The past few years, including 2024, have seen a remarkable resurgence of female vocalists in Christian music. This year, four of my top 10 albums prominently feature the incredible voices of Anne Wilson, Leanna Crawford, Hannah Kerr, and Sarah Kroger. My list reflects a blend of worship, rock, and pop, showcasing how God's Word continues to shine through music. These albums have deeply blessed me, reminding me that His Word never returns void.
Anne Wilson's sophomore release, REBEL, tops my list, a standout album that solidifies her as a leading voice in Christian music. Close behind are Leanna Crawford and Hannah Kerr, whose work this year also profoundly resonated with me.
Veteran artists have also made a strong showing. Josh Wilson, Unspoken, Brandon Heath, Jordan St. Cyr, Sarah Kroger, Rhett Walker, and Crowder each released career-defining albums. Together, they round out my Top 10.
This year has been remarkable for Christian music, showcasing outstanding albums from emerging and established artists. Be sure to check out these releases! I’d love to hear your thoughts on any albums I missed and whether any of my selections surprised you. God bless.
1 REBEL by Anne Wilson
Anne’s strong and pure vocals are a standout feature that elevates her music. With country music significantly impacting the music scene, the production of these ultra-catchy, country-tinged songs could easily find a place alongside mainstream top-selling artists. As a dad of three young daughters, I know how challenging it is to find role models who create edifying and exciting music.
Country music is everywhere, but the songs often lack substance, offering little in the way of life application or promoting a positive self-image. That’s what makes this album so unique. It’s loaded with grace-filled, hope-filled messages in standout tracks like “REBEL,” “Strong,” “God & Country,” “Praying Woman,” “Sinner’s Prayer,” and “The Cross.” The upbeat musical arrangements complement the heartfelt lyrics, creating a captivating listening experience.
This is more than just great music—it’s a soundtrack of encouragement and positivity. Without a doubt, this is my album of the year.
2 Still Waters by Leanna Crawford
I love Leanna’s intentionality and focus on God's provision in her life. She is a uniquely gifted singer/songwriter with a big, memorable, dynamic, yet intimate voice. These songs have biblically based lyrics that poignantly capture life's simple yet vital messages. The emotional vocals and the prayerful lyrics in these sacred songs engage the listener. Leanna’s vocals will soothe you, and the vertical lyrics will direct your attention and focus to Jesus.
Several personal songs are quality music to my ears, especially “Still Waters (Psalm 23),” “How Can You Not,” “Simple,” “Jesus Is,” "Rest," and “Vow to be Yours.” If you like female singers that make you think while you enjoy their catchy and empowering songs, then Still Waters is for you. This is a solid, upbeat album with positive biblical messages, a great alternative to mainstream pop artists. This is easily one of my top albums of the year, filled with songs of assurance.
3 As I Am by Hannah Kerr
Hannah is a uniquely gifted singer/songwriter with a dynamic, memorable, and intimate voice. Her emotional vocals and prayerful lyrics in As I Am are captivating. Her voice soothes the soul, while the vertical lyrics focus attention on Jesus.
Several personal songs stand out, including “As I Am,” “Church Hurt,” “If I Were You,” “Changed,” “Fear Not,” and “Same God.” This solid, upbeat pop album delivers positive biblical messages and is an excellent alternative to mainstream pop. It’s one of my top pop albums of the year, filled with healing songs.
4 Mental Help by Josh Wilson
I love Josh Wilson’s intentional focus on God's provision in his life. The songs on Mental Help celebrate the breath of God’s Holy Spirit, bringing hope and peace. His relatable lyrics about anxiety and mental health make the album deeply impactful.
Standout tracks include “I Surrender All,” “God Loves You,” “It Gets Better,” “Jesus and Therapy,” “Tonight,” and “Rest.” Wilson’s poignant words and tender singing capture God’s unconditional love and faithfulness. This is Wilson’s best album and one of the year’s top releases.
5 IV by Unspoken
Unspoken’s fourth full-length album demonstrates creative musicianship, insightful lyrics, and memorable melodies. The prayerful lyrics and soothing vocals shine in standout tracks like “Hard Times,” “Loved by You,” “What He Says About You,” “God Help Me,” and “More Church Than Church.”
The album encourages listeners to reflect God’s light and reject the world's darkness. With its catchy, biblically inspired melodies and innovative production, IV breaks away from typical Christian contemporary music (CCM) patterns, making it one of the year's standout albums.
6 A New Reality by Sarah Kroger
Sarah Kroger’s gift of encouragement shines in A New Reality. Her infectious musical style and strong vocals are layered over hook-filled melodies, creating a powerful listening experience. This uplifting album ministers to anyone struggling with fear and self-doubt.
Songs like “No Filter,” “Glory Be,” and “Still Yours” highlight Kroger’s vocal excellence and heartfelt delivery. The well-produced arrangements complement her passionate, inspirational lyrics. Don’t miss this standout album of the year.
7 The Ache by Brandon Heath
Brandon Heath invites listeners into his story of faith with The Ache, an emotional and vulnerable collection of songs. This 12-track album is deeply personal, biblically focused, and filled with heartfelt storytelling.
Standout tracks include “The Truth,” “Scars,” “Can We Go Home,” “Ache,” “Gospel Now,” “Neverland,” and “The Other Side of the End.” Heath’s ability to lay his heart bare through his music makes The Ache one of the top singer-songwriter albums of the year.
8 My Foundation by Jordan St. Cyr
Jordan St. Cyr’s My Foundation combines spiritual curiosity with self-examining lyrics. Through its prayerful themes, the album urges listeners to seek God. It features engaging melodies and biblical truths that connect deeply with listeners.
This standout album includes solid songwriting and musical excellence, reflecting St. Cyr’s enthusiasm and reverence for God. With its catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics, My Foundation is one of the year’s best releases.
9 Days That We Dreamed Of by Rhett Walker
This album features songs that inspire praise and gratitude to God for His sacrificial love. Its exciting and upbeat musical vibe, stellar vocals, and biblically inspired lyrics make it a joy to listen to. The passionate worship songs are sung with sincerity and reverence, leaving a lasting impact. Days That We Dreamed Of is filled with instantly singable tracks that will stay with you long after listening.
10 The Exile by Crowder
Crowder’s The Exile is a powerful collection of confessional and authentic faith expressions. With seasoned musicianship and intentionality, the album challenges listeners to reflect on their faith journey. Each song invites praise and adoration, blending vocal tenderness with lyrical intensity. The stirring musical arrangements and biblically based lyrics create an inspiring and hope-filled listening experience, solidifying this album as one of Crowder’s best yet.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. He lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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