In this special collection, the NewReleaseToday team shares the songs that bring them closer to the heart of Easter—pieces that highlight the depth of Christ’s love, the power of His sacrifice, and the overwhelming truth that the battle has already been won. Whether through timeless hymns or contemporary worship, each song points back to the same life-changing message: Jesus gave everything—and because of Him, we have everything.
"Skin in the Game" - Petra
I grew up listening to Petra's arena rock. This iconic group was one of the first successful Christian rock bands and a true pioneer of the genre. They've come out of retirement with guitars blazing on the new album, Hope. Their song, "Skin in the Game," has proven to be an early favorite. The song talks about how Christ's sacrifice on the cross showed He had skin in the game when it came to fighting to save souls. The song's rocking chorus makes it a natural follow-up to the band's earlier Good Friday-themed hit, "It Is Finished." Lead singer John Schlitt's vocals still sound amazing after all these years. He's an arena rock powerhouse who can belt out a chorus with a voice like few others. Songwriter Bob Hartman's lyrics haven't missed a beat either, with some of the genre's most honest worship and Christ-centered themes since—well, Petra.
- J.J. Francesco
"You've Already Won" - Shane & Shane
"You've Already Won" is a powerful anthem that highlights the strength of hope in Christ. Sometimes, it’s difficult to believe that God loves us so deeply that He knows us personally and wants to fill our hearts with His love. Yet, in our brokenness, He sees us as righteous because of what Jesus did on the cross. God views us the same way He views His son, not based on our righteousness, appearance, talent, or gifts, but entirely because of Jesus Christ. Reflecting on this truth gives us reason to remember and sing to Him: "I'm fighting a battle/That You've already won/No matter what comes my way/I will overcome/Don't know what You're doing/But I know what You've done, thank You, God/I'm fighting a battle/You've already won."
- Kevin Davis
"Praise The Lord Forever" - Pat Barrett
This song really puts me in the right mindset to praise God for loving me so much that He gave His life for all that was lost. I enjoy the energetic musical vibe of this song; the melody is catchy, and the lyrics are prayerful, reflecting unashamed faith in Jesus. It is a passionate worship song sung with sincerity and reverence, featuring biblically inspired lyrics.
- Kevin Davis
"The Blood" - Passion
These anointed worship leaders in the Passion collective consistently impress me with their mature faith and sincere desire to serve Jesus. The truly unstoppable love of Jesus is beautifully expressed in this compelling song, “The Blood.” The Lord calls us to find joy in Him regardless of our circumstances, which this song celebrates. "The Blood" is about proclaiming God's majesty and crying out in awe and wonder for His presence. This song is completely anointed, Spirit-led, and emotionally captivating.
- Kevin Davis
"He Arose" - Tommee Profitt (feat. Phil Wickham)
“He Arose” is one of those classic Easter songs I remember singing each year in the church I grew up in. The musical twist taken on this song, while mostly keeping the lyrics the same, is remarkable and makes it more powerful than the version I remember. Songwriter and producer Tommee Profitt has done incredible things, reinventing classic Christmas songs, and I’m so excited to hear his Easter version, The Resurrection of a King.
- Felicia Holt
"It Is Finished" - Petra
I mentioned this one earlier, and it deserves its own mention. "It Is Finished" is a quintessential Good Friday song. Named after Christ's final words, the song is much more serious and emotional than its electronic sounds suggest. It's a powerful, rocking portrayal of the Crucifixion. Another lead vocalist in the band’s history, Greg Volz, sounds excellent as he navigates the introspective lyrics. One of my favorite lines appears in the second verse: "They searched His face for anger, for vengeance in His stare/Instead of eyes that burned with hate, a look of love was there." One of the most profound aspects of the Crucifixion is that, despite how unjust it was for the most innocent man ever to be executed for crimes he didn't commit, amidst all that suffering, He showed love and forgiveness. Forgiveness that He extends to us for the very sins that put him there. That's a sobering thought if there ever was one.
- J.J. Francesco
"He Came, He Saw, He Conquered" - Petra
Petra's quintessential Easter song. The band's signature style often involves giving biblical twists to well-known phrases. This one plays on the ancient Latin phrase "Veni, Vidi, Vici," commonly attributed to Julius Caesar. Instead, the band applies it to Christ, illustrating how He came to earth and conquered even death. The song has been a staple of my Easter listening since I was a kid, and just hearing it always reminds me of the eternal message of the Resurrection.
- J.J. Francesco
