Bigger (From the Album Songs From My heart by Evans Ogboi)

Another clever remake of a popular Nigerian Worship song by the multi-talented Evans Ogboi. This one brings tears to my eyes. Again, I think a lot has to do with how 'relatable' a song is. Yes, it's a known song but it's the delivery of it that catches your attention and literally blows you away. You know a song has hit home when you can't get it out of your head. Yep, Bigger does that to you. And guys, anyone catch the song's video directed by Fred Williams?? Awesome stuff! Do check it out if you haven't already.


I can't tell you how tough it was narrowing down this list to just ten 10 songs! There have been a few I have been tempted to include. But which of the 10 above do I take out? Ha! A girl's gotta make a decision. So there. Hope you enjoyed it. Lemme know your 2015 favs in the comments below.

Lotta luv,

Tosé

2015 has been a amazing year for me and my family. God has been good and gracious to us. I am so thankful to Him. And I am thankful to and for you too- Yes, you! For your love and support without which I couldn't do this. I am fully persuaded that 2016 would be an even better year for us all, by His grace. Amen!
 

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