my favorite worship songs of 2017

Shalom, friends!

Before 2017 is too far gone, I wanted to compile a list of the 12 worship songs that impacted me most deeply for each month of the year.

I'm a huge proponent of music in general, but worship music has a special place in my heart. I find that the more I surround myself with worship music, the more worshipful my entire routine becomes. The effect it has on my heart is unexplainable--I just feel more in line with God.

So, without further ado, here are my 12 most-listened-to, most-loved, most-favorite worship songs of 2017.

January

If you don't listen Hunter GK Thompson, then you need to start right now. His song "Clouds" is probably in my Top 10 for favorite songs ever. His music is effortlessly beautiful, and it sounds like how you feel when you breathe in cold air and it tastes sweet in your mouth. I don't know, man. It just does.
Side note: "Maranatha" is a Biblical word meaning "our Lord comes." 
February

As the final song on Will Reagan's fifth (and long awaited) album, "Nothing Without You" feels like a song written in weary resolve after a long season of heartache. The song is a surrender, a white flag. Hands raised, eyes closed. Lyrically short, yet emotionally deep, the song serves as a reminder in the album's last moments: we are nothing without Him.
March​

I love this song because it tells a story of real and raw grace despite past sins. It sends the essential message that, as Christians, we don't have to come to God polished and pristine. We aren't created to be speckless robots that meaninglessly raise our hands in church and emptily pray for the poor; with Instagram feeds curated to imply a message of "having it all together." Chance's gospel-influenced jam tells the story of his daughter born out of wedlock, the constant "war with his wrongs," the fight we often face against idols, and praising Him 'til we're gone. Amen? Amen.
​April

I'm going to sing my praises for this EP and also this singer 'til I die. Lauren Alexandria is a worship artist for Forerunner Music at IHOP (International House of Prayer) in Kansas City, MO, a place that is very dear to me. Lauren's music is sweet and resounding, and has that perfectly climactic bridge that makes you want to raise your hands in worship even if you're just driving by yourself in your car (speaking from experience). I highly recommend not just this song, but the whole EP.
May​

If you were looking for one of those long, seven-minute worship songs where there's intermittent talking and prayer, you've come to the right place. This song hits you right in the heart and often speaks for emotions you didn't know you had. When Jason Upton said, "Sometimes there is no language but a groan" my heart said OW. It's so true! Give this one a listen if you need to put words to the pain you're feeling.
June

"Help me to love with open arms like You do."
"A love that erases all of the lies and sees the truth."
"That when they look in my eyes, they would see You."
"Let all my life tell of who You are, and the wonder of your never-ending love."
If these lyrics don't sell you then I don't know what will. This song is kinda like my motto, because I want people to see Him in me more than I want them to see my frail humanity in me, ya feel?
July​

Okay so when did this whole "Kings Kaleidoscope" craze begin and why wasn't I present for it? I think I found this song on Spotify's Discover Weekly feature (which is a staple in my life) and I've just been jammin' out to Kings Kaleidoscope ever since.
PRO TIP: In the last 2 minutes of this song, there's about a 40-second period of dead silence then the beat drops again. Trust me, wait for the beat drop.
​August

Straight up, Hollyn's style of worship music has opened a door to a whole other genre of worship music, I believe. In a world full of live worship that has a similar sound, Hollyn expands what is previously known about the classic "worship song" and makes it her own. I love this song in particular--because the lyrics "I'm living in awe, because You don't need me at all, but you couldn't love me more" hits you like a ton of bricks.
September

In a month filled with new, scary things in my first semester of college, this song was the most incredible refuge. It's like a breath of fresh air in the midst of absolute chaos. The lyrics are beautiful, glorifying to God, and speak so much beautiful truth into painful situations.
October

So, if you're like me, you often like the remixes of songs better than the original song. In the case of this song, it's true. My roommate played this song while we were driving around one day and I whipped out my Shazam and added it to my playlist instantly. It's a great worship song for car dancing, if you're into that kind of thing.
November

Quick plug: this is my church in Birmingham, and they're super cool! This is my favorite song off their worship album, especially because of the ending. I don't wanna spoil it for you, but it's pretty great.
​December

If you're a Christian who was alive in the month of December 2017, it's very likely you saw posts about/heard this song multiple times. I know I did. But I was never mad, because IT'S SUCH A GOOD SONG. And it surpasses the cliche "Christmas carol" style that most of us are used to. The "Christmassy" feeling is more subtle in this song and in all honesty, I will be listening to it year-round because it contains a message that I think needs to be repeated year-round.

So that's about it. My 2017 in worship songs. Sorry about all the scrolling you just did (if you even made it here). I hope these songs breathe life into your 2018. 

Also, if you haven't looked already, I keep a long, ongoing selection of worship music in the "Music" section of this website. I'm not sure if it works on mobile devices, but I know you can see it on desktop, at least.

Okay, sorry for babbling. Go have a great day, y'all.