Lauren Daigle receives 2X RIAA Platinum® award plus two additional RIAA certifications, Centricity signs Rachel Purcell, Bay Turner, label re-launches imprint, Residence Music
It's hard to believe another year has already passed. This year has had some of my favorite moments and some of the most heartbreaking moments. There have been times of joy, loss, healing, breakthrough, pain, and trusting God in the mountains and the lowest depths. Throughout it all, countless songs have been anchors that have pulled me back to Jesus and helped me know He is faithful—songs of victory and joy and songs for hurt and brokenness.
I'm so grateful for all the songs God uses to reach us and the artists He has gifted to connect us to His heart. 2024, no matter how it looked for you, was a year of some of the best Christian music we've had yet. Listen to these ten biggest hit songs of the year, and let me know what you think.
Forrest Frank - "Good Day"
Forrest Frank is no doubt the most prominent smash-hit artist of the year. After breaking out in 2023 with his song "No Longer Bound" and feature on hip-hop artist Hulvey's "Altar," Forrest has only added to his momentum this year. He released several singles (including a Christmas one), and his debut, Child of God, topped the charts. The album has many fantastic songs like "Up (feat. Connor Price," "Never Get Used To This [feat. JVKE]," "Always," and "Good Day."
Since its release, Forrest's song "Good Day" has received a positive response. It went viral on social media and even earned him his first radio hit, an uplifting chill pop song as an indie artist that encourages other musicians. The song encourages us to be thankful for ourselves and speak positivity over our lives, a message God has used to impact millions. It is one of Forrest's biggest songs to date.
Josiah Queen - "The Prodigal"
Another artist who has blown up this year is Josiah Queen. The folk artist went viral multiple times last year for his song "I Am Barabbas" and his biggest hit "The Prodigal." Following that song's success, he has continued to release several singles leading up to his debut album in early 2024, The Prodigal, which was a huge hit. From an iTunes session special release to a highly loved deluxe edition, Josiah has continued to blow fans away with his powerful lyrics of devotion and sound that connect with listeners.
"The Prodigal" is just one of those songs you know is unique when you hear it. I remember being blown away and sharing it with many people when I first heard it. The song is a powerful declaration of not chasing after the things of the world but living a life sold out for Jesus. It's become an anthem, especially in my generation, that has impacted millions to live, chasing after God's heart and the life He has given us, making it one of my favorite songs of the year.
Brandon Lake - "That's Who I Praise"
If you have not heard of worship artist Brandon Lake, you've been living under a rock. Since releasing "This Is A Move" in 2019, Brandon has become one of the most prominent artists in Christian music. His music has reached millions with his powerful voice and heart for the Lord. Songs like "Gratitude," "Praise You Anywhere," "Too Good To Not Believe," and so many more have led listeners to powerful moments with Jesus, including his collabs with praise bands Elevation Worship, Bethel Music, and Maverick City Music.
His latest hit, "That's Who I Praise," is another can't-miss song of the year. The pop song of praise is lively and joyful to God for who He is. The song is wrapped with biblical truth and declares with joy and faith that listeners have quickly made it one of his biggest hits. I love this song passionately, seeing people from all walks of life lift Jesus with so much joy. Whether it's from listening on the radio, playing it in church, or going viral on social media, seeing how God's using it has been amazing to see.
Terrian - "Honestly, We Just Need Jesus"
Pop artist Terrian has risen since her debut on the scene. Since signing with TobyMac's music label, Gotee Records, she has continued to release hit after hit. Her powerful voice and diverse musical blend have always been a treat. Songs like "In The Arms" and "Big God" have helped her make her mark in the Christian music world, along with her 2024 debut album, Give It Time.
Terrian's album Give It Time is one of my favorite releases of the year, and her song "Honestly, We Just Need Jesus" perfectly exemplifies why. This powerful and honest cry proclaims that our world needs Jesus. He is the only answer and hope in a place full of distractions and brokenness. The song is one of repentance and hope that God will make us new as we turn away from the world and return to Jesus.
Maverick City Music - "I Need Help"
Worship band Maverick City Music is another name that has overtaken the Christian music world. The collective released its first project in 2019 and hasn't slowed down much since. Songs like "Promises," "Jireh," "I Thank God," and so many others have become staples in church and for listeners in worship. Though the lineup has changed and Maverick has gone through a few shifts, Maverick continues releasing music that points people to Jesus and unites the body of Christ in worship.
One of these songs uniting the Church is their song "I Need Help (feat. Connor Price)." The song may seem surprising as a hip-hop track from a worship and gospel collective, but it fits perfectly. It's raw and vulnerable in a way you don't see many artists write about. It's a song that we all can relate to when we need God's help when life seems like it's falling apart. Bringing on viral mainstream rapper Connor Price helps the song come together even better as he sings from his perspective of having doubts in His faith yet needing Jesus just like us all.
Skillet - "Ash In The Wind"
Skillet is a band that needs no introduction. For years, the iconic rock band has been one of the biggest Christian and mainstream music groups. Everything from their hit songs, powerful lyrics, high energy, and faith walk has inspired me and countless others. This year, Skillet once again returned with a new album, Revolution. The album marks their first independent release since leaving their old label and gearing up to take these songs on the road on Winter Jam 2025.
One of my favorite and fan-favorite songs from the album is "Ash In The Wind." This song is a powerful and heavy track on wanting to break free from the lies and brokenness that we find ourselves in. A lot of times in life, we don't know what to do or what next step to take to freedom, but it always starts somewhere. When we realize the prison we're in, we have a choice to fight and know we were made to live for more than in the bondage of the enemy. That's why this song connects with people so well and is one of my favorite rock songs of the year.
Seph Schlueter - "Counting My Blessings"
Seph Schlueter, another new (and hard-to-pronounce) name, has become a fan favorite contemporary artist this year. He released his debut EP, Counting My Blessings, which features songs like his current radio single, "Running Back To You," "Stay," and the hit title track.
"Counting My Blessings" did more than just become one of the biggest hit songs on radio; it went viral on social media in both the Christian and mainstream spaces. This song has touched many people, including myself, giving us a song of thankfulness to lift to Jesus every season. It's a simple but powerful reminder that putting Seph's beautiful voice and songwriting into an anthem still makes waves.
Anike - "Yahweh"
Formerly known as Wande, hip-hop artist Anike has had a big year of change. She underwent a complete rebrand to reflect the new season God is leading her into and released her debut album under the name Anike. The album features 18 unique songs showcasing her talent and diverse style, which listeners, including myself, have loved. It features songs like "Send That" (feat. Lecrae)," In The Light," and fan favorite "Yahweh."
"Yahweh" is a fun and faith-filled song where Anike raps about who God is and finding a breakthrough in Him. The song is an upbeat, afro-beat-styled modern track that has made waves in Christian hip-hop. We're all used to setbacks and doubts, so we must be reminded that God is always faithful. Even while questioning, He is making a way worthy of praise. The more we draw near and trust Him, the more we can see His glory shine through as we lift Him.
Josh Baldwin - "Made For More"
Bethel Music artist Josh Baldwin is arguably one of the most gifted songwriters in contemporary worship. Already a worship leader with several excellent albums, Josh released his song "Stand In Your Love" on the radio in 2018 and has continued to release hit after hit. His most recent project, Made Fore More, is another stellar worship offering filled with powerful songs, such as the title track.
"Made For More" is a song that has rightly blown up on the charts. The song declares who we are in Jesus and the new life He has given us. If we believe who Jesus says He is and belong to Him, we're meant to think that we were created for so much more in life—not to live bound by our fear and our past but to step into the new life and freedom He won for us.
Anne Wilson - "Strong"
2024 was a year that cemented Christian country artist Anne Wilson as one of the leading ladies in Christian music. After her breakout success with her album My Jesus, she released yet another hit album with her sophomore project, Rebel. The album follows her blend of country/contemporary with lyrics that connect to listeners of all walks of life while pointing to Jesus. The album features her current radio single, "The Cross (feat. Chris Tomlin)," "Rain In The Rearview," and its biggest single yet, "Strong."
Following in her signature country mixed style, Anne's song "Strong" is a vulnerable song that encourages listeners to God's strength. On our own, we can't make it through without falling apart a million times over. With Jesus, we know He catches us when we fall and holds us with His never-failing hands. That's why we can have strength in this life, not by faking it, but by leading on His strength in our surrender.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
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