The year 2004 was a significant period in contemporary worship music, marked by the rise of songs that resonated deeply within Christian communities worldwide. These anthems not only dominated church services but also permeated Christian radio and personal playlists, shaping the soundscape of worship for years to come. Let’s delve into some of the top worship songs that defined 2004, exploring their impact and enduring appeal.
I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe stood out as a phenomenal crossover hit. Featured on their album Almost There, this song’s powerful narrative about envisioning heaven struck a chord with a vast audience, extending beyond traditional Christian music listeners. Its emotional depth and relatable lyrics contributed to its widespread popularity and cemented its place as a modern classic. The song is available in Keys: D, E, and Eb.
From Lakewood Church, You Are Good became an energetic declaration of God’s inherent goodness. Featured in Lakewood Live: We Speak to Nations, this song, led by Lakewood Worship, is known for its uplifting melody and congregational-friendly structure. Its simple yet profound lyrics made it a staple in praise sets, encouraging believers to proclaim God’s goodness. You can find sheet music in Keys: E and F.
Also from Lakewood Church and featured on the Cover the Earth album, Friend Of God offers an intimate perspective on the relationship between humanity and the divine. This song, also led by Lakewood Worship, emphasizes the personal and accessible nature of God, resonating with those seeking a deeper connection in their worship experience. It is available in Keys: D and E.
You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) by Jonathan Noel, from iWorship: DVD D, is a song that combines adoration with a declaration of Jesus’s peaceful nature. This worship track is marked by its reverent tone and focus on the holiness of God, providing a space for reflective worship. Musicians can explore this song in Keys: F and G.
Travis Cottrell’s Better Than Life, featured on iWorship: DVD F, expresses a profound sense of joy and fulfillment found in faith. This song’s upbeat tempo and passionate lyrics celebrate the abundant life promised through Christian belief, making it an energetic addition to worship gatherings. It is available in Keys: Bb and C.
Shout To The Lord, a classic by Hillsong Worship from the Shout To The Lord album, continued its reign as a global worship anthem in 2004. Its powerful chorus and anthemic structure make it universally recognized and sung in churches across denominations, embodying a call to collective praise. The song can be performed in Keys: A and Bb.
Lenny LeBlanc’s Above All, found on iWorship CD (Vol. 1), is a reflective ballad that emphasizes the selfless love of Christ. Its tender melody and thoughtful lyrics invite worshippers to contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus, making it suitable for moments of introspection and devotion. Keys available are A and G.
Worthy Is the Lamb (with In the Cross and Crown Him With Many Crowns) by Travis Cottrell, from Unashamed Love, is a majestic medley that blends contemporary worship with traditional hymnody. This combination creates a powerful and timeless worship experience, bridging generations through song. It is available in Keys: D and Eb.
Cover The Earth by Lakewood Church from the album of the same name, Cover the Earth, is a bold declaration of faith meant to inspire global outreach and mission. Its expansive sound and thematic focus on spreading the gospel made it popular in churches emphasizing evangelism. Key available is D.
Sweeter, another song from Lakewood Church’s Cover the Earth, shifts the focus to the sweetness of divine presence. Led by Lakewood Worship, this song uses evocative language to describe the joy and satisfaction found in worshipping God, creating an atmosphere of heartfelt devotion. It’s available in Keys: E and F.
Kurt Carr’s In The Sanctuary, from Awesome Wonder, brings a gospel flavor to the worship scene. Known for its soulful melodies and rich harmonies, this song invites worshippers into a sacred space of encounter with God within the church walls. Keys for performance are B and Db.
I Give You My Heart, a classic from Hillsong Worship featured on WOW Worship Yellow, is a personal and sincere offering of devotion. Its simple, repetitive structure and heartfelt lyrics make it ideal for moments of personal worship and reflection, emphasizing surrender and commitment. It can be played in Keys: E and G.
Word Of God Speak by MercyMe, from Spoken For, is a song that emphasizes the importance of listening to and being guided by divine scripture. Its gentle melody and contemplative lyrics encourage listeners to seek God’s voice in their lives. Available in Keys: Bb, C, and D.
Days of Elijah by Robin Mark, featured on iWorship CD (Vol. 1), is an eschatological anthem that looks forward to prophetic fulfillment and spiritual revival. Its powerful imagery and rhythmic drive make it a compelling call to spiritual awakening and anticipation of God’s promises. It is versatile in Keys: A, Bb, Db, and G.
Hillsong Worship’s My Redeemer Lives, from By Your Side, is a declaration of faith in the resurrection and living presence of Jesus Christ. This song’s confident tone and uplifting melody reinforce the core Christian belief in redemption and eternal life. Available Keys are E and F.
Offering by Paul Baloche, from Offering Of Worship, is a song of complete surrender and dedication to God. Its gentle and earnest lyrics express a desire to give oneself fully to divine service, making it a meaningful song for commitment services and personal devotion. It is available in Keys: E and F.
Michael W. Smith’s Ancient Words, from Worship Again, celebrates the enduring power and relevance of scripture. This song emphasizes the timeless wisdom found in the Bible, encouraging listeners to find guidance and truth in its ancient texts. Musicians can play it in Keys: F and G.
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name by Paul Baloche, featured on iWorship CD (Vol. 1), is a powerful hymn arrangement that brings a classic hymn into contemporary worship. This song unites tradition with modern musicality, offering a familiar yet refreshed expression of praise. Keys available are F and G.
Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing) by Brian Doerksen, from WOW Worship Green, is a simple yet profound expression of gratitude for God’s love. Its repetitive chorus and heartfelt melody make it easy for congregations to sing along and express their thanks. It is available in Keys: F and G.
Don Moen’s Thank You Lord, from the album Thank You Lord, is a classic praise song that simply and directly gives thanks to God. Known for its straightforward message and easy-to-learn melody, it is a staple in many worship services for expressing gratitude. Available in Keys: Eb and F.
Here I Am To Worship by Tim Hughes, from iWorship CD (Vol. 2), is a modern worship standard that expresses a posture of humility and adoration. Its iconic melody and lyrics of surrender have made it a favorite for personal and corporate worship alike. It can be performed in Keys: F and G.
Today by Brian Doerksen, from Today, is an uplifting song that focuses on living in the present moment with God. Its positive message and catchy tune encourage listeners to embrace each day as an opportunity for worship and service. Keys available are A and Ab.
Still by Hillsong Worship, from Hope, is a song that promotes peace and trust in God amidst life’s storms. Its calming melody and reassuring lyrics offer comfort and encourage faith in divine sovereignty even in difficult times. It is available in Keys: C and Db.
Everyday by Jason Breland, from Believe, is a song about living out faith in the mundane moments of daily life. Its relatable lyrics and accessible melody remind believers that worship is not confined to church but is an everyday practice. Keys for musicians are B and C.
Again I Say Rejoice by Israel Houghton, from Live From Another Level, brings a vibrant, gospel-infused call to joy and celebration. Its energetic rhythm and exclamatory lyrics encourage exuberant praise and a spirit of rejoicing in faith. It is available in Keys: D, E, and F.
Breathe / Yearn by Marie Barnett, from iWorship: DVD E, combines two powerful worship songs into a seamless medley of intimacy and longing for God. This pairing enhances the worship experience by moving from a posture of dependence (“Breathe”) to one of deep desire (“Yearn”). It can be played in Keys: A and Bb.
Sing from Lakewood Church’s Cover the Earth, is a simple yet powerful call to vocal worship. Led by Lakewood Worship, this song encourages believers to lift their voices in praise, emphasizing the act of singing as a form of worship. Keys available are F and G.
The Potter’s Hand by Hillsong Worship, from Touching Heaven Changing Earth, uses the metaphor of a potter and clay to describe God’s transformative work in believers’ lives. Its reflective lyrics and gentle melody invite worshippers to consider their vulnerability and God’s shaping power. It is available in Keys: Ab, F, and G.
All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises by Paul Baloche, from Seven Essential Songs For Easter, is a song that broadens the scope of worship to a global scale, envisioning all creation joining in praise. Its expansive theme and uplifting melody make it suitable for services focused on unity and global mission. It is available in Keys: E and F.
Only A God Like You by Tommy Walker, from Never Gonna Stop, is a song that marvels at the unique attributes of God. Its worshipful lyrics and melodic structure are designed to inspire awe and adoration for the divine character. Keys available are F and G.
Arise by Paul Baloche, from Offering Of Worship, is an invocation for God to manifest His presence. Its expectant tone and powerful chorus create an atmosphere of anticipation and invitation for divine encounter within worship. It is available in Keys: E and F.
How Great Thou Art, arranged by Stuart Hine and featured on iWorship: DVD B, is a timeless hymn that continued to resonate in 2004. Its powerful verses and soaring chorus celebrate God’s majesty and creation, maintaining its place as a beloved hymn across generations. It can be sung in Keys: A and Bb.
We All Bow Down by Lenny LeBlanc, from iWorship CD (Vol. 1), is a declaration of submission and reverence before God. Its straightforward lyrics and reverent melody create a posture of humility and worshipful surrender. Keys available are Bb and C.
Make It Glorious by Jason Breland, from Believe, is a song that seeks to glorify God in all things. Its aspirational lyrics and uplifting melody encourage believers to live lives that reflect divine glory in every aspect. The song is available in Key: F.
Open The Eyes Of My Heart by Paul Baloche, from WOW Worship Blue, is a prayerful song that asks for spiritual insight and vision. Its repetitive, meditative lyrics and gentle melody create an intimate atmosphere of seeking deeper spiritual understanding. It can be played in Keys: E and F.
These top worship songs of 2004 represent a diverse range of styles and expressions within Christian music, yet they are united in their aim to draw worshippers closer to God. They showcase a year rich in anthems that continue to influence worship services and personal devotion to this day.
