Chris Tomlin's Albums & Singles Ranked
Chris Tomlin is a force that cannot be stopped in CCM and worship music. He consistently releases album after album of sturdy worship songs that not only dominate radio and retail but are always added to church sing-lists almost immediately upon release. No other artist is so universally accepted in Christian circles (conservative, progressive or liberal). However, not all Chris Tomlin songs are created equally. Some are enduring classics and others are basic copies of his better songs. Some albums were put together with care while others seem to be a thrown together collection of songs that were available at the time. These lists will rank my opinion of both the albums as a whole and of his officially released radio singles (sorry "God of This City" and "Your Grace is Enough" were never officially released by Chris to radio despite his eternal relation to them). I've also left off songs that feature Christ Tomlin (like Rebecca St James' "Expressions of Your Love," Starfield's "Son of God" and Steven Curtis Chapman's "One True God") as well as Christmas singles as this list is too long as it is. What do you think about my rankings? Sound off your comments below!
Albums Ranked Best to Worst
1. Arriving
Classic Chris Tomlin in every way. This album set the standard by which all others will be measured. It has huge radio hits, church classics and truly well done deep cuts that could have been as big of hits as the radio singles if released.
2. Hello Love
2. Hello Love
A well-rounded album from start to finish without a bad song of the bunch. The highs aren't quite as high as Arriving but still a solid set of music.
3. If Our God is For Us
3. If Our God is For Us
The first Tomlin record to feature studio recordings of the live songs he did at the Passion conferences, there were plenty of anthems and memorable songs here. The Deluxe Expanded Edition really added to the quality of the release- its a shame that everyone who bought this album doesn't have a copy of "Where the Spirit of the Lord Is." Also, the radio singles released from this album are not a solid reflection of the rest of the release with regard to depth and quality.
4. See the Morning
His first album post-"How Great Is Our God" success had the apprehension and duplicity of a sophomore album for most artists. Chris was trying to figure out how to follow up his massive success and for the most part he succeeds. The only true classic on this album is his updated version of "Amazing Grace," which closes the album, but overall it was a worthy follow-up to his career record.
5. Burning Lights
Chris took some good risks on this album (including rappers, dance music and various style shifts) but there were some clunkers throughout that kept this from being a truly classic release.
6. Not to Us
Upon its release, this album was critically acclaimed by many but the songs have not worn well over time. Tracks like "Everyday" and "Famous One" are less endearing when I hear them now but classics like Enough, Wonderful Maker and Not to Us continue to resonate both in personal times of reflection and in corporate worship.
7. Never Lose Sight
Tomlin's most recent release feels more like a playlist than it does a complete album. The song themes are all over the place and the sequencing is off. However, this album includes some really great songs like "God of Calvary", "He Lives" and of course the now classic "Good Good Father." Were it not for some generic songs towards the end, this playlist record could have ranked higher based on the individual songs alone.
8. Adore
8. Adore
Tomlin's style doesn't lend itself to Christmas music, in my opinion. However, this was a good Christmas Worship release for churches albeit too memorable.
9. The Noise We Make
9. The Noise We Make
A great first release that plays sort of like a greatest hits of the early Passion movement. Had production been better it would have been ranked higher.
10. Glory in the Highest
10. Glory in the Highest
The actual songs on this Christmas release were better than Adore but the live setting really ruins the quality of these songs. I really don't like live albums.
11. Love Ran Red
This album contains what is probably the worst song of Tomlin's career ("Waterfall") and that's the main reason why it ranks so low. While there are 2-3 great songs here (the title cut, "Jesus Loves Me" and "Greater") the rest is just filler or retreads of past music.
Radio Singles Ranked Best to Worst
1. How Great is Our God
If there were a template for perfect worship songs, this would be it. Just one of the best songs of our generation.
2. Indescribable
A game-changing song for Tomlin's career, "Indescribable" gave Chris his first #1 single and helped establish him as a CCM mainstay (and also breathed life into writer Laura Story's career as well!)
3. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Tomlin kept the melodic charms of the original hymn but added his own feel to the verses and contributed one of the best choruses possible to to America's favorite hymn. I do believe that in 30-40 years this is the version of "Amazing Grace" that the church will be primarily be singing.
4. I Will Rise
A beautifully written song about our eternal hope that has remained a classic on radio, in church and for special events (funerals in particular).
5. Jesus Messiah
Seen as a bit of a disappointment upon its initial release, this song has stood the test of time and remains a staple song in many churches- particularly those who regularly celebrate the Lord's Supper. A wonderful lyrical marriage of scripture and poetry.
6. Love Ran Red
Some of Tomlin's best writing happens when he takes concepts of old hymns and presents them in a new light for a new generation and "Love Ran Red (At the Cross)" is this century's re-interpretation of "At the Cross (Alas and Did My Savior Bleed)". Another true classic upon first listen.
7. Holy is the Lord
A great follow up to his breakthrough single "Indescribable," this song was inescapable during the spring/summer of 2014 and remains a welcome chorus at most youth events. Its just a simple melody with simple words but it just sticks.
8. Made to Worship
This single had the distinct privilege of follow up "How Great is Our God" at radio. So instead of copying past successes, Tomlin chose to go for a pop radio style instead of classic worship vibe and it really worked well. The song could not be compared to past hits but felt like it fit in tandem with them. It spent quite a few weeks at #1.
9. Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
This single was released at the absolute zenith of Tomlin's popularity (Burning Lights, the album this single came from, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums!) and this song was thus incredibly popular. While its not one of my favorites it checked all the boxes for a classic Chris Tomlin song and therefore was a massive hit.
10. Jesus Loves Me
After the radio debacle which was "Waterfall" this song redeemed Tomlin to radio programmers. Who can hate a fresh version of the childhood classic "Jesus Loves Me?"
11. Good Good Father
This single is a massive fan favorite right now and taking the church by storm but how it came to be associated with Chris Tomlin is a bit controversial. Back in late 2015 former Newsboys member Phil Joel released "Good Good Father" as the debut single for his new band Zealand. However, as soon as it started to pick up steam at radio (it was in the top 30 on the main CCM and AC charts) Tomlin released his own version (while his other single "Love Ran Red" was still in the top 5- its odd to release a new single to radio if your current single still has a lot of chart life left in it) which immediately topped the iTunes charts, burst on to the radio (as all Tomlin lead singles do) and essentially crushed Zealand's version of the song. Unfortunately Zealand hasn't been heard from on radio since. I don't think this was a very nice move by Team Tomlin so GGF misses the top 10.
12. Home
A sweet and whimsical song about Heaven that ranks among Tomlin's best pop songs.
13. Our God
This is one of Tomlin's biggest hits- both at radio and in the church- but its also one of his worst melodies. The radio version (a re-produced version of his live Passion recording) is musically dull and lyrically it is very cliche. It ranks as one of my least favorite Tomlin songs but everyone else likes it and it was a massive hit so what do I know.
14. How Can I Keep from Singing
A sweeping and upbeat re-imagining of concepts and lyrics found in the old hymn of the same name. This is a favorite of mine but it unfortunately was not a #1 hit for CT.
15. Enough
One of Tomlin's best pre-Arriving compositions that feels like a sermon set to music. The souring chorus is still a favorite for congregational singing.
16. I Lift My Hands
A lovely song that sounds virtually identical to "I Will Rise" but with less lyrical and doctrinal depth.
17. I Will Follow
This was a release that sounded very modern (Christian One Republic) and fresh upon its initial release in 2010. However, it probably will not be one of CT's classics.
18. Jesus
Another CT song that seems to be a color by the numbers co-write in that it is very similar musically and thematically to previous hits. However, the lyrics about our Lord Jesus Christ are quite reverent and earnest. This could eventually rise in the ranks of CT hits once its given some time to marinate.
19. Forever
An excellent upbeat corporate worship song that aptly introduced Chris Tomlin to the world. Unfortunately the production on the track withheld it from any major radio success but it has remained a corporate worship staple for over a decade.
20. Sing Sing Sing
A pleasant, albeit forgettable, song from the Hello Love album. I'm sure everyone thought this would be the next upbeat anthem to open praise sets for years to come but alas it was a bit hard to sing oddly enough and it has not maintained its relevance.
21. The Way I Was Made
While on paper this radio-friendly cut from Arriving had all the makings of a radio hit, it paled significantly in comparison with the other classic singles released but in reality it was just a hold over single between "Holy is the Lord" and "How Great is Our God" ("Holy" was the single that would not leave the charts so it charted in the top 10 concurrently with "Made"). "Unfailing Love" or "Your Grace is Enough" would have been better choices.
22. Famous One
Another upbeat worship track that was a congregational favorite for a while but has since faded, this one was a bomb at radio like most pre-Arriving singles.
23. God's Great Dance Floor
A true misstep from the Burning Lights era, Tomlin's attempt at EDM received mixed reviews by all. Musically this is one of CT's most adventurous and exciting singles (and probably the only one to use horns) but lyrically it was a doctrinal and creative mess. Comparing the Christian life with a dance floor was ill-advised from the get-go and despite its radio friendly music and a massive push from the Passion/sixsteps label, radio could barely muster pushing this song to #10 on the charts.
24. White Flag
Another misstep release from the Burning Lights era. Wrought with cliche metaphors and an over-earnest delivery, this was not the classic Passion was hoping it would be and was quickly replaced with "Whom Shall I Fear" at radio.
25. Waterfall
If "White Flag" and "God's Great Dance Floor" were bad metaphors, this one takes the cake! All I could think of was TLC's "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls" which made fall better use of the "waterfall" metaphor. Worse though was the rhyming schemes found in the chorus. Despite being the lead single form Tomlin's Love Ran Red album, the track was his first since "Indescribable" went #1 to miss the Christian AC top 10 (peaking at a weak #16) and only made the top 10 on the CCM main Billboard chart due to first week sales. "Jesus Loves Me" and "Love Ran Red" corrected the bad single path Tomlin was on but for a moment, it seemed like the Tomlin brand was in jeopardy with the release of this single.
So there you have it! All of Chris Tomlin's official singles and albums ranked best to worst! I must say though that while I was a bit harsh on some of Tomlin's single choices (who can write classics 100% of the time?) I have the utmost respect and love for this man and his songwriting. He is the voice of worship for our generation and he writes the words that our hearts desire to say to our King. I am more thankful for Chris Tomlin and his songwriting collective (which includes Louie Giglio, Nathan & Christy Nockels, Matt Redman, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Christian Stanfill and others) for their tireless efforts in writing the songs that the church can sing to their God.
11. Love Ran Red
This album contains what is probably the worst song of Tomlin's career ("Waterfall") and that's the main reason why it ranks so low. While there are 2-3 great songs here (the title cut, "Jesus Loves Me" and "Greater") the rest is just filler or retreads of past music.
Radio Singles Ranked Best to Worst
1. How Great is Our God
If there were a template for perfect worship songs, this would be it. Just one of the best songs of our generation.
2. Indescribable
A game-changing song for Tomlin's career, "Indescribable" gave Chris his first #1 single and helped establish him as a CCM mainstay (and also breathed life into writer Laura Story's career as well!)
3. Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
Tomlin kept the melodic charms of the original hymn but added his own feel to the verses and contributed one of the best choruses possible to to America's favorite hymn. I do believe that in 30-40 years this is the version of "Amazing Grace" that the church will be primarily be singing.
4. I Will Rise
A beautifully written song about our eternal hope that has remained a classic on radio, in church and for special events (funerals in particular).
5. Jesus Messiah
Seen as a bit of a disappointment upon its initial release, this song has stood the test of time and remains a staple song in many churches- particularly those who regularly celebrate the Lord's Supper. A wonderful lyrical marriage of scripture and poetry.
6. Love Ran Red
Some of Tomlin's best writing happens when he takes concepts of old hymns and presents them in a new light for a new generation and "Love Ran Red (At the Cross)" is this century's re-interpretation of "At the Cross (Alas and Did My Savior Bleed)". Another true classic upon first listen.
7. Holy is the Lord
A great follow up to his breakthrough single "Indescribable," this song was inescapable during the spring/summer of 2014 and remains a welcome chorus at most youth events. Its just a simple melody with simple words but it just sticks.
8. Made to Worship
This single had the distinct privilege of follow up "How Great is Our God" at radio. So instead of copying past successes, Tomlin chose to go for a pop radio style instead of classic worship vibe and it really worked well. The song could not be compared to past hits but felt like it fit in tandem with them. It spent quite a few weeks at #1.
9. Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
This single was released at the absolute zenith of Tomlin's popularity (Burning Lights, the album this single came from, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums!) and this song was thus incredibly popular. While its not one of my favorites it checked all the boxes for a classic Chris Tomlin song and therefore was a massive hit.
10. Jesus Loves Me
After the radio debacle which was "Waterfall" this song redeemed Tomlin to radio programmers. Who can hate a fresh version of the childhood classic "Jesus Loves Me?"
11. Good Good Father
This single is a massive fan favorite right now and taking the church by storm but how it came to be associated with Chris Tomlin is a bit controversial. Back in late 2015 former Newsboys member Phil Joel released "Good Good Father" as the debut single for his new band Zealand. However, as soon as it started to pick up steam at radio (it was in the top 30 on the main CCM and AC charts) Tomlin released his own version (while his other single "Love Ran Red" was still in the top 5- its odd to release a new single to radio if your current single still has a lot of chart life left in it) which immediately topped the iTunes charts, burst on to the radio (as all Tomlin lead singles do) and essentially crushed Zealand's version of the song. Unfortunately Zealand hasn't been heard from on radio since. I don't think this was a very nice move by Team Tomlin so GGF misses the top 10.
12. Home
A sweet and whimsical song about Heaven that ranks among Tomlin's best pop songs.
13. Our God
This is one of Tomlin's biggest hits- both at radio and in the church- but its also one of his worst melodies. The radio version (a re-produced version of his live Passion recording) is musically dull and lyrically it is very cliche. It ranks as one of my least favorite Tomlin songs but everyone else likes it and it was a massive hit so what do I know.
14. How Can I Keep from Singing
A sweeping and upbeat re-imagining of concepts and lyrics found in the old hymn of the same name. This is a favorite of mine but it unfortunately was not a #1 hit for CT.
15. Enough
One of Tomlin's best pre-Arriving compositions that feels like a sermon set to music. The souring chorus is still a favorite for congregational singing.
16. I Lift My Hands
A lovely song that sounds virtually identical to "I Will Rise" but with less lyrical and doctrinal depth.
17. I Will Follow
This was a release that sounded very modern (Christian One Republic) and fresh upon its initial release in 2010. However, it probably will not be one of CT's classics.
18. Jesus
Another CT song that seems to be a color by the numbers co-write in that it is very similar musically and thematically to previous hits. However, the lyrics about our Lord Jesus Christ are quite reverent and earnest. This could eventually rise in the ranks of CT hits once its given some time to marinate.
19. Forever
An excellent upbeat corporate worship song that aptly introduced Chris Tomlin to the world. Unfortunately the production on the track withheld it from any major radio success but it has remained a corporate worship staple for over a decade.
20. Sing Sing Sing
A pleasant, albeit forgettable, song from the Hello Love album. I'm sure everyone thought this would be the next upbeat anthem to open praise sets for years to come but alas it was a bit hard to sing oddly enough and it has not maintained its relevance.
21. The Way I Was Made
While on paper this radio-friendly cut from Arriving had all the makings of a radio hit, it paled significantly in comparison with the other classic singles released but in reality it was just a hold over single between "Holy is the Lord" and "How Great is Our God" ("Holy" was the single that would not leave the charts so it charted in the top 10 concurrently with "Made"). "Unfailing Love" or "Your Grace is Enough" would have been better choices.
22. Famous One
Another upbeat worship track that was a congregational favorite for a while but has since faded, this one was a bomb at radio like most pre-Arriving singles.
23. God's Great Dance Floor
A true misstep from the Burning Lights era, Tomlin's attempt at EDM received mixed reviews by all. Musically this is one of CT's most adventurous and exciting singles (and probably the only one to use horns) but lyrically it was a doctrinal and creative mess. Comparing the Christian life with a dance floor was ill-advised from the get-go and despite its radio friendly music and a massive push from the Passion/sixsteps label, radio could barely muster pushing this song to #10 on the charts.
24. White Flag
Another misstep release from the Burning Lights era. Wrought with cliche metaphors and an over-earnest delivery, this was not the classic Passion was hoping it would be and was quickly replaced with "Whom Shall I Fear" at radio.
25. Waterfall
If "White Flag" and "God's Great Dance Floor" were bad metaphors, this one takes the cake! All I could think of was TLC's "Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls" which made fall better use of the "waterfall" metaphor. Worse though was the rhyming schemes found in the chorus. Despite being the lead single form Tomlin's Love Ran Red album, the track was his first since "Indescribable" went #1 to miss the Christian AC top 10 (peaking at a weak #16) and only made the top 10 on the CCM main Billboard chart due to first week sales. "Jesus Loves Me" and "Love Ran Red" corrected the bad single path Tomlin was on but for a moment, it seemed like the Tomlin brand was in jeopardy with the release of this single.
So there you have it! All of Chris Tomlin's official singles and albums ranked best to worst! I must say though that while I was a bit harsh on some of Tomlin's single choices (who can write classics 100% of the time?) I have the utmost respect and love for this man and his songwriting. He is the voice of worship for our generation and he writes the words that our hearts desire to say to our King. I am more thankful for Chris Tomlin and his songwriting collective (which includes Louie Giglio, Nathan & Christy Nockels, Matt Redman, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Christian Stanfill and others) for their tireless efforts in writing the songs that the church can sing to their God.
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