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BEST CHRISTIAN ALBUMS OF THE 80s, 90s and 00s
By an Amazon.com customer
Greatest HitsGreatest Hits by Amy Grant
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $6.06
Album sales alone tell us a story about how relevant Amy Grant remains in our culture. Her music is upbeat, positive and infectuous.
Casting CrownsCasting Crowns by Casting Crowns
Buy new: $19.98 / Used from: $8.09
Casting Crowns has 3 CD releases and all are excellent. I'd encourage you to explore their entire catalog.
Now and ThenNow and Then by Steven Curtis Chapman
Buy new: $19.98 / Used from: $2.00
Steven Curtis Chapman just never seems to stop. As the most decorated male artist in Christian music, his music is well worth consideration.
Twila Paris - Greatest HitsTwila Paris - Greatest Hits by Twila Paris
Buy new: $14.95 / Used from: $7.28
Twila's songs, "He is Exalted," "We Bow Down," "Lamb of God," and "We Will Glorify" are sung in churches around the world. Also consider her amazing string of hits.
Coming Up to BreatheComing Up to Breathe by MercyMe
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $2.93
It's hard to pick one Mercy Me CD to recommend. However, "Coming Up to Breathe" is my favorite overall.
Testify to Love: The Very Best of AvalonTestify to Love: The Very Best of Avalon by Avalon
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $2.08
Avalon amassed an amazing list of memorable hits such as "Testify to Love," "Adonai," "Wonder Why," "The Glory" and "Everything to Me." "Oxygen" is their best CD.
Chronology, Vol. 1Chronology, Vol. 1 by Third Day
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $8.88
Also check out Chronology Volume 2 which provides a great introduction to Third Day's more recent work. Mac Powell's vocals are fantastic.
AwakenAwaken by Natalie Grant
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.25
Natalie Grant just seems to get better with time. Her early works were more inspirational and adult contemporary while her more recent works are more rock.
The Second Decade 1993-2003The Second Decade 1993-2003 by Michael W. Smith
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $2.39
Here's another artist who has enjoyed amazing longevity in Christian music. Also pick up the First Decade, as Smith's work from the 80s is just as memorable.
Sandi Patty: The Definitive CollectionSandi Patty: The Definitive Collection by Sandi Patty
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $6.81
Love her or hate her, Sandi Patty is a matriach of Christian music. Amassing more Dove Awards and #1 hits than any other female artist, her music has wide appeal.
ArrivingArriving by Chris Tomlin
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $6.93
Chris Tomlin has penned a number of the songs we sing in churches every week, including "Forever," "Indescribable," "Holy is the Lord," and "How Great is our God."
The Ultimate CollectionThe Ultimate Collection by Rebecca St. James
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $6.98
Rebecca St. James turned a number of heads when she released the Alannis Morissette-inspired CD titled "God." If I Had One Chance is her best release to date.
Greatest HitsGreatest Hits by Jars of Clay
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $5.49
I don't know if I've heard a band that has reinvented itslef more times than Jars of Clay. Redemption Songs is their best CD to date.
Every Moment: The Best of Joy WilliamsEvery Moment: The Best of Joy Williams by Joy Williams
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $3.28
Christian music lost a real treasure when Joy Williams decided to move onto other things. Her music, smile and voice were unforgettable.
A CollisionA Collision by David Crowder Band
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $2.52
I'll admit, I had a hard time warming up to David Crowder. His appearance is, well, odd. However, when I heard the David Crowder Band in concert, I was hooked.
Smell the Color 9Smell the Color 9 by Chris Rice
Buy used from: $0.67
Deep introspective lyric, warm voice and catcy songs. I'd recommend Smell the Color 9,Run the Earth, Watch the Sky and Past the Edges.
RECOLLECTION                 THE BEST OF NICHOLE          NORDEMANRECOLLECTION THE BEST OF NICHOLE NORDEMAN by Nichole Nordeman
Buy new: $12.21 / Used from: $10.97
She began her career by winning a talent contest, and one can see why. Her Woven and Spun album was the pinnacle of her career, spawning the song of the year--"Holy."
Chronicles 1992-2004Chronicles 1992-2004 by Caedmon's Call
Buy new: $11.94 / Used from: $0.60
I love Caedmon's Call, especially the era during which Derek Webb was a part of the group. It is for that reason that I enjoy the CDs 40 Acres and Overdressed the most.
The Ultimate CollectionThe Ultimate Collection by Phillips Craig & Dean
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $12.74
PCD's recent worship releases have really helped to advance modern worship in more traditional churches. They have a rich body of work.
So Far: The Best Of Susan Ashton Volume 1So Far: The Best Of Susan Ashton Volume 1 by Susan Ashton
Buy used from: $0.10
In the 1990s, Ashton created such hits as "Here in My Heart," "Down on My Knees" and "Stand." In my opinion, Ashton has the best female voice in Christian music.
RescueRescue by NewSong
Buy new: $11.94 / Used from: $4.33
Newsong is another group that has had a number of cast changes over the years. My favorite chapter is when Michael OBrien provided lead vocals.
Bless the Broken Road: The Duets AlbumBless the Broken Road: The Duets Album by Selah
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $4.27
Selah is an unlikely success story. Singing mostly covers of hymns and songs made popular by others, one might have easily cast Selah aside. However, they're amazing!
Let The Wind BlowLet The Wind Blow by Imperials
Buy used from: $37.87
If you were a fan of Christian music in the 1980s, you know The Imperials very well. The Imperials were the Casting Crowns of the 1980s.
A Grateful PeopleA Grateful People by Watermark
Buy new: $16.99 / Used from: $7.24
Christy Nockels is another phenominal female vocalist that has been a bit absent from Christian music. Along with her husband Nathan, the Nockels make up Watermark.
Greatest HitsGreatest Hits by dc Talk
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $6.26
Jesus Freak, the surprising 1997 release from DC Talk, was arguably a turning point for Christian music, opening the door to rock and signaling the end of adult contemporary.
Margaret Becker, Very Best ofMargaret Becker, Very Best of by Margaret Becker
Buy used from: $12.00
Margaret Becker released a number of blockbuster hits. Her album Soul was likely the high point of her career. Expect a little rock, a little pop, and a powerful alto.
Let the Praises Ring: The Best Worship Songs of Lincoln BrewsterLet the Praises Ring: The Best Worship Songs of Lincoln Brewster by Lincoln Brewster
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $7.99
Lincoln Brewster seems to be emerging as a major player in modern worship, releasing such memorable songs as "Let the Praises Ring," "Majestic," and "Love the Lord."
Best of 2nd Chapter of ActsBest of 2nd Chapter of Acts by Nelly Greisen; Matthew Ward and Annie Herring
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $10.29
Another great group from the 1970s and 1980s. The awesome three-part harmonies created by this group can raise the hair on the back of your neck (in a very good way).
Remember This: Out of the Grey Collection 1991-1998Remember This: Out of the Grey Collection 1991-1998 by Out of the Grey
Buy used from: $2.22
Sadly, Out of the Grey is no more, but Christine and Scott Dente certainly gained my respect with their insightful releases during the 1990s.
Ultimate Collection (CD & DVD)Ultimate Collection (CD & DVD) by Keith Green
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $7.62
The Billy Joel and Elton John of Christian music, Keith Green died in 1982 putting an all-too-early end to a fantastic career.
2424 by Point of Grace
Buy used from: $0.98
A bit saccharin at times, this girl group has certainly evolved over the years. Their landmark work Free to Fly is still one of my favorite CDs.
Great Light of the World: The Best of Bebo NormanGreat Light of the World: The Best of Bebo Norman by Bebo Norman
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $6.70
Great folk song-writer, Bebo Norman was Christian music's most eligible batchelor at one point in time. He has an unmistakable voice.
The Definitive CollectionThe Definitive Collection by Leslie Phillips
Buy new: $7.98 / Used from: $2.00
Tired of being the Christian Cyndi Lauper, Phillips left Christian music in 1987 after releasing "Strength of My Life," "By My Spirit," and "Your Kindness."
Winds of Heaven, Stuff of EarthWinds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth by Rich Mullins
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $3.99
The author of "Awesome God," Rich Mullins is well loved for his simple professions of faith. Unfortunately, Rich Mullins is another artist that we lost too early to death.
On My Knees: The Best of Jaci VelasquezOn My Knees: The Best of Jaci Velasquez by Jaci Velasquez
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $8.86
The resident latin diva, Jaci Velasquez quickly captured our hearts with songs like "Un Lugar Celestial" and "On My Knees."
Mark SchultzMark Schultz by Mark Schultz
Buy new: $13.96 / Used from: $1.84
If you've ever heard the song, "He's My Son" you may not ever forget the first time you heard it. Mark is a great storyteller.
Jill PhillipsJill Phillips by Jill Phillips
Buy used from: $1.70
Having spent much of her career as an independent artist, Phillips may not be well known, but her music is worth the time. Consider "I Am," "Only One" and "Steel Bars."
The Very Best of Wayne WatsonThe Very Best of Wayne Watson by Wayne Watson
Buy used from: $1.08
Wayne Watson was one of the premier male vocalists in the 1980s and has continued to release music in the 1990s and 2000s. Some of his songs are genuine classics.
Blessed: The Best of Rachael LampaBlessed: The Best of Rachael Lampa by Rachael Lampa
Buy used from: $2.14
I'll never forget the first time I heard Rachael Lampa sing. She was a new artist and sang Ave Maria the The Child of the Promise Christmas tour. She is amazing.
4Him - Encore4Him - Encore by 4Him
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $14.99
Prior to retiring, 4Him generated a long list of major Christian hits, including "Where There is Faith," "The Basics of Life," "Why?" and "For Future Generations."