Certain songs possess a rare and powerful quality in music: they stop listeners cold in their tracks. These tracks transcend melody and lyrics, reaching deep into the core of our emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Whether through haunting melodies, poignant lyrics, or raw authenticity, these songs can make us pause, listen, and feel. Join us on a journey through some of music's most captivating tracks, each a testament to music's profound impact on our hearts and minds.
"Kind" by Cory Asbury
Cory Asbury is one of the most captivating songwriters in Christian music today, and his album, Pioneer, showcases his ability to hit differently than many of his peers. While every song packs a powerful punch, track nine (and the first single released from the album) stopped me cold immediately. The first few lyrics of the first verse talk about divorce, miscarriage, addiction, and doubt in God's choice of who he heals: “Sometimes marriages don't work, and sometimes babies die/Sometimes rehab turns to relapse, and you're left just askin' why.” Many other moments throughout the three-minute track make "Kind" a song you won't soon forget. - Kevin McNeese
"Maybe Today" by Whiteheart
"Maybe Today" may not be my favorite song by glam metal band Whiteheart musically, but lyrically, it ranks high. As circumstances worsen, we often hear about the "end times" and "signs and prophesies." But Matthew 24:6 says, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled, for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." And also, Matthew 24:36: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Every generation that has ever lived has believed they were in the last days because they have faced great evil and immense struggle. This song speaks to those struggles.
Many look back on the 1980s with rosy, nostalgic glasses. But this ‘80s song feels like it could've been written this year: "I watched the news today in silence/Looks like the world is spinning out of control/Reality seems so cold/Do I hear echoes of Isaiah/All the prophecies are coming to one place/Maybe it's time, the end's in sight/But why search the sky/I should be searching inside."
These past few years, with COVID, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the chaos on the streets of many American cities, not to mention our culture's love affair with unnatural and ungodly immoralities, it feels easy to write our current-day off as being unprecedented in its evil. Yet they said the same things in a time we now look back on as "the good ole days." In another 40 to 50 years, we will look back on the 2020s with similar perspectives.
“Maybe Today” reminds us we shouldn't look for signs in the sky but search for how to become more like Christ and enter a stronger relationship with Him. If we are ready to meet Christ any day, it doesn't matter if "the end" comes today, tomorrow, or in another thousand years. God holds all things and all times in His hands. It is comforting to know that God has guided his church through difficult times in the past. This gives us the courage to face the challenges of our time. Whether the end comes soon or many generations from now, we can be assured that God will continue to carry his church through the trials and tribulations. - J.J. Francesco
"Jesus Loves You (And I'm Trying)" by Jason Gray
Contemporary singer Jason Gray is an anointed songwriter and singer with a profound way of piercing my soul with his poignant words, tender singing, and inspirational truths. His song, “Jesus Loves You (And I’m Trying),” stopped me cold when I first heard it and has stopped me ever since. It is a reflective offering of praise to the only one who has the power to save. It is a very singable song, and I love singing the emotional lyrics.
Looking out for the needs of others is what matters the most. This song is about realizing that if your eyes are open to the needs of others around you. And if you serve others and care about people more than thinking about your doubts, then you can live out the life-giving words of this song: “It begins right here with the man in the mirror if I hope to love my neighbor well. ‘Cause I’ve lived long enough to learn the faults I find in others are the same things I don’t like about myself/My shame goes on parade, when I need someone to blame/But grace whispers my name/God help me speak these words into the parts of me I’m hiding/Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, Oh yes Jesus loves me, And I’m trying.” Amen to that. - Kevin Davis
"Suicide Nets" by nobigdyl.
One of the most emotional tracks I've heard is from the 2017 album Canopy by hip-hop artist nobigdyl. The chorus of the fifth track, "Suicide Nets," is written from God's perspective, and the verses are hypothetically from the perspective of a person who would act as a proverbial net on God's behalf who's considering suicide.
A few lines that caught my ear were, "Suicide net caught you falling when you thought you'd fly/Out that high nest, but His Highness gave you life when you want to die/Who am I then? Wasn't righteous, 'cause of Christ's death I'm alright/And now I'm riding by your side/With no helmet, that's ride or die."
One of our obligations as followers of Christ Jesus is to always be there for others, to partner as a viable source of accountability, and to serve and help others heal through the love of Christ. With an overwhelming amount of uncertainty, hate, pain, and related sources of negativity, everyone needs someone to be that "ride or die" individual—someone who stands by your side and intercedes when required. Nobigdyl’s song reminds us of who God calls us to be in His mighty name.
Anytime I hear a song such as this, my emotional state immediately connects. One reason why nobigdyl. is a favorite artist of mine due to the relatability of his music. - Joshua Galla
"Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury
Okay, I know what you probably think: “Not another article about contemporary artist Cory Asbury and his overplayed hit, ‘Reckless Love.’” Well, let me say that this song has staying power for me and millions of listeners, Christians and non-Christians alike. The crossover appeal of this one is undeniable, and I can still remember hearing it on satellite and terrestrial secular radio stations for at least a year. I’m sure you can immediately recall the chorus to this fantastic track. Still, the lyrics from the song's verses are so powerful and unforgettable: “Before I spoke a word, You were singing over me/You have been so, so good to me/Before I took a breath, You breathed Your life into me/You have been so, so kind to me/When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me/You have been so, so good to me/When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me/You have been so, so kind to me.”
And who doesn’t still crank it up and belt out the lyrics when the bridge comes: “There's no shadow/You won't light up, Mountain/You won't climb up/Coming after me/There's no wall/You won't kick down/Lie You won't tear down/Coming after me.”
This one has a permanent place in my top 10 CCM songs of all time, and I have been blessed to see Cory perform it live two times now. - DJ Tommy G
OpenAI's ChatGPT provided some assistance with this article. 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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