Top 20 Christian Songs of the 80’s

Many bands that took root in the 70s continued an uphill climb through the 80s, including Petra, DeGarmo & Key, and Andrus, Blackwood & Company. A few artists held dynamic careers from previous decades and are still strong artists today, including The Imperials, Benny Hester, B.J. Thomas, Twila Paris and Don Francisco. The style of music from the early 80s is reminiscent of the gospel style of the 60s and 70s. Many artists in the mid- to late- 80s introduced distinctive styles of rock, techno and upbeat flavors in the Christian music world. Russ Taff broke from The Imperials into a successful solo career and Amy Grant started her career as a teen sensation that led to many top hits throughout the decade. Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman also debuted into the music spotlight.

Enjoy this list of the top 20 songs from this era!

"The Truth" (2 Corinthians) 2:14 “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”

20. Soldier of the Light – Andrus, Blackwood & Company

19. Let the Whole World Sing – DeGarmo & Key

18. Nobody Knows Me Like You – Benny Hester

17. Let the Wind Blow – Imperials

16. More Power To Ya – Petra

15. Silent Love – Russ Taff

14. He Will Carry You – Scott Wesley Brown

13. Humble Yourself – 2nd Chapter of Acts

12. El Shaddai – Amy Grant

11. Hosanna – Michael W. Smith

"The Truth" " (Psalm 45:6) “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;”

10. The Throne – Michael W. Smith

Favorite lyrics: “Lightning flashes and thunder echoes Diamond rainbows fill the sky Awesome beauty God's provision Never seen by human eye.”

9. More to this Life – Steven Curtis Chapman

Favorite lyrics: “But there’s more to this life living than dying, More than just trying to make it through the day More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see And there’s more than this life alone can be.”

8. The Reason We Sing – First Call

Favorite lyrics: “More than just emotion, His spirit gives us joy, That we can’t hide, We will not be silent.”

7. Jesus On My Mind – B.J. Thomas

Favorite lyrics: “The situation might look so awful grim, But that's when I just stop and get my mind on Him, Before you know it, Everything's just fine, Just because I've got Jesus on my mind”

6. Sing Your Praise to the Lord – Amy Grant

Favorite lyrics: “Sing your praise to the lord, Come on everybody, Stand up and sing...one more, Hallelujah, Give your praise to the lord, I can never tell you, Just how much good...that it’s, Gonna do ya”

5. The Trumpet Of Jesus – Imperials

Favorite lyrics: “When the world seems indifferent to you, His Melody of love calls you to be great, When marking time was all you thought you could do, So if you've been playing all your days by ear, Never knowing what your song was to be, Then pull up a chair, let down your hair, And take a few lessons from me.”

4. Jesus You’re So Wonderful – Andrus, Blackwood & Company

Favorite lyrics: “When I get lonely, And I need a friend, I can always count on you Lord, Your love has no end.”

3. Prince Of Peace – Twila Paris

Favorite lyrics: “Prince of peace, come and reign, Set Your feet on the mountaintop again, Take Your throne, rightful Lord, Prince of peace, Come and reign forevermore.”

"The Truth" (Jeremiah 16:14) “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved,”.

2. Got to Tell Someone – Don Francisco

Favorite lyrics: “Then He called his three disciples that were with Him on the way, He led them and my wife and me to where our daughter lay, He took her by the hand; He told her "Child, arise", And the words were barely spoken when she opened up her eyes.”

1. Saved By Love – Amy Grant

Favorite lyrics: “I can't imagine ever leaving now. Now that I've been saved by love, saved by love, saved by love. He's gone and turned my crazy world back around, and I've been saved by love, Saved by love, saved by love.”

These songs carry timeless Christian themes offering hope, praise to God and teaching over-and-over again that Jesus is our saviour. It’s clear from listening to the lyrics that God has inspired these artists on many levels and each artist sang with passion for the Lord.

Comment below to share your favorite song from the decade!

Resources- The Holy Bible, English Standard Version“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version^® (ESV^®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”, www.youtube.com,photo credit: ruthdaniel3444 via photopin cc