My Favorite Lesser Known Christian Artists

I think we can all agree that music impacts us strongly. A good song has the power to lift you up or bring you to tears. That’s why shallow songs annoy me so much. I hate when music (especially music intended for the glory of God) is empty of truth and beauty. Is it too much to ask for a solid, truthfully sound Christian song?

Although there are some popular Christian artists that I listen to, I have found that a lot of my favorite artists are not very well known, and you may never even have heard their songs before. Today I’ll be sharing a few of those with you, so that you will have some new, wonderful music to listen to!

I feel like upbeat Christian music has become cluttered with shallow, empty songs that do not bring substance to your walk of faith. That is why I’m taking the time today to mention my favorite Christian songwriters who write gentler songs brimming in truth. It’s important to have a balance of Christian music, as with anything else, and songs like that are less often known and enjoyed. 🙂

Andrew Peterson

If you know me at all you aren’t surprised to see Andrew Peterson on the list. He is my number one favorite artist! Every line of every song he writes rings beautiful and true. He has the amazing ability to take biblical truths and stories and tell them in a new light that had escaped your understanding before listening to him. I never have to question if something in his songs is untrue, and they are never shallow or empty. Often, his songs quote scripture itself in a way that feels perfectly natural and wonderful.

I have tried and failed to come up with a favorite of his albums, so I won’t go through that now. But if you want suggestions I would tell you to listen to “The Resurrection Letters” (an album on the Easter story) or “Burning Edge of Dawn” (an amazing collection of songs revealing the wonder of God). They probably have the most recognizable songs in them. There is also his Christmas album, “Behold the Lamb of God”, which is the most extraordinary and original Christmas album I have ever heard.

(If you want more information/thoughts on his songs, I wrote a blog post on “The Resurrection Letters” a few months ago, which you can read here. In it I go through each song in the album, sharing my thoughts on their meaning, and you might find it helpful if it’s your first time listening to him.)

Laura Story

Of all the artists on this list, Laura Story is probably the most well known. But she certainly is not as popular as I think she deserves. Her songs are honest and beautiful, revealing the miracle of God and His love for us. I first started listening to her years ago when my mom went to hear her speak and brought home one of her CDs.

By far, I would say her most well known song is “Blessings”. That song never fails to make me stop in wonder to think about how God uses the hurt and tears for His plan. My other favorites of hers are “Mighty to Save” (the album, but especially the song!), and “God of Every Story” (an album that illustrates the eternal mindset we can have in regards to life on earth). But all of her music is distinctly hers and sings a gentle testimony to the amazing power and goodness of the Lord.

The Gray Havens

This is an artist that I am not as well versed in as I would like, but I can assure you that their work is something to listen to. I have been encouraged to listen to them over the past couple years by some of my writing friends, and I’m always on the lookout for new songs to listen to. The first one I heard was “At Last, the King”, and I loved it right away! It reminded me of Andrew Peterson’s songs, so of course I was all for it. Since then I have realized that there is a very distinct tone to their music, full of strong instrumentals and lines to make you wonder about in, the most remarkable, intriguing way.

My favorite album of theirs (and admittedly the only one I have become familiar with very well) is “Blue Flower”. It is a wonderful album focused on the longing and ache inside of us waiting for heaven while we live on earth. I had heard of the blue flower before, but this album inspired me to go search out more about its meaning, which I suggest you do too!

Final Thoughts

This is just a small list of who I listen to. There are so many other Christian artists I love, some well known, and some not. Maybe someday I’ll write a post about my favorite well known artists (which ones I think are actually good artists), but for now I hope you have enjoyed reading about my favorite lesser known Christian artists.

Have you heard of any of these artists? What are some of your favorites? Share them down in the chat.