Proverbs 18:21 says “The tongue has the power of life and death”. Music these days is instantly accessible, whether we subscribe to a platform such as Spotify or Apple Music, or listen to the song on YouTube. I know I’m not that old, but growing up I remember waiting to buy an artists’ album and then playing it on my CD player, and I still remember my sister walking around listening to her Walkman (if you don’t know what that is, it is 90s and early 00s nostalgia!).

What we listen to matters. I find myself easily irritated and short with people after I’ve listened to music that is harsh and demeaning. But then I find myself uplifted, at peace, and motivated to do better and be better during and after listening to music that is wholesome and good. 

Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things”. If we are told to think about such things, then I’d say what we listen to directly impacts our thought processes, and music has an influence upon this whether we realise it or not. 

Here are some artists I recommend for some good quality listening:

1. Phil Wickham: I first heard of Phil Wickham when I was 16 and my sister was getting married, and she chose his song “You’re Beautiful” to walk down the aisle to. That was over 10 years ago, and he still delivers the goods! Chris and I both particularly enjoy listening to his Hymn of Heaven album, and Chris loves playing those songs on his guitar and piano. 
2. Taya Gaukrodger: Most of us would probably recognise Taya from her amazing contribution to Hillsong United, but she released her own music in 2022 with her album titled TAYA. You know when songs remind you of different seasons or moments of your life? Well her song “For All My Life” reminds me of our trip to the UK & Europe in 2022 and that whole season. 14 tracks on that album of pure musical goodness, with just the most beautiful lyrics – I can highly recommend that album!
3. Elevation Worship + Maverick City Music: Their music was (and still is!) such a hit and was released at a time when there was a lot of racial tension going on in the world, so to see so many people from all different backgrounds come together and praise God was incredibly uplifting. Their Old Church Basement album is a must listen to!
4. Hillsong United: Also known as Hillsong Worship and Hillsong, so many amazing songs that have reached hundreds of millions of listeners, Hillsong United have been going since 1998. Their impact upon the Christian music scene has been ongoing, and I’ve seen their songs featured in mainstream media – my inner patriotic Australian self cheering seeing something homegrown do so well! Absolutely love their albums Zion, Empires, Let There Be Light, and Awake.
5. Rend Collective: A really fun, folky band that creates tracks that just make you want to get up and dance and have a fun time, I was only recently introduced to Rend Collective. Hailing from Northern Ireland, I have listened to their Good News album on repeat!
6. Lauren Daigle: Described as sounding similar to Adele and Amy Winehouse (I can see the similarities for sure!), Lauren Daigle has captured audiences worldwide with her music. Right before COVID-19 lockdowns, I had an incredible opportunity to watch her perform live in Brisbane and she was PHENOMENAL! I also loved how many scarves and bangles she wore and wrapped around her microphone stand, it was great! When she performed her song “Rescue”, I was crying for sure. I remember listening to her How Can It Be album during university when I felt stressed, and those songs definitely have goodness intertwined in the lyrics. I also highly recommend her album Look Up Child.
7. Needtobreathe: Another one where songs remind you of certain experiences and seasons, Needtobreathe’s song “Be Here Long” takes me straight back to our trip to New Zealand in 2022. That song actually really helped me to remember to make the most of the holiday, because trips don’t last forever, so thank you Needtobreathe! Their Hard Love and all of their live albums are really quite something. Their cover of “Stand By Me” is my favourite version of that song for sure.

I can also highly recommend enjoying the sweet tunes of Switchfoot, For King and Country, Leeland, We The Kingdom, Third Day, Chris Tomlin, Brooke Ligertwood (previously known as Brooke Fraser), Kari Jobe, All Sons & Daughters, and Tenth Avenue North.

I hope you find encouragement and some new songs to listen to from this list. What we listen to and allow to fill our minds matters.

Love, Gracie