Popular contemporary artist Jeremy Camp is one of the most consistent voices in Christian music. With a raw and unflinching encouragement in his songs, it's easy to see why he's become one of the most iconic voices on your Christian playlist.
The 2020 movie, I Still Believe, offered a raw look at Jeremy's heartbreaking testimony involving the death of his first wife, Melissa. The impact of his loss inspired many of the tracks on his national debut album, Stay, released shortly after Melissa's death. As that album turns 20 years old, here's a look back at the music that kicked off Jeremy's stunning career.
Believing Through Loss
Some of Jeremy's most notable signature hits from his early career make their debut on this album. "I Still Believe" was the first song Jeremy wrote after Melissa's passing. Its raw and honest refrain of believing through pain and loss still hits home for many fans. "Walk By Faith" proclaims the will to keep walking through tough seasons--even when we don't see or understand God's direction. "Right Here" professes faith that God is near to us wherever we are.
This trio of songs would serve as a wonderful introduction to Jeremy Camp for Christian radio and these songs still hold a strong influence on his music.
Rocking Energy
Fans who know Jeremy from his music in recent years know him as a powerhouse of contemporary Christian music, with a little more grit in his delivery than many of his contemporaries. Fans might be surprised to see how much rocking energy Jeremy could muster on his early albums.
Album opener "Understand" has a raw rock chorus, playing to similar themes to some of the album's more contemporary cuts. The title track and "One Day At A Time" also find Jeremy exploring the edgier guitar-driven territory. "Take My Life" might be the heaviest song Jeremy has ever penned, with his powerful rock vocals giving quite a gritty performance.
Jeremy was often compared to mainstream acts like Creed or Nickelback in musical style at the time. As their sound heavily influenced mainstream music, it's unsurprising that it would also spill over into Christian music as well. Still, if you only know Jeremy by what you hear on K-Love Radio, the sheer force of songs like "Take My Life" can be quite the curveball. Depending on how much love you have for 2000s rock stylings, it can even be quite captivating.
Twenty Years In
It's difficult to measure the impact Jeremy Camp has had on Christian music through the years. He regularly releases a new album that's sure to provide a handful of hits that you'll hear on the radio for years to come. His gritty rock sound from his earlier offerings still exists somewhat on his new albums; his recognizable voice always gives a little shot of rock into the standard contemporary proceedings.
Songs like "This Man," "There Will Be A Day," "Same Power," "He Knows," and "When You Speak" are only some of the massive body of hits to Jeremy's name. These aren't songs you hear in passing for a few weeks. These are genre-defining hits that find themselves on most-played lists every year.
But, for all his massive collection of popular songs, it's tough to argue that these initial hits from his debut don't stand taller as Jeremy's most recognizable anthems.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new Christmas novel, "When Miracles Can Dream," releases this holiday season.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
