As we close out the first quarter-century of the new millennium, we decided to take on (frankly) an impossible task – spotlighting the 25 most well-crafted, soul-stirring albums from artists who are believers in Jesus (even if the music is considered “mainstream”). A list like this sparks debate, controversy, and maybe even outrage. Our motive isn’t to get the list perfectly accurate (what ‘best of’ list ever is?), but maybe our end result could be a reflection of an incredible quarter-century of faith-inspired music. And note – hardly any of these albums won Dove Awards or topped the CCM charts. So it’s possible that this list might be unveiling a whole new layer of spiritual music that you didn’t even know existed. If so, let us know in the comments!
Bottom line, we love this list and the quality music it represents. At the bottom, we share an additional 25 albums as Honorable Mentions – so hopefully this will give you lots of listening discoveries that slipped through the cracks for you. This list is not just one person’s opinion – a panel of six music critics weighed in and helped us finalize what you are about to read. We are proud to present UTR’s Quarter Century List of Best Gourmet Albums.
(Albums can qualify if released between 1/1/00 and 11/1/25 by an artist that has publicly professed their faith in Jesus. Albums are listed alphabetically by title.)
Leonard, the Lonely Astronaut – Andrew Osenga (2012)
An indie artist once described this album as “a right-of-passage for adulting.” So true. Our panelist shared, “Yes it’s an unconventional concept album, but tucked into the song arc are wisdoms and emotions about the human experience.” [SPOTIFY] [YOUTUBE]
Salvation in Lights – Mike Farris (2007)
Deservedly named Christianity Today‘s pick for Best Album of 2007, this fusion of blues, soul, and gospel will transport you on nearly every listen. Our panelist said, “These full soul-band arrangements fly high and Farris’ vocals soar into the stratosphere.” [SPOTIFY] [YOUTUBE]
The Beautiful Letdown – Switchfoot (2003)
Our panelists called this a “landmark album” that was “boundary-crossing.” It’s clearly one of the most important, influential, and enduring albums of our lifetime. One UTR writer shared, “This album never loses sight of the greater yes found beyond our lesser hopes.” [SPOTIFY] [YOUTUBE]
The Outsiders – Needtobreathe (2009)
This was the special moment that a superb band found their voice. One critic described it as “southern rock maestros’ magnum opus including a vocal-centric delivery with perhaps the best band vocalist around.” Another called this, “a foot-stomping joy fest.” [SPOTIFY] [YOUTUBE]
Honorable Mentions
Here are an additional 25 albums that are also some of the best gourmet albums of the past quarter century (listed alphabetically by album title).
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All My Questions – Bethany Barnard (2021)
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All or Nothing – Joy Ike (2013)
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Barton Hallow – The Civil Wars (2011)
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Brand New – Ben Rector (2015)
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Circle Back, Start Again – Tina Boonstra (2023)
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Dig Here Said the Angel – Daniel Amos (2013)
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Dragons – Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors (2019)
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Drunkard’s Prayer – Over the Rhine (2005)
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Floodplain – Sara Groves (2015)
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Ghost of a King – The Gray Havens (2016)
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Hold Still – Taylor Leonhardt (2021)
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Inland – Jars of Clay (2013)
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Keeper of Days – Jon Guerra (2020)
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Let Them Fall in Love – CeCe Winans (2017)
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Look Up Child – Lauren Daigle (2018)
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Mercury & Lightning – John Mark McMillan (2017)
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Poet Priest – Andy Squyres (2021)
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Rivers in the Wasteland – Needtobreathe (2014)
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Sentimental Creatures – Jess Ray (2015)
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Shadow Weaver – The Choir (2014)
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The North Star – Remedy Drive (2018)
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This is an Outrage! – Capital Lights (2008)
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Vice Verses – Switchfoot (2011)
Congratulations to all 50 of the albums mentioned above. Are there other albums that deserve to be on this list? Absolutely! Trust us, it was not easy to pare down to 50. What are some albums that you would insert into this list? Share your comments below. Also let us know if you are just discovering any of these stellar releases for the first time.
For me, this is actually a solid top 25. So many albums and artists I really can’t argue about. The only thing that made me go “Wait a minute…” was The Choir’s “Shadow Weaver” on the honorable mention list, only because I think “O, How the Mighty Have Fallen” from 2005 is the superior release. Everything else is nitpicks (Over the Rhine should NEVER just be an honorable mention—”Drunkard’s Prayer” is a masterpiece, etc.).
Some of the most important albums of my life were found there. Great list!
This is a really good list. It includes a number of albums that are already among my favorites from some of my favorite artists, along with a few I’ve now added to my Spotify lists. Thank you! I do think you’ve overlooked two more recent bands: Twenty One Pilots and half-alive. half-alive’s now, not yet is profound lyrically and ground-breaking musically. Twenty One Pilots’ Blurryface was a huge mainstream commercial success and it’s filled with deep spiritual content.
Great list. Some day, I think we might look back at Gray Havens Ghost of A King as something that launched an awesome career for them and pushed the envelope of beautiful songwriting in Christian music.
Some day…maybe a “last 50 years” that’ll hit some of my “growing up” years too!?
Just a note – the link to the Search was to a single rather than the album.
Also – here’s a playlist that pulls them all in!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/05oeHjX9xHhNFNGklMjGw2?si=6mEyT-PFToyiSJtzRq3XIA&pi=iN4zgXbFQcGxL
Not much to nitpick here… great list! My minor nitpicks: First, you picked the wrong Brooke Fraser album. “Flags” is the better record. Also agree with the above commenter… Over the Rhine is too good for honorable mention and yes, Drunkard’s Prayer is a stone cold classic. Also, “Audible Sigh” by Vigilantes of Love belongs on this list… one of the best americana / alt-country albums ever put out by anyone.