The Top 100 Christian Rock Albums (1980-2019): Part Three

Here we go again! We have said this before but it’s worth repeating – thank you for reading. This entire series was very much a labor of love for us. We have been working on it for around six months and while that is a crazy amount of time to spend on one project, we believe our efforts have been worth it based on your passionate response.

Today, we will be covering albums 50 through 26. After this, we have two more articles planned. Part Four will include 25 through 11 and Part Five will be the Top Ten. We felt those albums at the top of the list deserved a little more attention. For today’s installment, all we will say about it is that it is likely the most mainstream section of our list. That could be good news or bad depending on your perspective. As far as we are concerned, there is a lot of really good music to be found here and we hope you will agree.

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50. Anberlin – Cities (2007)

To be a Christian emo kid in the mid-2000s was to be obsessed with Cities by Anberlin. The refrain “this is the correlation of salvation and love” from “The Unwinding Cable Car” lived on my MySpace profile for years. Cities marries two very different types of emo: the pleading acoustic and the frantic alternative rock. This is an album full of big emotions, matched only by its sonic scope. It’s an album I find myself revisiting often as an adult when I’m feeling alone or overwhelmed. I often find myself repeating this lyric from “Dismantle. Repair.” to myself: things are gonna change now for the better / oh they’re gonna change. (Katy Fry)

Essential Tracks: Godspeed, The Unwinding Cable Car, Hello Alone, Dismantle. Repair., (*Fin)

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49. Steve Taylor – Squint (1993)

His best album ever, in my opinion. Granted, this album was my introduction to Steve Taylor, and I’ve since been able to appreciate his older stuff, but this album is an excellent option for those unfamiliar with Steve Taylor. The lyrics are satirical and tongue in cheek, but they also step all over your toes as they convict you. The tracks range from a song about the John 3:16 guy at sporting events (Bannerman) to a song that seems to be about where missing socks go from the dryer (Sock Heaven) to a fiery indictment of our self-centeredness in “Smug.” The song “Jesus Is For Losers” is a play on words and reminds us that Jesus came to save everyone. “The Finish Line” is, quite possibly, the epitome of songwriting for any song claiming to present the gospel. Rarely will you feel the need to lift your hands in worship during a guitar-driven rock song, but this one does it every time.

Steven Taylor is known for extremely deep, yet straight-forward lyrics. He includes quite a bit of commentary on the church and those who consider themselves Christians, but it’s all meant in tough love. Challenging all of us to take a long look at ourselves and find areas where we need to repent and do better. The music is typically rock, ranging from pop and eclectic rock, all the way to the harder and edgier stuff. For someone looking to dip their toe into the alternate reality that is Steve Taylor, there is no better starting point. (Stephanie McVay)

Essential Tracks: The Finish Line, Jesus is for Losers, Smug, Easy Listening

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48. Shaded Red – Red Revolution (1999)

Shaded Red released two albums: Their self-titled debut album in 1997 and Red Revolution. While their debut album had a few high points, there were few indications this band had greatness in them. Red Revolution served as a monumental leap forward in songwriting and composition, proving Shaded Red was the real deal. The band went through tragedy prior to this album, with their drummer dying in a tour bus accident, and the pain, questions, and the ensuing faith are all on display. Musically, the band drops the mostly acoustic guitar sound of their debut, opting for more electric guitar, orchestration, horns, Spanish guitar, and even some turntable scratch. Vocally, the two Roberts brothers bring passion and intensity to every note. This album deserved more attention when it came out and I’m thrilled it made our list. (Phill Lytle)

Essential Tracks: Innocence, Wait, When God Ran, One Year

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47. DeGarmo & Key – The Pledge (1989)

Having grown up in the ’90s and early ’00s, there are Christian bands that I never even knew existed, as most of CCM radio was neutered by the time I started listening. I had never heard a single DeGarmo & Key song before a few months ago when we started discussing a top 100 list. I was surprised to find that their music was great, and I suddenly felt let down by the Christian music industry for not doing a better job of connecting my generation to bands like these. DeGarmo & Key made songs that were catchy, full of truth, and relevant to the times in which they were written, and The Pledge is a great place to start if you’re interested in what they brought to the table. (Daniel Speer)

Essential Tracks: Boycott Hell, I’m Accepted, Let’s Get Upset, Aliens and Strangers

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46. Guardian – Miracle Mile (1993)

Guardian cut their teeth playing melodic metal in the vein of Stryper, but gradually transitioned into a more edgy, bluesy heavy metal. Miracle Mile was the culmination of that sound and style. While it probably came a year too late, as the music world had firmly pivoted to grunge and the Seattle sound by the time it was released, Miracle Mile was a thunderous and expansive visionary statement by a band at the top of their game. It has all the hallmarks of a great hard rock/metal album: Distortion drenched guitars, pounding drums, in your face bass, and vocals hitting or screaming every note you could possibly want. But, tucked away in all that heavy metal swagger, the band pulled back the curtain and gave listeners some of their best stuff, with vulnerable ballads and blues-infused numbers. Guardian poured every bit of talent and creativity they had into Miracle Mile and it shows. (Phill Lytle)

Essential Tracks: Dr. Jones and the Kings of Rhythm, I Found Love, The Captain, Curiosity Killed the Cat

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45. Future of Forestry – Awakened To the Sound (2016)

You can read my full review here. Read it before you read the rest of this blurb. Here we are, four years later and I stand by every word. In fact, I think the album has grown on me. Awakened To the Sound is transcendent, creative, original, inventive, and courageous. If you have any appreciation for those things in your music, this album is a must-listen. As I stated in my review, “If you enjoy your music to be grand and expansive, combining film score bravado, pop-rock sensibility, synth and piano backbone, impossibly detailed arrangements, and spiritually resonant themes like God’s tender providence and earth-shattering grace, then look no further.” Yeah, it’s that good. (Phill Lytle)

Essential Tracks: On Giant’s Shoulder, Covers You, Homeward, Horses, and She Walks in Beauty

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44. Third Day – Conspiracy No. 5 (1997)

In 1997, the Christian charts were dominated by soft pop. Despite the success of albums like Jesus Freak and Jars of Clay’s self-titled album in years prior, Christian rock was still on the fringe of the Christian radio scene, failing to get air time unless their songs fit a particular mold. Yet that was about to change.

Fresh off their debut album, Third Day introduced Conspiracy No. 5 in 1997. The album gained instant popularity and radio play for its anthem “My Hope Is You,” which showed off lead singer Mac Powell’s vocal talent and soulful lead guitar riffs that were absent from much of Christian music. But it was the opening track, “Peace,” that truly showed Third Day had arrived and was ready to rock. Their brand of music was unique to the Christian market, combining a heavier sound of southern rock and a little bit of grunge. It was as if Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hootie & the Blowfish created a musical baby and out came Third Day. Between Mac’s vocals, the songwriting of both Mac & Mark Lee on songs like “Alien”, and the amazing lead lines of both Lee and Brad Avery, Third Day put its stamp on Christian music with Conspiracy No. 5, and the ink of that stamp still holds strong 23 years later. (David Jones)

Essential Tracks: Peace, Alien, I Deserve?, My Hope Is You, Gomer’s Theme

(Editor’s Note: David Jones did not vote on this list, but we appreciate his input regarding Third Day.)

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43. The Choir – Chase the Kangaroo (1987)

By the mid-80s, The Choir had hit their stride. They brought new wave rock into Christian music and they did so with excellence. The record is sometimes quirky and funny (The Rifleman, Everybody in the Band), but it quickly turns to the struggles of life (Sad Face, So Far Away). In this album, The Choir gave Christian rock something other than sermons wrapped in hair spray and guitar solos. They gave Christian rock songs that were expressions of artistic creativity and rooted in the human experience.

Perhaps more than any other album, Chase the Kangaroo highlights the work of drummer and lyricist Steve Hindalong. I remember seeing the band play this album for the 25th Anniversary Tour, I was floored by how complex and aggressive the drums were. On top of that, Steve’s lyrics took Christian rock songwriting to another level. Hindalong’s aversion to cliche and desire to express deep theological truths can be seen in lines like: “The blood remains as rich/That poor sinners drink like wine.” (Clouds) and “Gold glistens bright enough to render greedy nations blind/But Jesus buried diamonds in a land where love is rare to find.” (Chase the Kangaroo) This album showed the world how good Christian rock could be. (David Lytle)

Essential Tracks : Consider, Sad Face, Cain, Chase the Kangaroo, So Far Away

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42. Audio Adrenaline – Bloom (1996)

For many years, Audio A was one of the bigger bands in the church youth group culture and Bloom was the artistic high point of their career. These songs rock just enough, but never too much to be considered edgy. Bloom is an exuberant mash-up of pop-rock and 70’s classic rock all rolled into one. You might be surprised at the mix of crunchy grunge songs and laid back grooves that are assembled here. This album is easy listening and a nostalgic ride for those of us who remember lock-ins and looking for CDs at the Christian book store. (Brandon Atwood)

Essential tracks – Secret, Walk on Water, Good People

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41. All Star United (1997)

I remember being in college and hearing people, whose musical tastes I respected, raving about this new band that put on an amazing live show. Then I started hearing their songs getting air time on the local Christian radio station (our station in Nashville actually played good music at that time). Eventually, I bought the cd and yes, it was that good. Nothing else this band has ever done has been all that memorable, but their self-titled debut was nearly flawless. The music was fun and enjoyable, but still had depth to it. The lyrics went from biting satire to heartfelt emotion at the drop of a hat and it somehow worked. After seeing them in concert a couple of times I can also vouch for the quality of their live show. (Michael Lytle)  

Essential Tracks – La La Land, Savior of My Universe, Lullaby, Smash Hit

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40. O.C. Supertones – Supertones Strike Back (1997

The sophomore album from the rock/ska band The O.C. Supertones. As in their debut, this album is full of the gospel, in your face lyrics, and HORNS! The intro to Supertones Strike Back, the first track, is iconic!! This album shows an edgier rock side to the Supertones in some tracks (Perseverance of the Saints, Unite). There are some great hooks on this album (Resolution, Little Man), and even some beach/surf music (Caught Inside)! A more polished album than their debut with strong lyrics and instrumentals, you can’t go wrong with this one. (Stephanie McVay)

Essential Tracks: Supertones Strike Back, Resolution, Unite, Little Man

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39. The 77s – Drowning with Land in Sight (1994)

For most of my life, the 77’s have been my favorite band. Their eclectic mix of pop, rock, and blues blazed new music trails in my adolescent mind. Drowning was one of the first albums I heard. Hard rock songs like “Snake” got me into the band, but what kept me going back were blues numbers like “Cold Cold Night” and “Dave’s Blues.” As the name implies, the album has a dark quality to it, but thanks to the record company who insisted on some hope, it ends with the gospel. When it’s all said and done, this may be their best album. (David Lytle)

Essential Tracks: Snake, Film at 11, The Jig is Up, Cold Cold Night

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38. Sixpence None the Richer (1997)

Their 1995 album This Beautiful Mess was more immediately accessible, but this one of the deeper and more complete records. The song “Kiss Me” made them famous, and many casual fans did not give the rest of this album a chance because it was not full of sing-along pop songs. That is too bad because what they missed out on was much, much better. Many of the songs were written in the midst of struggles with their bankrupt former record company as the band sought to be let out of their contract so they could record a new album. This frustration can be felt on songs like “Anything,” “Moving On,” and “The Lines of My Earth.” Despite the struggles, the sense of hope and trust in the sovereignty of God are still evident throughout the record. I haven’t even touched on Leigh Nash’s magical voice, but since our space is limited I will stop here! (Michael Lytle)

Essential Tracks: Moving on, Love, Sister Mother, We Have Forgotten, I Can’t Catch You

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37. Adam Again – Perfecta (1995)

This is not an easy album. It’s loud, sad, and more than a little angry and bitter. My guess is, most Adam Again fans are not as high on it as our voters, preferring their earlier offerings such as Dig or Homeboys. Songs about a failed marriage are not exactly “easy listening” but what Gene Eugene and company give us in Perfecta is heartbreaking honesty and transparency. The music is typical Adam Again, except heavier and rougher around the edges, which perfectly compliments the emotional weight found in the lyrics. With that said, some of the album’s strongest offerings are the ballads, which hit even harder due to their intimacy and compositional simplicity. Some musical journeys should be complicated and difficult, forcing the listener to confront emotions they would rather avoid. Perfecta lays open its wounds and asks us to find ourselves in the middle of all that pain. It is very much a journey worth taking.

This was also the band’s final album, with lead singer and primary songwriter, Gene Eugene passing away five years later in his recording studio. For the observant listener, that fact adds to the general sense of melancholy and sadness that permeates so much of the album. (Phill Lytle)

Essential Tracks: All You Lucky People, Every Mother’s Way, What’s Your Name, Don’t Cry  

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36. Switchfoot – The Beautiful Letdown (2003)

Switchfoot’s 4th album broke new ground for the band. Their first 3 albums were not as polished and had more of a garage band sound. On Beautiful Letdown they go for a bigger and more mass appeal vibe. Adding Jerome Fontamillas (of Mortal and Fold Zandura fame) as the fourth member of the band certainly helped with the bigger sound. Jon Foreman’s writing is solid as always. Even now at live shows, fans love singing along to the biggest tracks on this one. Beautiful Letdown was the band’s launch into a much higher atmosphere. (Brandon Atwood)

Essential Tracks: Meant to Live, This is Your Life, The Beautiful Letdown, Twenty four, Dare You to Move

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35. DC Talk – Free at Last (1992)

The 3rd album from Christian Rock/Rap powerhouse DC Talk. This album was ranked #9 in the 2001 book CCM Presents: The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. It includes a Doobie Brothers cover (Jesus is Just Alright), a “Lean On Me” cover, plus thought-provoking lyrics that deal with hot-button issues like dating/premarital sex (I Don’t Want It, That Kinda Girl), prodigals (The Hardway), and social issues (Socially Acceptable). Featuring the rap of current CCM juggernaut TobyMac, plus the silky-smooth soul of Michael Tait and the rock vocal intensity of Kevin Max, this album is chock full of classic DC Talk and some of the biggest hits of the decade. (Stephanie McVay)

Essential Tracks: Jesus is Just Alright, Free at Last, The Hardway, Lean on Me

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34. The O.C. Supertons – Adventures of the O.C. Supertones (1996)

The debut album by the O.C. Supertones (OC=Orange County) put them on the map immediately. This incredible ska album hit me like a ton of bricks! This was my first taste of ska, and I fell hard. The horns on this album are everything! The lyrics are deep, while the music is so much fun! I’m not a dancer, but it’s hard to sit still while listening to this one. The Supertones are evangelical at their core, and you can see that in their music. Their lyrics are seriously theological. Did I mention horns? (Stephanie McVay)

Essential Tracks: Adonai, Who Can Be Against Me, Never Wanna Fall, Found

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33. Petra – On Fire (1988)

I’ve written about this album already for Rambling Ever On here. This album blew me away when it came out. From the opening track, with its gang vocal intro, all the way to the closing ballad, Petra had me hooked completely. I believe this was the first album in a run of albums that represents the pinnacle of artistic and commercial success for the band. One could argue the prior album, This Means War! is part of that run, but On Fire saw the addition of bass player Ronnie Cates and it was that quintet that produced their best music. On Fire starts off with a bang and it never takes its foot off the gas. It’s confident music in every way. Up until their final album Jekyll and Hyde, this was the closest Petra ever got to making a metal album. Musically and lyrically, On Fire is a perfect reflection of CCM’s late 80s sensibilities: Bold and unapologetic. (Phill Lytle)

Essential Tracks: All Fired Up, Counsel of the Holy, Stand in the Gap, Homeless Few, Minefield

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32. Bride – Drop (1995)

Drop is what happened when Christian music’s best heavy metal band decided to tone things down, pick up a banjo and a mandolin, add layers of percussion, bring in gospel singers, and break all the rules. The mid-nineties were a peak time for creativity in Christian rock and Bride’s Drop is probably the most creative album of this era. It’s hard rock with a little of everything else (blues, bluegrass, gospel, world music) thrown in, and it worked. Not all the songs hit home runs, but the unique feel of the album is unforgettable. (David Lytle)

Essential Tracks: Life is the Blues, Nobodies Hero, Have you Made it?, Momma

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31. Jars of Clay – Good Monsters (2006)

On Good Monsters veteran band Jars of Clay rocked harder than they ever had before or since. That is not enough to land the album on our list though. The record made our list because top to bottom it is their strongest collection of songs and the best lyrics of their career. Opener “Work” kicks things off with a bang musically. The lyrics of the song deal with the struggle with sin that can plague the lives of even committed believers. “Light Give Heat” challenges westerners to be involved with the plight of the poor in third world countries while not assuming that our wealth and status gives us moral superiority or keener insight. Leigh Nash of Sixpence None the Richer joins the band for “Mirrors and Smoke”, a toe-tapping, Johnny Cash influenced number. The album closes perfectly with a great relationship song “Water Under the Bridge.” (Michael Lytle)

Essential Tracks: Work, Mirrors and Smoke, Water Under the Bridge, Surprise

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30. Jars of Clay (1995)

Debut album by Jars of Clay. I saw them in concert once at Rocketown back when it first opened and was in a random warehouse out in Franklin, TN. JOC was opening for Sixpence None the Richer, who was very popular at the time. No one knew who Jars of Clay were, but that wouldn’t be the case for long; as, eventually, Sixpence would open for them. This album has some great melodic rock, soaring strings, nice harmonies and vocals, and even some Gregorian chant! This album helped to cement Jars of Clay as a major player in Christian rock. The song “Flood” was all over the place, it was even used in various TV shows and movies! This album is an acoustic masterpiece, avoiding electric guitar altogether. The thoughtful lyrics and talented instrumentals make it a great listen all the way around. (Stephanie McVay)

Essential Tracks: Flood, Liquid, Love Song for a Savior, Worlds Apart, He

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29. The Elms – The Chess Hotel (2006)

I can think of only one phrase to describe the 3rd album from Indiana’s own The Elms: “kick you in the teeth” rock and roll. Their preceding album, Truth, Soul, Rock and Roll was fantastic, Britpop infused rock. The Chess Hotel proved to be a pretty hard left turn for the band, taking them down bluesier, heavier roads. Singer and songwriter Owen Thomas mines small-town Americana, but without the rose-colored glasses so often found in that genre. The songs are in turn defeated and defiant, bleak and hopeful. They spent three years touring and redefining their sound and honing their skills and the results are nothing short of impressive. There are shades of Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, and The White Stripes hiding for those who wish to look, but the sound, energy, and swagger is all The Elms. (Phill Lytle)

Essential Tracks: I Am the World, The Towers and the Trains, I’ve Been Wrong, The Way I Will, The Chess Hotel

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28. The Waiting – Blue Belly Sky (1995)

In my opinion, the Waiting’s first real release was their best. The lyrics are Christian music at its best. Songs about substitutionary atonement, general revelation, death to sin, and worship are placed alongside the quirky and bizarre. Musically the album is a fun 1990’s pop-rock, that at the same time, refuses to be cliché. The album was produced by Gene Eugene (Adam Again) and his creativity is profoundly felt. This album is accessible and fun while still being compelling musically and lyrically. (David Lytle)

Look at Me, Israel, Air I Breathe, Big Parade, Is This the Day?

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27. Switchfoot – Hello Hurricane (2009) 

I have argued before that this is the band’s strongest album. I say that as someone who celebrates their entire catalog! I am glad that enough of my fellow voters felt the same way and this landed in our top 30. To me Hello Hurricane best captures all the things these San Diego natives do best. The rockers are there in songs like “Mess of Me” and “The Sound.” The melodic, mid-tempo songs are well represented with tracks like “Needle and Haystack Life,” “Your Love is a Song,” and “Hello Hurricane.” The band even gives us some memorable ballads with “Yet,” “Red Eyes,” and “Enough to Let Me Go.” This album represents a culmination of the sound they had been building towards in their first 6 records. They are still making great music to this day, but I would contend that Hello Hurricane is the best place to start for someone who is new to their music. (Michael Lytle)

Essential Tracks – Needle and Haystack Life, Your Love is a Song, Red Eyes, Always, Hello Hurricane   

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26. Petra – More Power to Ya (1982)

Petra is not my favorite band, but they are the greatest band in the history of Christian Rock. Their career covers so much time and reflects changes in styles and personnel. The most significant change in the history of the band was the change of lead vocalist. In 1986, John Schlitt replaced Greg X. Volz. While the band went on to do great things with Schlitt, my favorite era of Petra music was with Greg X. Volz. His soaring vocals combined with the early 80s guitar riffs of Bob Hartman defined the sound of the band in my early imagination. Given the fact that I was a year old when the album was released, this album probably did more than anything to define the meaning of rock and roll for me.

More Power to Ya is the best album of Christian Music’s greatest band in their greatest era. In the middle of this album (track 5 of 10) is the band’s best song–”Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows.” The name of the song may be a mouthful, but this song tells you everything you need to know about Petra. The church organ intro transitioning to acoustic guitar is sublime. When the song picks up into a rock song, that’s when things get really interesting. Aside from the memorable music and vocals, the song’s theme of challenging the church’s isolation from the world is what the band was all about. For good or bad, Petra represents a significant force in church history. They pushed for the church to engage the world, particularly youth culture, in an unprecedented way. They challenged the tendency to retreat behind closed doors and pushed for cultural engagement. It’s what missiologists call contextualization. This song, and the record that featured it was the embodiment of that mission.

Oh and also, the guitar on “Judas Kiss” might be the coolest thing ever. (David Lytle)

Essential Tracks: More Power to Ya, Judas Kiss, Road to Zion, Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows

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That’s it for today. Only two parts to go. Thanks for taking this ride with us. See you next week for Part Four!

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