Over the past decade, worship music has experienced a surge in popularity and influence within the Christian music industry. With the emergence of new artists and the continued success of established ones, the 2010s brought forth a vast array of worship songs that have touched the hearts of millions.
From intimate ballads to soaring anthems, these songs have provided a means for believers to connect with God on a deeper level and express their faith in a powerful way. The best worship songs of the 2010s offer a diverse range of musical styles, lyrical themes, and emotional expressions. These have resonated with listeners across generations and denominations.
Whether it’s the raw vulnerability of “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United or the rousing energy of “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin, these songs have become staples of worship services and personal devotionals alike. Altogether, they have been streamed billions of times on digital platforms, performed in stadiums and sanctuaries around the world, and sparked countless moments of spiritual awakening and renewal.
As we look back on the last ten years of worship music, it’s clear that these songs have not only shaped the sound of modern worship but also helped to inspire a new generation of worshippers to seek after God with passion and authenticity. In this article, we will highlight some of the best worship songs of the 2010s. We will explore their impact and significance in the world of contemporary Christian music.
The top 2010s worship songs come from the CCLI top 100 list. The information for these lists come from all churches in CCLI-licensed denominations. All churches use CCLI for recording their worship song usage, so they are likely to have the most accurate data.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Table of contents
What Worship Music Was Popular in the 2010s?
The 2010s saw a huge increase in new worship songs and worship song usage across the country. New and familiar artists released anthems that are now familiar to Christians across the world during this decade, and many are still heard in churches today.
But what characterized the worship music of the 2010s, and what made some of those songs so popular?
Genre
A fusion of traditional hymns and modern pop and rock styles dominated the worship music of the 2010s. In addition, many artists blended elements of folk, electronic, and hip-hop music into their sound, creating a diverse range of musical expressions that appealed to a broad audience.
The use of modern technology, such as digital sound effects and synths, also became more prevalent. This allowed artists to create more intricate and layered arrangements.
Emotion/Experience
One of the defining features of worship music in the 2010s was its focus on emotional and experiential worship. Many of the most popular songs of the decade, such as “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury and “What A Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship, emphasized the love and grace of God in a deeply personal and relatable way.
These songs often utilized simple, repetitive lyrics and soaring melodies that invited listeners to participate in a powerful corporate worship experience.
Stadium Worship
Another trend in worship music during this time was the rise of “stadium worship” – large-scale concerts and events that drew tens of thousands of people and showcased the biggest names in Christian music.
Artists such as Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, and Bethel Music regularly filled arenas and stadiums around the world, creating an atmosphere of collective worship that was both electrifying and inspiring.
Worship in the 2010s
Overall, the worship music of the 2010s reflected a desire among believers for a deeper, more meaningful connection with God. Through its innovative musical styles and emphasis on emotional authenticity, this music helped to redefine what it meant to worship in the 21st century.
Honorable Mentions
The 2010s saw a surge in contemporary Christian worship music, and several notable bands and artists emerged during this time, beyond just the Top 10.
Vertical Church Band, founded in 2012, quickly gained popularity with their debut album, “Live Worship from Vertical Church,” which featured passionate and uplifting worship songs.
Elevation Worship, formed in 2006 but truly rose to fame in the early 2010s, produced numerous chart-topping albums, including “There Is a Cloud” and “Hallelujah Here Below.”
New Life Church, based in Colorado Springs, also made a significant impact with their worship music, including their album “Strong God.”
Finally, Matthew West, a Christian singer-songwriter who had been active since the early 2000s, continued to release popular worship songs throughout the 2010s, including “Hello, My Name Is” and “Mended.”
Overall, the 2010s were a time of exciting growth and innovation in Christian worship music, with these and many other talented artists contributing to a rich and diverse musical landscape.
The Top 10 Worship Songs of the 2010s
These are the top 10 Christian songs of the 2010s. The songs on this list became very popular during the decade, and some still inspire to this day. The data for this list comes from CCLI licensing.
1. How Great Is Our God
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Album: Arriving
“How Great is our God” by Chris Tomlin is one of the most iconic worship songs of the 2010s. Released in 2004, the song quickly became a staple in churches and worship gatherings around the world. It remains a popular choice for congregational singing today.
The song’s driving tempo, bright guitar riffs, and soaring chorus create a joyful and energetic atmosphere that encourages listeners to lift their voices in adoration. Tomlin’s signature vocal style, characterized by his rich, powerful voice and soulful inflections, adds to the song’s emotional impact.
The song’s central message, that God’s greatness surpasses all understanding and is worthy of our highest praise, continues to inspire the whole world to this day.
2. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Artist: Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin
Album: 10,000 Reasons
“10,000 Reasons” was co-written by Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin in 2011. Redman’s personal experiences of worship and his desire to write a song that would help people express their gratitude and praise to God inspired this infamous worship song.
Myrin contributed the song’s memorable chorus, which declares “Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul / Worship His holy name,” and helped to refine the song’s structure and melody. The result is a powerful and moving worship song. It has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world and has become a modern classic in the Christian music canon.
3. Mighty to Save
Artist: Hillsong
Album: Mighty to Save
“Mighty to Save” is a worship song written by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan of Hillsong church. The song was first recorded in 2006. It quickly became a popular choice for congregational singing. The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics proclaim the saving power of God and invite listeners to turn to Him for salvation and hope.
The melody is memorable, with a soaring chorus that encourages listeners to lift their voices in praise. The song’s emotional impact is further enhanced by the use of dynamic instrumentation, including stirring electric guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. “Mighty to Save” remains a favorite among Christians. Its message of hope and salvation continues to inspire believers around the world.
4. Blessed Be Your Name
Artist: Matt & Beth Redman
Album: Where Angels Fear to Tread
“Blessed Be Your Name” is a worship song written by Beth and Matt Redman. It has become a beloved classic in the Christian music world. Released in 2002, the song’s lyrics express a deep trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness even in the midst of trials and hardship.
The melody is simple and memorable, with a powerful chorus that invites listeners to join in worship. The song also appeared on our list of the Top 10 Worship Songs of the 2000s. This means its power and message have spread throughout multiple decades.
“Blessed Be Your Name” continues to inspire believers around the world. It reminds them of the unchanging nature of God’s love and the power of worship to bring healing and hope.
5. Our God
Artist: Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman
Album: And if Our God is For Us…
“Our God” is a worship song written by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, and Matt Redman. It has become a popular anthem in churches and worship gatherings around the world.
Released in 2010, the song’s lyrics celebrate the power and majesty of God. They declare His greatness and sovereignty over all things. The melody is upbeat and joyful, with a memorable chorus that invites listeners to join in worship.
“Our God” remains a favorite among believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s greatness and the transformative power of worship.
6. Revelation Song
Artist: Kari Jobe
Album: Kari Jobe
“Revelation Song” is a worship song written by Kari Jobe. It has become a modern classic in the Christian music world. Released in 2004, the song’s lyrics are inspired by the book of Revelation. They offer a profound expression of praise and adoration to God.
The melody is hauntingly beautiful, with a memorable chorus that invites listeners to join in the singing. The song has amazing instrumentation, including gentle piano and soaring electric guitar. This creates a sense of awe and reverence that draws listeners closer to God.
“Revelation Song” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a beloved favorite among worshippers around the world.
7. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Artist: Chris Tomlin
Album: See the Morning
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” is a modern interpretation of the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” by John Newton. The song was arranged and performed by Chris Tomlin. Its lyrics offer a powerful message of freedom and redemption through Jesus’ grace.
The melody features a beautiful piano intro, and builds into a powerful chorus with driving guitar and drums. Tomlin’s passionate vocals add an emotional depth to the song. They convey a sense of gratitude and awe for the gift of salvation.
“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” has become a popular worship song. It offers hope and inspiration to Christians around the world.
8. In Christ Alone
Artist: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
Album: Lord of Every Heart
“In Christ Alone” is a modern hymn written by worship leaders Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2001. The song’s lyrics offer a powerful declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, celebrating His life, death, and resurrection.
The melody is simple and memorable, with a powerful chorus that invites listeners to join in worship. In Christ Alone” has become a beloved classic in the Christian music world. Its message of hope and salvation still encourages believers around the world.
9. Here I Am to Worship
Artist: Tim Hughes
Album: Here I am to Worship
“Here I Am to Worship” is a worship song written by Tim Hughes in 1999. The song’s lyrics express a deep desire to come into the presence of God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and worship Him with all of our hearts.
The melody is gentle and reflective, building into a powerful chorus that invites listeners to join in worship. The song’s simple yet beautiful instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy and closeness with God.
10. This is Amazing Grace
Artist: Phil Wickham, Jeremy Riddle, Josh Farro
Album: This is Amazing Grace
“This is Amazing Grace” is a worship song written by worship leaders Jeremy Riddle, Phil Wickham, and Josh Farro. The song’s lyrics celebrate the love and grace of God, declaring His power and majesty.
The melody is upbeat and joyful, with a memorable chorus that invites listeners to join in worship. Moreover, the song’s dynamic instrumentation creates a sense of excitement and energy that inspires worshippers to lift their voices in praise.
Using ‘2010s Worship Songs in Your Church
If your church uses music during worship services, it is important to obtain proper licensing and permissions for any copyrighted songs that you use. The Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) is a great resource for churches to ensure they are legally using copyrighted music. Here are the steps to register your church’s worship music with CCLI:
- Firstly, go to the CCLI website and sign up for an account.
- Secondly, once you have an account, you can search for the songs your church uses in worship and add them to your account.
- Thirdly, you will need to provide information such as the song title, author, and copyright owner.
- Then, you will also need to report the number of times each song was used in worship during the reporting period.
- Next, CCLI will then calculate the licensing fee based on the number of songs and how frequently they were used.
- Finally, once you have paid the licensing fee, you will receive a license certificate that allows you to legally use the copyrighted songs in your worship services.
It is important to keep accurate records of the songs your church uses in worship and report this information to CCLI on a regular basis. This ensures that the songwriters and copyright owners are fairly compensated for the use of their work. By registering your church’s worship music with CCLI, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are legally using copyrighted music and supporting the artists who create it.
If you have questions on if you are allowed to change lyrics, use songs during church live streams, or any other questions, check out their Q&A right here.
Popular Praise and Worship Songs of the 2010s
And there you have the most popular worship songs of the 2010s! We hope this took you back to memorable church services in that decade when you heard these amazing songs. If you are interested in using the songs in your service, make sure you register and comply with the CCLI service.
Do you want more worship resources? Check out our advice on creating a seamless worship experience online and off.
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