Best Jesus-y, Folky, Singer-songwriter-y, Worship-y, High Quality Music of 2022
I’m one of these nerds that enjoys year-end lists. You must be too. Welcome!
This is the third year in a row that I’ve put together the Jesus-y, Folky, Singer-songwriter-y, Worship-y, High Quality Music Awards! It truly is one of the highlights of my year to write this post. Again, I’m a nerd.
All of this music you read about below, and more, is contained in my 2022 Spotify playlist. If you’re so inclined, you can read the 2021 awards as well as the 2020 awards.
Before we proceed, a few definitions.
It’s always tricky to use the word Christian to describe something other than a human being. When I say Jesus-y music, I’m referring to faith-inspired music. I’m not trying to make any grand pronouncements or be some sort of gate-keeper for the Christian music industry. Rightly or wrongly, I’m assuming these songs are born out of some sort of Christian worldview.
Folk is another word I’m using quite generally. Most of this music has an acoustic guitar and could be described as folk/Americana music. Some of it might be more gospel, rock, or pop though. The music on this list was something I considered folk music or folk-adjacent. Feel free to disagree.
With that out of the way, let’s proceed to the awards!
Most Catchy Song of 2022: ‘Whole Heart’ by Mission House
It should come as no surprise that I’ve included a Mission House song in this list as they’ve dominated my year-end awards over the past few years. Whole Heart is a simple, repetitive song which makes it insanely catchy. Simple doesn’t mean shallow though. The lyrics are deep. And hopeful.
When I am broken // When I’m afraid // When I don’t have it together // When I lose my way // There is a place where I can go // Where I am safe, where I am home // And I can trust You with my whole heart // Trust You with my whole heart
Honorable Mention: “Coming Home” by Drew Holcomb, Ellie Holcomb
Best Congregational Worship Song of 2022: ‘Ancient Gates’ by Brooke Ligertwood
I’m not usually a big fan of “arena worship” songs but the lyrics are solid and the song is very singable (we’ve sang it at our church). Though it’s performed with a large band, the song is simple enough to be stripped down and led with a smaller band/production.
There is singing at the ancient gates
There’s a melody of ceaseless praise
Age to age, the sound is only growing stronger
Honorable Mention: “There Is One Gospel” by CityAlight
Most Inventive Song of 2022: ‘I Will Sing’ by Jessamyne Day
Imagine what would happen if you mixed Weezer, 90s Alanis Morissette, hip-hop, and Jesus-y lyrics. Confused? Intrigued? Well, this is the best way I can describe the sound of this Jessamyne Day song.
Man’s ambition and our condition is just like grass blowing in the breeze //
All oppressors and their successors will have to answer for their greed //
But you’re compassionate and gracious you give the hungry what they need //
And there’s a promise to be among us //
I know you’ve come to set all prisoners free
Honorable Mention: “Solid Ground” by The Rivers
Best Reimagined/Retuned Hymn of 2022: ‘Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand’ by Sandra McCracken
An old hymn sung by Sandra McCracken? Say no more. I’m in.
Hold on to God (God’s unchanging hand) His unchanging hand //
Build your hope on things eternal //
And just hold, hold on to to God’s unchanging hand
Honorable Mention: “Be Thou My Vision” by The Gray Havens
Most Powerful Song of 2022: ‘God Really Loves Us’ by Crowder, Dante Bowe
I don’t listen to much CCM anymore but I came across this song and I couldn’t ignore it. Great vocals, great lyrics, great production.
Hallelujah // We are not alone // God really loves us // God really loves us
Honorable Mention: N/A
Most Honest Song of 2022: ‘House of Grief’ by Jill Phillips
It comes as no surprise that someone like Jill Phillips would write some honest songs. We need more songs like it. Out of all the music genres, “Christian music” should be the most honest. Christians should understand brokenness, feel comfortable lamenting it, and know where to find hope. Yet, honest music doesn’t generate streams and concert revenue. Nonetheless, here’s to hoping for more honest songs in the future.
It took falling, it took screaming, it took years of pain // Before my heart could figure how to be with hope again
Honorable Mention: N/A
Most ‘Bob Your Head’ Song of 2022: ‘Mine’ by We the Kingdom
When it’s a nice day and you’re cruising down the road with your window open — you want a song to “bob your head” to. Mine sounds like a classic rock/gospel song from the 1970s but that’s what makes it awesome. Enjoy!
I’m yours and you’re mine // Till the end of time // Sweeter than water // Sweeter than wine // Feels so good to know that you are // Mine
Honorable Mention: N/A
Best Cover Song of 2022: ‘Learning to Fly’ by Greg Lafollette
I’m a sucker for any Tom Petty cover. Most of them don’t live up to the original. I still like the original version of this song the best but Greg’s cover is stripped down with some amazing vocals.
I’m learning to fly // But I ain’t got wings // Coming down // Is the hardest thing
Honorable Mention: “Most of the Time” by Sandra McCracken
Best Seasonal Song of 2022: ‘Restore Us’ by The Soil and Seed Project //
Best Seasonal Album of 2022: Vol. 5 // Advent Christmas Epiphany by The Soil and the Seed Project
I’ve enjoyed listening to this new band (to me, at least) and their mix of hip-hop, folk, and liturgical sounds. It may not be for everyone but count me as intrigued.
Like a vase that falls from the shelf can’t fix itself // but the Potter collects the pieces makes something else
Honorable Mention: “Emmanuel, God is With Us” by Ellie Holcomb
Most Beautiful Song of 2022: ‘For All My Life’ by TAYA
They say a preacher really only has one sermon. If that’s true, mine is probably a sermon on Jesus’s great invitation from Matthew 11: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” So, any song that points to the beauty of this invitation is ready-made to become of my favorites.
When my troubles are a little too heavy // Who can I turn to, to share the weight? // When my mind is cluttered and cloudy // Who can I turn to, to clear the way // Who can I turn to? I turn to You
Honorable Mention: N/A
Kids Favorite Song of 2022: ‘Sunday’ by Ben Rector
My kids are getting older and now they’re at the point where they are starting to introduce me to music and not the other way around. They introduced me to this Ben Rector song this year and I’m so glad they did.
You got me feelin’ like it’s Sunday // You got me sayin’, “Hallelujah”, singin’ praise // You got me feelin’ like the night is gone // And the sun is here to stay, whoa
Honorable Mention: “Living My Best Life” by Ben Rector
Favorite New Artist of 2022: The Wood Drake Sessions
I don’t know much about these guys but they quote Wendell Berry on their website and they love the local church. I’m starting to understand why I dig their music.
“We love the local church. Our aim, like so many before us, is simply to write music for the church to sing. When our songs meet the studio, we love including a plurality of voices beyond our own to feature both the tune and also the great variety of God’s people.
From the start, we have sought to compose songs filled with deep and ancient truths in a manner that invites our emotions to eagerly respond.”
Best Album of 2022: SEVEN (Live) by Brooke Ligertwood //
Best Song of 2022: ‘Honey in the Rock’ by Brooke Ligertwood
I admit, I have a bias against CCM and anthem praise music. Most of it is too mainstream, too peppy, and too shallow for me. I prefer more stripped-down, honest folk music. So, maybe a part of me didn’t want to like this album…but I did. The songs I’ve listened to are catchy, biblical, and singable.
There’s honey in the rock, water in the stone // Manna on the ground, no matter where I go // I don’t need to worry now that I know // Everything I need You’ve got // There’s honey in the rock
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I had a ton of fun putting it together. Along the way, I’m sure I missed a lot. If so, let me know. Seriously. I want to listen to some good music I missed. I’ll listen to anything you email. You can reach me at tbriggs@steadfast.church.
I too am a songwriter/producer and if you want to follow along with some of my music, check out Folk Hymnal. “Folk Hymnal is a guild of church worship leaders creating theologically rich songs in an accessible and attractive way.” Lord willing, we will have some new music coming in 2023.
Again, you can listen to all the above music and other favorites of mine from 2022 on this Spotify playlist.
