There are a few tours in Christian music that happen yearly and are must see tours. There's main staples like Winter Jam, or even Christmas tours like Sidewalk Prophets or Natalie Grant that almost always happen. One of these main yearly tours is no other than TobyMac's Hits Deep Tour. I was honored to attend the Nashville stop of this tour on February 16th. Even though this was my third time at the Hits Deep Tour, I had nothing short of a blast and an amazing time that never got old. This year, along with TobyMac himself, taking the stage were Crowder, Cain, Terrian, & Ryan Stevenson (along with surprise appearances from Jon Reddick, Blessing Offor, and Caleb & John).
The tour started with Ryan Stevenson singing many of his hit songs that have impacted listeners for years. Although it was short, I loved getting to hear songs like "Eye Of The Storm," "The Gospel," and so many others that reminded me of how many outstanding songs Ryan has released over the past decade.
Following Ryan Stevenson was the legend himself, Crowder. To be honest, Crowder is one of the top artists I have seen live. Even with it being the 7th time I've seen him perform, it felt like the first time all over again. From leading classic anthems like "Come As You Are," "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)," and more recent "Good God Almighty" to "swampy" sounding bangers like "Run Devil Run," Crowder knows how to put on an awesome show. Hearing new songs from his recent album, The Exile, was also a highlight. My favorite part of his set was, hands down, hearing "Crushing Snakes." There's something special about this cinematic anthem that brings a powerful atmosphere of worship, especially how it fits in his already impressive setlist.
The next act was Terrian, and she is already one of my favorite female artists. Fresh off her hit song "Honestly We Just Need Jesus" and the incredible album it comes off of, Give It Time, Terrian has attracted a whole fanbase of listeners from all ages with her upbeat, modern, and smooth sound. Paired with her heart for Jesus and people, she was a standout, and I'm thankful that I finally got to see her perform live. Songs like "Matthew 5" and "Big God" were fun anthems to sing and dance along to. Other moments, like "Honestly We Just Need Jesus" and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," were beautiful moments of worship and calling for Jesus to truly be the center of our lives. Seeing her perform made me even more excited to see her perform at this year's We Love Christian Music Awards ceremony!
Continuing the moment was already a staple in Christian music, CAIN. Like always, the sibling group came out bursting with energy and powerful truths of God's word. I've had the pleasure of seeing CAIN several times live, and this was the best I've seen them yet. Hearing "Rise Up," "Yes He Can," and "The Commission" are such special and powerful truths that I love seeing the audience join in to declare. Hearing newer songs like "Made For Heaven," "Trouble," and even a song from Forrest Frank that they were featured on, "Safe And Sound," was so fun. We even got a surprise with new CCM duo, Caleb & John, taking the stage for their song "Somebody Like Me," which was a highlight of the night. One thing is for certain: CAIN knows how to put on one of the best shows that leaves you feeling blessed and filled with the joy of the Lord.
Last but not least is the main man himself, TobyMac. I've seen TobyMac 3 times now, but even I was wondering if he could still put on a show as high quality as he is known for. I was pleasantly surprised and glad to say that TobyMac still has it. Even with all his struggles, he can still stand on that stage and boldly declare God's faithfulness and who He is. The set was filled with several of TobyMac's greatest hits, some new songs, and even some classics like "Get Back Up," "City On Our Knees," "Lose My Soul," and DC Talk's "Jesus Freak," which I loved hearing. My favorite album from TobyMac is This Is Not A Test, so I was very glad to hear so many of my favorite songs performed. The setlist was such a good mix of new songs, radio hits, deep cuts, and all around the full TobyMac experience that left me with a sore voice from singing along so much. I could go on and on about all the songs done (an impressive 25+ of them) and how much I loved them. TobyMac not just performed these songs, but he made it such an awesome experience for each and every one of them with sweet dances, bursting energy, and the DiverseCity crew killing it as one of the best on-stage teams in the industry. It was also fun to see Blessing Offor take the stage for "The Goodness" and Jon Reddick for "Nothing Sweeter."
All in all, I left the night feeling so full and excited for Christian music. These artists have poured so much into not just these songs and performances but also sharing the Gospel with people and encouraging them. Several of TobyMac's songs have meant so much to me over the years, and they have blessed and encouraged me again in my faith. Hearing Ryan Stevenson, Crowder, Terrian, and CAIN also reminded me and filled me with an even deeper desire for more of Jesus and chasing after Him above all else. I highly enjoyed the 2025 Hits Deep Tour, even more than I thought I would, and highly encourage everyone to check it out for one of their next concert experiences.
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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