Overall at large Christian music sucks.

[MedicBravo]

On that, most people who "think" they can sing in Christian music suck as well.
Nice — fun project. I did a focused, literature-and-chart-based review of contemporary Christian / worship music trends from roughly 2015→2024 (the last ~10 years), sampling top Billboard Christian charts, common worship/songwriting commentary, and many high-rotation worship songs’ lyrics to form a representative picture. Below are the results, a short explanation of method and caveats, and practical alternatives if you write or edit lyrics.

1. Jesus
2. God
3. Lord
4. love / loved
5. praise / praising
6. heart
7. forever / always / ever (as in “forevermore,” “always with me”)
8. name (e.g., “in Your name,” “Jesus’ name”)
9. holy
10. grace
11. home / house (metaphor for belonging, heaven, church)
12. light / darkness (paired imagery)
13. hope
14. save / saved / savior
15. higher / lift / lift up (images of raising, lifting)
16. break / broken (broken heart, break my heart)
17. faith / believe
18. spirit / Spirit (Holy Spirit)
19. freedom / free
20. glory / glorious / hallelujah
21. come (e.g., “come and see,” “come to me”)
22. strong / strength
23. fire (metaphor for passion/Spirit)
24. open / open my eyes (common petition)
25. mountain / valley (classic metaphor pair)

Common overused lyrical patterns / short clichés​

• Calling repeatedly: “Oh Jesus / Jesus, You’re (x)” — name + attribute → frequent and often predictable.
• “You are my (rock/light/hope/strength)” — simple attribute-metaphor pairings.
• Repetitive chorus lines with one-word refrains (“Hallelujah,” “Forever,” “Amen”) used as the emotional hook.
• Refrains built around salvation language in highly similar phrasing: “You saved me / You set me free / I was lost.”
• Romanticized language toward God using lover metaphors (“I am Yours,” “Hold me,” “Pour Your love”) — common in modern worship.

Why these words dominate (brief)​

• Worshipsongs aim for direct address and congregational singability: simple, familiar, and emotionally immediate words work best in a live-worship context. Chart/industry trends also favor catchy, repeatable hooks. See Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and analysis of CCM’s mainstream crossover for evidence of which songs get rotated and therefore repeated in churches and playlists. (Wikipedia)
• Songwriting resources and worship-theology commentary also point to recurring themes (praise, confession, petition, assurance), which produce repeated vocabulary (praise/heart/grace/holy). (Desiring God)

Billboard year-end Top Christian songs (Top 10 per year, 2015–2024)​

I pulled Billboard/top-Christian summary lists and reputable aggregators for each year to assemble the top 10 songs per year. Here are the songs I collected (title — artist). Sources: Billboard year-end pages and year lists aggregated by music sites. topchristianhits.org+2topchristianhits.org+2


2015 (Top picks from year lists):

• Soul On Fire — Third Day
• Flawless — MercyMe
• Holy Spirit — Francesca Battistelli
• (others in that year’s top 10 are included in the dataset)

2016 (sample top picks):

• Eye of the Storm — Ryan Stevenson
• Chain Breaker — Zach Williams
• (etc.)

2017 (sample top picks):

• Old Church Choir — Zach Williams
• Even If — MercyMe
• O’Lord — Lauren Daigle

2018 (sample top picks):

• You Say — Lauren Daigle
• Known — Tauren Wells
• I Just Need U — TobyMac
• Reckless Love — Cory Asbury

2019–2024 (representative examples pulled from year summaries):

• What A Beautiful Name — Hillsong Worship
• Good Good Father — Chris Tomlin
• Graves Into Gardens — Elevation Worship
• The Blessing — Kari Jobe / Cody Carnes / Elevation Worship
• This Is A War / RISE / other repeat-year hits included as present in the year lists.

Congregational / worship set (CCLI / PraiseCharts / most-sung lists)​

For a worship-focused sample I pulled authoritative worship-song lists that churches actually use and sing often (PraiseCharts “Top 100 Worship Songs of the Decade,” CCLI top lists, and PraiseCharts yearly roundups). Example high-frequency congregational songs included in the sample: PraiseCharts+1


Representative items included:

• 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) — Matt Redman
• What A Beautiful Name — Hillsong Worship
• Cornerstone — Hillsong Worship
• This Is Amazing Grace — Phil Wickham
• Great Are You Lord — All Sons & Daughters / other top congregational songs
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) — Hillsong UNITED
• How Great Is Our God — Chris Tomlin
• King Of Kings / Same God / The Lion and the Lamb / other modern worship staples

Congregational Singability - Why the majority of Christian singers can't sing.​

• In worship music especially, songs are written for groups of ordinary people to sing along to in church.
• Most congregations aren’t trained singers, so songwriters keep melodies in a range of about an octave (sometimes a 9th) — usually A3 to D5 for women, or A2 to D4 for men — so almost everyone can participate without straining.
• This sets a ceiling on how wide the melody (and the singer’s performance) can realistically go.

Pop & Radio Influence​

• Contemporary Christian music often mirrors mainstream pop production.
• Pop vocals today lean on smooth delivery and atmosphere rather than big showy belts or dramatic leaps.
• Producers often prefer a restrained vocal line so the lyrics and beat carry the emotion, rather than vocal acrobatics.

Production & Auto-Tune​

• In studio recordings, producers often smooth out vocals with pitch correction and layering, making the line sound flatter in range.
• This works well for radio and streaming but can make it feel like the singers themselves don’t stretch much vocally.

Songwriting Trends​

• Many modern worship songs rely on repetition, drone chords, and chant-like refrains (e.g., “Oh-oh-oh,” “Hallelujah”).
• These structures naturally don’t require much range — they aim for build-up through layering and dynamics rather than pitch movement.
• The “big moment” is usually achieved by adding instruments, harmonies, or key changes, not vocal leaps.

Not sorry. All entertainers NEED money to "work". Most of it is quantity not quality.

 

[emanuel88]

christian music is not focused on the same lyrics or beats as wordly music. Still christian is better than othe wordly music.

 

[joestue]

christian music is not focused on the same lyrics or beats as wordly music. Still christian is better than othe wordly music.

music and songs use to communicate a message, not so much any more, they are used to communicate a dopamine releasing emotional state.

i went to a Lauren Daigle concert and it was pretty clear to me she is in a poly amorous relationship with several band members, and feels guilty about it, and once i realized that, i can hear it in all of her music.

 

[MedicBravo]

christian music is not focused on the same lyrics or beats as wordly music. Still christian is better than othe wordly music.

It IS.
I've posted the evidence and trends.
The # of truly talented Christian singers/musicians/etc. is much smaller than you think.
You can run any song through one of a few general music players and some which show the audio range and everything.
I agree the rest of the music sucks worse but Christian music, largely, does the same thing.

Truth is most of them aren't doing it for God or worship as much as they think they are.

 

[MedicBravo]

music and songs use to communicate a message, not so much any more, they are used to communicate a dopamine releasing emotional state.

i went to a Lauren Daigle concert and it was pretty clear to me she is in a poly amorous relationship with several band members, and feels guilty about it, and once i realized that, i can hear it in all of her music.

Bethel Church and Music is the worst.
Any of your "artists" you like who endorse and work with you MUST be removed from your life.

 

[Furious_Love]

Good Stuff MedicBravo. That would have taken some time to do.
If anyone is interested in sparing a few hours there is a doco'
on YT by a Pastor 'Spencer Smith' the name of it is "The Third Adam".
Well worth the watch.

 

[Gothedral]

I trust your science, @MedicBravo ️ I agree, I mean, about the shortage in factual musical talent from vocalists who profess to be lead singers. On that note I can hardly fake a baritone in a church choir of men. Even so, in a world of crutch technology, I still entertain ️ the thought of computing my poetry into Christian music online. It's more between The Lord Jesus Christ and my puny human self. But the principle of that matter is personal... not profitable. For everyone else... I heard Vincent D Furnier converted. Oh, wait he can't carry a tune either. Lol.

So, nevermind the local choir of the children of Israel... We're fine. Do you sing professionally?

 

[MedicBravo]

I trust your science, @MedicBravo ️ I agree, I mean, about the shortage in factual musical talent from vocalists who profess to be lead singers. On that note I can hardly fake a baritone in a church choir of men. Even so, in a world of crutch technology, I still entertain ️ the thought of computing my poetry into Christian music online. It's more between The Lord Jesus Christ and my puny human self. But the principle of that matter is personal... not profitable. For everyone else... I heard Vincent D Furnier converted. Oh, wait he can't carry a tune either. Lol.

So, nevermind the local choir of the children of Israel... We're fine. Do you sing professionally?

God didn't gift me with that or any Art ability. I'm not going to try as I don't find it particularly enjoyable to make music or art.
Harmonizing and basic cords and normal range almost anyone can do. It's not talent.
Autotune isn't helping.

 

[Rockerduck]

Many "Chistian" artists are not Christian at all. They are signed artists that sell records. Look up testimonies of these artists and you will see how fake they are.

 

[Gothedral]

Many "Chistian" artists are not Christian at all. They are signed artists that sell records. Look up testimonies of these artists and you will see how fake they are.

This is painfully true for the majority being played on Christian music streaming sites. We should warn them about "bearing false witness", because they do have reach with their skillsets. Okay, fine I'll do it. Lol ️

 

[Reconstructing]

Did I just read a post critiquing 'Jesus' as the most used word in worship music?
So I used your list of overused words and phrases and prompted chat GPT to write a Christian worship song without them. This is what it offered.

Title: "Beneath the Quiet Sky"
(Contemplative, worshipful, meditative)


Verse 1
Beneath the quiet sky I kneel,
Where silence hums with something real.
No thunder speaks, no whirlwind stirs,
Yet still I know I have been heard.


Pre-Chorus
Not in a blaze, not in a cry,
But in the hush where questions lie.


Chorus
You meet me where the stillness grows,
In every breath the morning knows.
No need for words, no grand display,
You’re present in the quiet way.


Verse 2
The trees don’t strain to touch the stars,
Yet stretch with peace in who they are.
And like the sea accepts the shore,
I rest in what I can't explore.


Pre-Chorus
Not carved in stone, not held by lines,
But felt in quiet, sacred signs.


Chorus
You meet me where the stillness grows,
In every breath the morning knows.
No need for words, no grand display,
You’re present in the quiet way.


Bridge
When all my answers fall apart,
And questions echo through the dark,
I find a path beneath my feet—
Not marked by maps, but strangely sweet.


Final Chorus
You meet me where the stillness grows,
In every breath the morning knows.
No need for words, no grand display,
You’re present in the quiet way.
Yes, present in the quiet way.

Does that suit you better?

 

[Reconstructing]

music and songs use to communicate a message, not so much any more, they are used to communicate a dopamine releasing emotional state.

i went to a Lauren Daigle concert and it was pretty clear to me she is in a poly amorous relationship with several band members, and feels guilty about it, and once i realized that, i can hear it in all of her music.

Please let her know. She might need a giggle today.

 

[MedicBravo]

Did I just read a post critiquing 'Jesus' as the most used word in worship music?
So I used your list of overused words and phrases and prompted chat GPT to write a Christian worship song without them. This is what it offered.

You did!
While God/Jesus/Holy Spirit should be the focus of the lyrics they are most often done poorly.
I can't remember the name but there is a song where 99% of it is "He is the God who...." with variations after every line.
The chorus is also quite similar. That is IT. Horrible. Atrocious. A rock could come up with better lyrics.
There's another "Son of David".

Ryan Ellis (Ft. Brandon Lake) – Son of David

[Verse 1: Ryan Ellis] / O Son of David, have mercy on me / My soul is broken, and my eyes can't see / Can You hear me callin', callin' out Your name? / O Son of David, have mercy

genius.com

Catchy at first but overused and repeated lyrics.
God gave us an imagination for many reasons and many in Christian music have shown they aren't using it.

 

[Reconstructing]

You did!
While God/Jesus/Holy Spirit should be the focus of the lyrics they are most often done poorly.
I can't remember the name but there is a song where 99% of it is "He is the God who...." with variations after every line.
The chorus is also quite similar. That is IT. Horrible. Atrocious. A rock could come up with better lyrics.
There's another "Son of David".

Ryan Ellis (Ft. Brandon Lake) – Son of David

[Verse 1: Ryan Ellis] / O Son of David, have mercy on me / My soul is broken, and my eyes can't see / Can You hear me callin', callin' out Your name? / O Son of David, have mercy

genius.com

Catchy at first but overused and repeated lyrics.
God gave us an imagination for many reasons and many in Christian music have shown they aren't using it.

So I hope this doesn't pull the research rug out from under you feet...but this guy might have got there first...

 

[Reconstructing]

You did!
While God/Jesus/Holy Spirit should be the focus of the lyrics they are most often done poorly.
I can't remember the name but there is a song where 99% of it is "He is the God who...." with variations after every line.
The chorus is also quite similar. That is IT. Horrible. Atrocious. A rock could come up with better lyrics.
There's another "Son of David".

Ryan Ellis (Ft. Brandon Lake) – Son of David

[Verse 1: Ryan Ellis] / O Son of David, have mercy on me / My soul is broken, and my eyes can't see / Can You hear me callin', callin' out Your name? / O Son of David, have mercy

genius.com

Catchy at first but overused and repeated lyrics.
God gave us an imagination for many reasons and many in Christian music have shown they aren't using it.

Wow. It took THREE of them to come up with that chorus??? God have mercy on us ( whoa ad nauseum)

 

[Gothedral]

Not sorry. All entertainers NEED money to "work". Most of it is quantity not quality.

I agree. As a musically untalented Christian, if I receive one unit of money for what I will lob into the broadband for the greater glory of God Almighty, I will add you to the list of family to credit Lol

 

[Christ4Ever]

I found this by accident and remembering this thread I wondered how you all would feel about it.
Oh, it's hard rock/upbeat, and the video is not necessarily my cup of tea, but I do believe if you are seeking to reach a certain segment of the youth and even some oldsters of society, you have to go where they are at, without of course compromising the word of God when you do.

[Luk 14:21-23 NLT] 21 "The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' 23 So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.