2018 marks the 20th anniversary for an eclectic variety of Christian music albums. From underground punk to R&B to compilations that bring together several styles of musical acts, each of these albums are excellent examples of the progression of their genres during the span of 1998. Some of these have not seen enough praise over the past two decades, while others are still revered among Christian music fans and have stood the test of time. Regardless, they are worthy of being remembered as they reach such a prestigious milestone anniversary.

20. Selfmindead by Selfmindead

Selfmindead is a Swedish metal group that saw a bit of attention in the Christian rock scene after signing with Tooth & Nail Records conglomerate Solid State. Their career did not last long, but what makes Selfmindead notable is the exceptional blend of several subgenres of rock and roll found on the album. Combining heavy bass lines that stem back to the origins of metal music with a grunge-inspired vocal and guitar, they present a unique sound that bridges the gap for alternative rock lovers and metalheads. Selfmindead is a band that is often overlooked in the history of Tooth & Nail, but their self-titled debut is one that stands out among the label's line up that year. 

19. Fight the System by Squad Five-O

Though Squad Five-O later joined the ranks of Brandon Ebel's Tooth & Nail Records, Fight the System, their second studio album, was released during their indie days. These guys were definitely inspired by a vast selection of punk bands that came before them. With splashes of sounds similar to the Clash, the Stooges, Dead Boys, and Black Flag, they are the quintessential group when discussing Christian punk. While heavyweights MxPx are unmatched in their influence, Squad Five-O's sound reflects that of punk music found in the slums of the 1970's nightclub CBGB. This is an exceptional indie punk album that deserves to be celebrated two decades later.

18. The Nu Nation Project by Kirk Franklin

Kirk Franklin was dominating the gospel music industry at the release of The Nu Nation Project in 1998. Known for his emotional songwriting ability and his talent for combining contemporary R&B with the traditional sounds of gospel, Franklin produced some of his greatest works on his fifth studio release. One of the biggest hits of his career, "Lean On Me," finds its home on this album, and features powerhouse vocalists Mary J. Blige and U2's Bono. His musical talents allowed him to cross over to mainstream audiences, and he is still partnering with artists of all genres and backgrounds today. There have been few artists that have made headway in their musical path as well as Kirk Franklin, and 20 years after the release of The Nu Nation Project, he is considered a gospel and R&B legend.

17. Awesome God: A Tribute to Rich Mullins by Various Artists

Christian music took a blow with the death of singer/songwriter Rich Mullins in 1997. Because of the complexity of his lyrics and the uniqueness of his instrumentation, he was an inspiration to many artists. Without him, acts like Jars of Clay, Chris Rice, Caedmon's Call, and many others may not have found their own sound and made progress in the industry. This compilation brings together artists like the ones previously mentioned to do their own renditions of some of Mullins' greatest songs. It is a beautiful tribute to the works of one of the greatest Christian songwriters of all time featuring tunes like "Awesome God," "If I Stand," and "Hold Me, Jesus." After so many years, his songs are still incredibly relevant, and these covers are tastefully done.

16. Songs We Didn't Write by Ghoti Hook

Putting their spin on secular songs like only they know how, Songs We Didn't Write is a compilation of covers by Tooth & Nail's silly, upbeat, pop/punk poster child. Ghoti Hook may have some outlandish lyrics in their other studio albums, but through this release, they bring their strong capability of adaptation to the table. Songs like "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves, "I Love Rock and Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and "Where is My Mind?" by the Pixies are just a few of the many rock-n-roll staples Ghoti Hook pays homage to on this record. Oftentimes, covers begin to show their age after a certain amount of time, but Songs We Didn't Write still carries a freshness about it and brings as much joy to listeners today as it did 20 years ago.

15. Amplifier by Big Tent Revival

Unlike previous albums released by Big Tent Revival, Amplifier channels a heavier sound with stronger instrumentation and more intensified vocals. Many tracks even have a sheen of the blues across them, creating a very unique aesthetic for a band that has often been placed in the folk-rock category. Also found on this album is a song called "What Would Jesus Do?" that sparked one of the biggest movements in Christian history. It appears Big Tent Revival took influence from artists such as Counting Crows and Dave Matthews Band in the overall tone of Amplifier, but to be honest, it's a good look on the group. 20 years later, and the album is still lyrically compelling and audibly enjoyable. 

14. Anybody Out There? by Burlap to Cashmere

Burlap to Cashmere's world music-influenced sound was a rarity in the Christian music industry at the release of Anybody Out There? in 1998. Heavy Latin undertones are smoothly layered within this album, creating a unique style that has yet to be matched 20 years later. Songs like "Digee Dime," "Scenes," and "Basic Instructions" are prime examples of Burlap to Cashmere's ability to formulate world music inspired tracks that are entertaining to those knowledgeable in the genre and those that are not. The band stayed dormant for years after 1998, not producing another studio album until 2011, but Anybody Out There? will always be remembered as a special, one-of-a-kind work that stands apart from any other Christian music release.

13. The Fashion Focus by Starflyer 59

Known as one of the first successful acts birthed from the Tooth & Nail dynasty, The Fashion Focus was Starflyer 59's fourth studio release. Not unlike their previous works, The Fashion Focus is an ambient blend of muffled guitar licks, celestial electronic fills, and emotionally dark vocal arrangements. What makes this album stand out, however, is the growth heard in the production and overall atmosphere. It is obvious that this album propelled them to a higher professional level. They came into themselves, and it was a beneficial shift. Founded by Jason Martin, Starflyer 59 was a huge influence on the emo rock scene that would emerge in the early 2000s in Christian music and was one of the first to bring the subgenres "shoegaze" or "dream pop" to the industry. Starflyer 59 is still widely revered among underground Christian music lovers today and is considered royalty among fans even two decades after this release.

12. WOW 1999 by Various Artists

The "WOW" series is one of the best and most successful compilations in Christian music. Each year, it brings together a mix of artists spanning several genres, showing off the crème de la crème of the year. Released in October of 1998, WOW 1999 consisted of artists such as Jars of Clay, Newsboys, DC Talk, Delirious?, Smalltown Poets, the OC Supertones, Chris Rice, Jaci Velasquez, and even a tune from the hit kids series VeggieTales. While still active to this day, the "WOW" series was unlike any other in the 1990s, creating a single release catering to listeners of all genres. 

11. The Land of Misfits EP by Joy Electric

Fronted by Ronnie Martin, brother of Starflyer 59's Jason Martin, Joy Electric is widely known in the underground Christian scene. They are experimental, one of a kind, and great at their art. Though The Land of Misfits EP is mostly compiled of remixed versions of songs released on previous full-length albums, it is Joy Electric's brilliant skill level in making electronically driven pop music. Martin also has a skillful way with words, which is evident in songs like "Mono Synth." This EP dropped between their 1997 release Robot Rock and their 1999 release Christian songs. There's not much more to it than that: it is a fun tidbit of prior worked from one of the most legendary underground Christian groups to date, remixed for the listening pleasure of their faithful friends.