AN NRT EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL
Staff Voices: Raising Voices, Lifting Spirits
A journey through Christian music's stadium anthems
 


AN NRT EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL, Staff Voices: Raising Voices, Lifting Spirits
Posted: January 10, 2024 | By: NRTeamAdmin
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In Christian rock and worship music, the stadium anthem holds a unique and profound place, acting as a sonic bridge that connects believers in collective praise and worship moments. In this diverse compilation of NRT staff favorites, we embark on a journey through the melodies and messages that have resonated deeply within the hearts of fans. From hard rock band The Protest's electrifying "Show Up to The Showdown" to famous Christian band for KING + COUNTRY's unifying "Fix My Eyes," each anthem takes center stage, creating an atmosphere of spiritual elevation.
 
Join us as we explore the pulsating rhythms, soul-stirring lyrics, and the undeniable energy that defines these Christian stadium anthems, making them cherished hymns within the tapestry of modern worship music.
 
The Protest - "Show Up to The Showdown"
 
One of my favorite Christian rock bands is The Protest. They self-released a few records from their humble beginnings featuring early hits such as "Pull Me Away" and "Welcome to the Freakshow.” Since then, they've continually improved their craft and signed with music label Rockfest Records. But one thing that remains constant is the band's ever-evolving, high-energy, arena-rock music. Take "Show Up to The Showdown" as a prime example. And let me tell you first-hand, after seeing them live in concert twice now, this song always amps up the crowd with the anthemic gang vocals and soaring vocals. This is one of my favorite anthem rock songs, and I hope to see them play it live in a big arena someday.
- Ryan Adams
 

for KING + COUNTRY - "Fix My Eyes"
 
I have seen for KING + COUNTRY in concert about six times. And every time they sing “Fix My Eyes,” it unifies the stadium. It’s a chant of what it’s like to walk the believer's life. The song builds from each verse into a triumphant chorus when the entire band comes in with full strength, with the crowd singing the “ohs” by the end. It’s surreal to hear a stadium of people orienting themselves on God in song. There’s a joyous and inspiring heart behind each line that provides a soundtrack that people can sing at a concert but also at the top of their lungs in their cars. 
- Isabella Nantes
 

Elevation Worship - "Praise"
 
“Praise” by the famous praise band Elevation Worship recently took the Christian music world by storm. After hearing it blasted in nearly every one of my church friend’s cars, belted at church, and sang reverently during one of the first jam sessions of many at Camp Electric, I can confidently say no one sings it like worship artist Brandon Lake. My voice is far from measuring up to that standard. I find it startling daily, in the least self-deprecating way possible, that God could enjoy my singing. And yet, that is indeed the definition of stadium concerts. It's a time and place where everyone’s voices blend into an incredible chorus—unless you’re standing next to me. I’ve been to a sold-out mainstream concert in a stadium and can only imagine the power of all those people praising our Lord. What a day that would be if we all came together to sing this song as loud as we could. For now, I highly suggest doing as I do and simply singing along to it in the car. The Lord enjoys your pure heart far more than you might expect, which is the proper foundation of praise. 
- Selena Schulz
 

Skillet - “Surviving the Game” 
 
"Surviving the Game" is a song by the renowned rock band Skillet. The song is a daily prayer that seeks God's intervention in changing our hearts and lives. As believers, we ask God to dwell within us so that our behavior and way of life reflect His presence. This song is a powerful expression of accepting that God never leaves or forsakes us. He is all we need.
 
There is an infectious urgency to this song. As we live in these last days, it's essential to think about what we would be found doing if the Lord were to return today. Knowing He's with us, we can face our daily battles with more courage and strength. 
 
Ask yourself, “What am I wasting my time on?” “What am I doing with my life?” Think about what you’re doing for His Kingdom. And you can live out the words: “I am more than a conqueror/The past behind me, life is ahead/I'll take the way of the warrior/I won't allow no fear to the death/One more time.” 
- Kevin Davis
 

Planetboom - "The Core" 
 
When I think of the youth worship band Planetboom, one word that always comes to mind is energy. Their song "The Core" showcases that perfectly. The song is an upbeat mix of electro, rap, rock, praise, and chants that show the band's passion for praise and encouraging others to join in. The song's message comes with a vibrant sound of committing to live our lives for Jesus and Him alone. The song's chorus echoes repetitively, "G.O.D. to the core, You are all I'm living for," making it an anthem and declaration resonating with youth worldwide. It's a song that I can't help but dance and join in with while giving God the praise He is worthy of.
- Bradden Ford
 

Cochren & Co. - "Running Home"
 
Whenever I hear this song, whether on the radio in my car or on my playlist at home, I imagine being in a stadium with thousands of people singing it at the top of my lungs. That's precisely what a stadium anthem is supposed to be, right? "Running Home" by Cochren & Co. is full of powerful chords, huge drum fills, and the must-have gang vocals on the chorus. And what better message to sing about with all your might than the joy of choosing not to run from Jesus any longer and to come home to Him?
- Jasmin Patterson
 

Shepherd feat. Social Club Misfits - "BREAK THE RULES (Pt. 1)"
 
Hip-hop artist Shepherd is known for handcrafting one anthem after another, smothered in energy, booming bass, and infectious flows. His latest single, "BREAK THE RULES (Pt. 1)," is no different. Shepherd injects both his Latino and Miami roots into the delivery and concepts for production. This single could easily be played at sporting events at any stadium or arena, regardless of the sport. It's like a misfit anthem, which Marty and Fern of the hip-hop duo Social Club Misfits are familiar with. One of my favorite lyrical excerpts is from Fern, "Lord carried me like 'Weekend at Bernie's/You still doing dirt, have a decent attorney/Cause mine never lost, and I'm free as a birdie/He paid the cost, waved the fee when he heard me."  Essentially, the song's concept revolves around defying what's considered "the norm." To live for Christ regardless of the judgment directed at you. This song will move body parts you didn't even realize you had.
- Joshua Galla
 

Assembled from the four corners of North America and many other corners in between, the NRTeam comprises staffers whose energy is equally dispersed towards loving and writing about the music they love.

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