Jaci Valesquez was one of the most prominent names in Christian music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With many hits to her name, she quickly became one of the more prolific artists in the industry. While it's been awhile since we had a proper new release from her, she's going to be hosting our upcoming 13th Annual We Love Awards ceremony. To celebrate, we're taking a look back at some of the essential hits of her storied career thus far.
"If This World"
The lead single from Jaci's national debut album, this song was a hit right out of the gate. A perfect song to introduce her to the Christian music market, the song was co-written with other prominent names in the industry, and features a foot-tapping hook and a strong chorus to showcase Velasquez's powerful vocals. "If this world is a lonely place for you/there's a God that you can trust/he'll comfort you and lift you up." The song's words of encouragement to those struggling to surrender to Christ made the song a favorite among audiences.
"Un Llugar Celestial (A Heavenly Place)"
One of Velasquez's most successful niches in music is her success with her Spanish language albums. Arguably, her Latin market albums have achieved even more notable commercial feats than many of her Christian market ones. This song has been recorded in both English and Spanish, with the Spanish title in the English version serving as a sort of bridge between her two styles. This song's low-key execution makes it a quieter hit than some of her more anthemic choruses, but its wondrous melodies will all-the-more get stuck in your head due to its simplicity. Another song from her early career that helped cement her place on the A-list of Christian music.
"On My Knees"
Some have declared this to be Jaci's "signature song." While there's an argument to be made to award that title to a number of these early hits, it's hard to argue against this song taking the title. Co-written by fellow CCM veteran Nicole C. Mullen (who also recorded her own version of the song), this song stands as a rousing anthem to the power of prayer. Even all of these years later, it still stands as one of the best and most recognized Velasquez songs.
"God So Loved"
Written by Chris Eaton (who co-wrote multiple of Velasquez's hits), this was another signature Velasquez hit. Built around perhaps the single most well-known Bible verse of all time, the moving ballad still manages to find new ways to make the verse's simple message resonate with listeners.
"Show You Love"
Another of Jaci's signature upbeat anthems. This one explores some meaty lyrics about how Christians often push nonbelievers away with an overbearing approach. The song's punchy chorus proclaims a desire only to show love and not to proselytize, hoping that showing the love of Christ will do more than words ever could. "Don't wanna get up in your face/Don't wanna put the pressure on/Don't wanna make you run away/Just wanna show you love/Don't wanna beg you to believe/Don't wanna take you for a ride/Don't wanna sell you anything/Just wanna show you love."
"Imagine Me Without You"
The song plays both as a worship song and an honest confession of how lost we'd be without Christ. This is another of the melodic contemporary hits that kept Jaci everywhere on Christian radio for a number of years. And no list of her songs could be complete without it.
"Everytime I Fall"
An upbeat almost rocker, this song speaks of how Christ takes us back even after all the times we sin and let Him down. The song's encouraging words inspire listeners to persevere in their faith and walk with Christ. "You find the beauty in my imperfections/The guiding light in all my misdirection/And when I think You've finally given up/You fill my heart with unconditional love."
"Unspoken"
The title track from Jaci's 2003 album, this was another melodic triumph. Taking on a reflecting tone, the song encourages listeners to speak their hearts to God so that He can heal it. The song proved that even several albums in, Jaci Velasquez could still produce a relevant and engaging hit that would delight listeners. "God heals us when we're broken/Don't leave your heart unspoken."
"Give Them Jesus"
From Jaci's 2012 album, Diamonds, this was an upbeat single speaking of Jaci's desire to introduce Jesus to people. The song continues Jaci's proud tradition of powerful, upbeat melodies balanced with Christ-focused and encouraging lyrics.
"God Who Moves The Mountains"
From Jaci's 2017 album Trust, this album shows Jaci could still produce musically relevant and inspiring hits for the modern Contemporary Christian Music scene. This song of praise to the all-powerful God was a great addition to her truly exceptional body of work. It was a worthy single from Jaci's most recent full length. Here's hoping more music will be coming in the future.
What are your favorite Jaci Velasquez songs? Which do you think we missed in this article?
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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