We're kicking off the first About.com Christian Music chart with a favorite from 2012 that proves beyond doubt that great music doesn't fade quietly into the night - it lives and breathes while continuing to bless the folks that hear it.
The official Top Christian Hits Chart is compiled each week by checking and averaging Christian charts and top play lists from all over the U.S. such as Billboard, Cashbox and Air 1 to find the most popular songs.
1. "Redeemed" - Big Daddy Weave
Fervent Records/Word
We first heard this exquisite ballad in July of last year and it ended 2012 at #10. 2013 is seeing new radio love as it is back on top but this is no real surprise because the song really is still as glorious and sincere as it was when it came out. The second radio single from Love Come To Life, the acoustic background gives a satisfying sound to absolute truth that we all need to hear - we are redeemed by the blood of the lamb.
- Watch the official music video
- Compare Prices on Love Come To Life
2. "I Need A Miracle" - Third Day
Essential Records
In 2012, we saw "I Need A Miracle" go all the way to the #1 spot and on Billboard, it ended the year at #34 while making it to #14 on TRAA and #23 here. Coming from Third Day's November release, Miracle, the light rocker is about getting lost in a world of that is full of sorrow and pain - a path that we've all walked down. Going to God and crying out to Him is the only answer because He is the only one who can right the ship in the storm.
- Watch the official lyrics video
- Compare Prices on Miracle
3. "One Thing Remains" - Kristian Stanfill
sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records
Jesus Culture's "One Thing Remains" is as vibrant and full of life on the Passion version as it ever was. Kristian Stanfill delivers pure worship here and that magical moment translated into a #37 spot on Billboard's 2012 chart and a #27 spot here.
- Watch the video where Kristian Stanfill talks about his connection to the song
- Compare Prices on Passion: White Flag
4. "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)" - Chris Tomlin
EMI
A new song for a new year, "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)" debuts this week. From the latest Chris Tomlin release, Burning Lights, this tune shines and is a big part of why the album is Tomlin's first to make it all the way to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 Chart.
- Watch the official lyrics video
5. "Forgiveness" - Matthew West
Sparrow Records
"Forgiveness" made it big in 2012 and ended the year with a Billboard spot at #14, a TRAA spot at #3, a #5 spot here on About and 24,140 spins on radio. Matthew West did it again by giving us musical excellence on Into The Light.
- Watch the official lyrics video
- Compare Prices on Into The Light
6. "You Are" - Colton Dixon
Sparrow Records
Debuting this week, "You Are" is from the upcoming debut from the American Idol alum, Colton Dixon. This ballad, filled with the gentle tinkling of keys, is tender yet bold as it propels you towards a personal conversation with Jesus.
- Watch the official lyrics video
7. "Kings & Queens" - Audio Adrenaline
Provident
A new song and a new sound for AudioA, "Kings & Queens" is the first single release and title track from the upcoming March release. Kevin Max says that the song is "THE orphan anthem" and Mark Stuart calls it "an amazing depiction of the kids' story."
- Watch the video of the story behind the song
- Watch the official music video
8. "Hit Me Like A Bomb" - Third Day
Essential Records
Already at #1 on the UK's Cross Rhythms chart, "Hit Me Like A Bomb" is another winning single from Miracle that is debuting here this week. The album's first track, this rocker even got mainstream love when Third Day performed it on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Show back in November.
- Watch the official lyrics video
9. "You Are I Am" - MercyMe
Provident
"You Are I Am," the second single release from The Hurt & The Healer, debuts this week at #9. A song that shines a spotlight on us, our sin and our flawed beliefs that Jesus can't reach us because we've fallen so far down the rabbit hole of sin, it also reminds us at the end that "It's not about falling" but where we land.
- Watch the official lyrics video
- Compare Prices on The Hurt & The Healer
10. "It's Not Over (When God Is In It)" - Israel & New Breed
Integrity Music
After debuting seven weeks ago, "It's Not Over (When God Is In It)" is still moving hearts and getting plenty of radio airplay. Featuring Aaron Lindsey, the song reminds us that no matter where we are in our walks with Jesus, as long as God is in our lives, it's not over.
- Watch Israel & New Breed perform the song live
