Over the past few years, there's been a resurgence of female vocalists in music, including 2025, with five of my top ten albums featuring female artists such as Katy Nichole, Anne Wilson, Olivia Lane, Tasha Layton, and Mary-Clair. My top ten list showcases a mix of worship, rock, and pop albums by Christian musicians. God's Word always fulfills its promise, and these albums have been a profound blessing to me over the past year.
This year saw the release of several notable albums from both new and veteran artists. Among them, sophomore releases like Katy Nichole's Honest Conversations, Ben Fuller's Walk by Fire, and Anne Wilson's Stars stand out. Debut albums like Olivia Lane’s Songs About Jesus, Mary-Clair’s Enough, and Josiah Queen's Mt. Zion also made my list. Established artists, including Big Daddy Weave, Sidewalk Prophets, Zach Williams, and Tasha Layton, each released what I believe are some of their best albums yet, completing my Top 10.
This year was another fantastic year for Christian music, with many career-defining albums released. Make sure you check out all of these excellent albums. I also have a separate list of my top worship albums of the year. I welcome any feedback on albums I might have overlooked and any surprises you’d like to share. God bless.
Honest Conversations by Katy Nichole
Katy Nichole passionately shares her unwavering faith in God’s healing power and the significance of prayer. She resonates with audiences worldwide seeking comfort and renewal in a fatigued, anxious world. Her heartfelt vocals and prayerful lyrics evoke deep emotion, offering solace and spiritual focus. Katy’s voice comforts the soul, while the uplifting lyrics guide attention to Jesus.
Several personal songs touch my heart, especially “Honest Conversation,” “When I Fall,” “Learning How to Love Myself,” and “Healing Now.” If you appreciate female singers who make you think while you enjoy their catchy, empowering tunes, Honest Conversations is perfect for you. It’s my top album of the year by far, filled with healing songs in Jesus’ name.
Walk Through Fire by Ben Fuller
If you enjoy singer-songwriters who openly express their heartfelt reflections and sing about the experience of walking with God and working out their salvation with reverence and awe, then make sure not to miss one of Christian music's beloved artists. Contemporary artist Ben Fuller has once again shared his faith journey with his listeners. I consider Ben one of my top Christian music artists because his songs are deeply emotional, genuine, and heartfelt.
Walk Through Fire offers a powerful emotional journey through music. All twelve tracks are memorable, personal, and rooted in biblical themes. If you like Ben Fuller, this album is a must-listen. I've noticed a growth in his lyrical maturity, with rich layers of music that have made Ben a favorite alongside artists like Jason Gray, Zach Williams, and Brandon Heath. If you're looking for the best male singer-songwriter album this year, this release stands out. It’s among my top albums of the year, full of comforting and uplifting songs.
Stars by Anne Wilson
Country Christian artist Anne Wilson is a uniquely talented singer-songwriter with a powerful, memorable, and dynamic voice that also feels personal and intimate. All these songs feature biblically inspired lyrics that clearly convey straightforward, essential messages about life.
I find myself deeply moved by the emotional singing and prayerful words in these sacred songs. Anne’s voice has a calming effect, and the lyrics guide your attention toward Jesus. Several personal songs, such as “Stars,” “God Story,” “Carry Me,” “Those People,” “Still Do,” and “Twenty-Three,” truly touch my heart.
If you enjoy female singers who inspire thought while providing catchy, uplifting music, then Stars is perfect for you. As a parent of three daughters, I find this album full of positive biblical messages and highly engaging. It’s easily one of my top albums of the year.
Let It Begin by Big Daddy Weave
Let It Begin is a remarkable collection of heartfelt and genuine expressions of faith, marking yet another stellar album from contemporary band Big Daddy Weave. The songs remain poignant and impactful, and with each new recording, the band demonstrates greater skill, intensity, and purpose. This album prompts me to reflect on how I live out my faith.
Every track by Big Daddy Weave consistently draws me into a state of praise, worship, and adoration. These passionate songs are delivered with sincere vocals and reverence, grounded in biblical lyrics.
This is one of my most-awaited albums of 2025, and I’m happy to say it surpasses my expectations. This exceptional album features a warm musical style that instantly comforts your soul and encourages you to worship and sing along with these highly talented musicians.
Mt. Zion by Josiah Queen
Josiah Queen has a natural gift for encouragement, and each song elevates my mood. His lively and infectious musical style features strong, distinctive vocals layered over catchy melodies. As one of my top male vocalists and singer-songwriters, he serves as an inspiring role model. You can almost hear his smile in every infectious song he performs.
The album's layered, well-crafted arrangements highlight Josiah’s passionate and powerful songwriting. Don't miss out on what may be one of the most inspiring albums this year. You'll find yourself singing along to standout tracks like “Yesterday is Dead,” “Two Wooden Crosses,” “Can’t Steal My Joy,” and “Dusty Bibles.”
Looking Up by Sidewalk Prophets
This collection features honest and heartfelt expressions of faith, marking another standout album from contemporary Christian band Sidewalk Prophets. The songs remain impactful and meaningful, and with each new release, the band demonstrates increased skill, energy, and purpose in their recordings.
Every song released by Sidewalk Prophets fully engages me as a listener, inviting me to participate in praise, worship, and adoration. These passionate songs are delivered with sincere vocals and reverence, featuring biblically inspired lyrics. They undoubtedly resonate with listeners and highlight the band’s signature blend of vocal tenderness and lyrical depth, complemented by beautiful, stirring musical arrangements. Most importantly, these songs carry a message of hope and inspiration.
Songs About Jesus by Olivia Lane
Emerging artist Olivia Lane’s heartfelt songwriting combines musical excellence, encouraging a deeper view of God. Her album, Songs About Jesus, will resonate with listeners who enjoy catchy, truth-filled songs that express longing for God. I particularly appreciate the vibrant musical energy, along with the memorable melodies and biblically inspired lyrics.
Songs About Jesus is filled with catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics that highlight dependence on God. Olivia’s energetic and reverent approach to writing and singing always attracts me. Her prayerful expressions consistently showcase her deep adoration of God.
Jesus Loves by Zach Williams
Jesus Loves by Zach Williams features several inspiring new songs that help me focus on praising God for His immense love, demonstrated by giving His life for what was lost. I appreciate the energetic and uplifting musical style; the melodies are memorable, and the lyrics are prayerful. It offers outstanding vocals, catchy tunes, and meaningful lyrics that express unwavering faith in Jesus. These passionate worship songs are sung with heartfelt sincerity and reverence, with lyrics inspired by scripture. Many of these songs are easy to sing along to and will stay with you all day.
Life in Me by Tasha Layton
With a deep spiritual curiosity and introspective lyrics, Life in Me cements Tasha Layton’s reputation as one of the top songwriters of her era. Her heartfelt songwriting, paired with musical mastery, prompts me to see God more clearly. It will resonate with anyone who appreciates memorable songs that are truthful and longing for God. I especially enjoy the album’s lively musical energy, with melodies and lyrics that are both catchy and rooted in scripture.
Life In Me features catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics that emphasize dependence on God. Tasha’s passionate and reverent approach to writing and singing has always resonated with me. Her heartfelt prayers are full of genuine adoration for God.
Enough by Mary-Clair
This collection offers honest and heartfelt expressions of faith. The songs are both moving and impactful. Listening to this album prompts me to reflect on how I live out my faith. Each song by Mary-Clair helps me focus on joining in praise, worship, and adoration. These are passionate performances, sung with genuine emotion and reverence, featuring biblically inspired lyrics. The songs are sure to resonate with audiences and highlight the artist’s unique blend of vocal tenderness and lyrical depth, complemented by beautiful, stirring musical arrangements. Above all, they convey a message of hope and inspiration.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time Christian music fan and an avid collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ.
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