Your favorite Air1 artists served up the perfect soundtrack for 2024. From massive anthems of praise to intimate moments of reverence, the biggest singles of the year reverberated around the world with contagious melodies and meaningful lyrics. While perennial hitmakers like Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Josh Baldwin and Maverick City Music proved why they’re at the pinnacle of their craft, newcomers like Charity Gayle, Red Rocks Worship, Benjamin William Hastings and JWLKRS Worship garnered attention as they added their powerful voices to the worship pool brimming with fresh talent. While we could spend days recounting all the music that poured out of our speakers over the past 12 months, we’ve narrowed down our massive list to two dozen selections that remain on repeat. Here are 24 songs that defined 2024.
“Miracle Child,” Brandon Lake
Brandon Lake shared a deeply personal story with his song, “Miracle Child,” from his GRAMMY®-nominated album, “Coat of Many Colors.” The autobiographical single was inspired by his own mother, who struggled with recurring pregnancy loss before she gave birth to Lake and his two siblings. Throughout her painful journey toward motherhood, his mom chose to trust God’s timing and believe in the bigger plan He had for her life and the lives of her future children. “I’m thankful my mom trusted God and persevered, because of that I am alive. My parents experienced six miscarriages, and that’s why I can say confidently today that I am a ‘miracle child,’” Lake offers. “I wrote this song from that place. I pray it gives you faith to know that nothing is impossible for God.”
“Abandoned,” Benjamin William Hastings (feat. Brandon Lake)
Reunited with “Gratitude” co-writer and former tourmate Brandon Lake, Benjamin William Hastings’ original offering, “Abandoned,” spoke of the incomprehensible act of Jesus’ death — the kind of extravagant sacrifice that makes absolutely no sense, yet beckons us to abandon our very lives to Him at all costs. Making its radio debut exclusively on Air1, “Abandoned” was written by Hastings, Lake, Cody Carnes and Chris Davenport and recorded while Hastings and Lake were on tour together. While a studio version is also available, it’s the live recording with Lake that really captures the depth and beauty of the cross and calls for a bold, liberating movement of surrender. “Abandoned” appears on the Irish singer’s sophomore solo set, “Sold Out, Sincerely.”
“YET,” Maverick City Music (feat. Ashley Hess & the King will come)
Part prayer, part plea, Maverick City Music’s poignant piano-led selection, “YET,” was a beautiful reminder that God will never give up on us. The crescendoing ballad featured “American Idol” alum Ashley Hess and her band, the King will come, singing alongside Maverick City’s Chandler Moore. The string-laden, choir-assisted confession showcases a palpable tension that’s felt deeply throughout the emotive performance, as the vocalists seek to find God’s purpose and plan in the midst of confusion, shame and disappointment. Hess wrote the bones of the single after falling to her knees and crying out to God in the middle of one of the most painful seasons of her life when she felt unworthy and broken beyond repair. “‘YET’ is a song I never thought I’d release because it felt too personal and raw,” she reflects. “I was so afraid for people to have a front row seat to my wrestle with the Lord, but so much healing has come from sharing my story.”
“Crowns Down,” Gateway Worship (feat. Josh Baldwin)
Singer, songwriter and worship leader Josh Baldwin helmed Gateway Worship’s regal ballad, “Crowns Down.” As well as serving as the featured artist on the track, Baldwin is a co-writer on the song alongside Christine D’Clario, Mark Harris and Zac Rowe. “Crowns Down” is the title-cut of the collective’s latest 10-song live offering. Gateway’s intimate single gives listeners a taste of heaven with its vivid descriptions of Christ’s majesty and affirms for fellow believers how, even on our best day, our greatest accomplishments are but a trophy at His feet. A snapshot of humbleness, “Crowns Down” extols God’s awe-inspiring splendor and our natural response to His grandeur and authority: total, genuine submission.
“In the Name of Jesus,” JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music
JWLKRS Worship elevated one name that stands above them all on their GRAMMY®-nominated single, “In the Name of Jesus.” A collaboration with Maverick City Music, the spirited track featured Chandler Moore helming lead vocals alongside JWLKRS’ Noah Schnacky. “This song was just an idea among friends,” Schnacky offers. “We believe the name of Jesus has power. The power to heal. The power to encourage. The power to break addiction. The power to inspire. Our idea was to put that power into a song.” Lost in a moment of frenzied praise, together, JWLKRS Worship and Maverick City Music magnify the breadth and strength of our Creator and showcase the singular ability of our Savior to do the impossible in our lives. In 2024, fans made the celebratory anthem a personal declaration as they discovered the genuine power that exists in exalting the name of Christ.
“The Jesus Way,” Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham wrote “The Jesus Way” — inspired by the words of Jesus during His famous “Sermon on the Mount” (also known as “The Beatitudes”) — with longtime collaborator and producer Jonathan Smith for his latest full-length album, “I Believe.” There’s no denying who the singer is following when listeners hear “The Jesus Way.” The impassioned ballad sets the compass for Wickham’s life with a chorus that proclaims his unwavering allegiance to Christ. “‘The Jesus Way’ is one of the closest songs to my heart that I’ve ever released. It’s impacted my own life personally in a profound way. For me, it’s a line-in-the-sand song about what I want to stand for and who I follow,” Wickham shares. “I’m so excited to sing this song with the Church, and I’m inviting anyone and everyone who follows Jesus to join me in this anthem.”
“Don’t Fight Alone,” Jon Reddick
Jon Reddick stood on the shoulders of giants for his single, “Don’t Fight Alone.” Leaning on generational faith, Reddick affirmed the power rooted in a community of believers who pray for one another and the comfort felt when we remember God’s faithfulness throughout history. Trusting in a God who keeps His promises, Reddick prescribes to the passage of Scripture found in Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” As the “God, Turn It Around” singer attests, the marathon of faith is easier to endure when we know we have people cheering us on.
“Made For More,” Josh Baldwin (feat. Jenn Johnson)
Josh Baldwin proved there’s power in simplicity when his congregational-friendly chorus became one of the most-sung refrains of 2024. Helping us find our identity solely in Christ, the acoustic-led worship offering affirmed we are each made on purpose for a purpose. “I know who I am because I know who You are,” Baldwin asserts in the first verse’s opening line. Featuring notable background vocals from Jenn Johnson, “Made For More” became Baldwin’s first No. 1 and the namesake for his live album that returned the North Carolina native to his worship roots. Earlier in the year, Baldwin visited the Air1 studios for an exclusive performance of the song.
“Thank You Jesus for the Blood,” Charity Gayle
Songwriter and worship leader Charity Gayle stumbled upon something of a modern hymn with “Thank You Jesus for the Blood.” The Dove Award winner’s original single is a pure exultation of appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The “I Speak Jesus” singer penned the powerful, emotive ballad during a songwriting retreat with friends Steven Musso, David Gentiles, Bryan McCleery and her husband, Ryan Kennedy. “The more life I live, the more I’m thankful for that precious blood of the Lamb,” Gayle says of the ultimate ethos of the song. “I’ve messed up and made plenty of mistakes, but I am so thankful and grateful that Jesus bled, died and rose again so that we may have eternal life with Him, the Holy God — righteous and blameless — even though we aren’t perfect. Being in relationship with God is such a precious gift.”
“Another One,” Elevation Worship (feat. Chris Brown)
Elevation Worship testified to God’s faithfulness on “Another One” from their critically acclaimed album, “CAN YOU IMAGINE?” As the song repeatedly affirms, we serve a God with a perfect track record. Like many of its predecessors, “Another One” was written by an all-star cast of lyricists, including Elevation Worship visionary and Elevation Church pastor Steven Furtick, award-winning artist Brandon Lake and revered songwriters and worship leaders Pat Barrett and Chris Davenport. Acknowledging all the ways God has supernaturally moved in the past — from the dawn of Creation to the resurrection of Jesus — the rallying cry serves as a confident declaration that He is sure to continue His miraculous work in our lives
“More Like Jesus,” One Voice (feat. Canaan Baca)
Emerging collective One Voice Worship aspired to look “More Like Jesus” on their debut single. The passionate plea is led by worship leader Canaan Baca and is featured on the Seattle-based group’s first full-length album, “The Table.” Baca boldly begins the initial verse of “More Like Jesus” by commenting on the culturally accepted definition of freedom and modern society’s widespread spin on individual truth. He goes on to declare that true freedom and absolute truth can only be found in a life lived with and for Jesus. Backed by a choir of voices — courtesy of One Voice Worship — Baca then launches into a chorus that asks the Father to crucify his flesh and mold him into the image of His Son. The piano-fueled song speaks to the truth of Galatians 5:24: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”
“Take It All Back,” Tauren Wells (feat. Davies & We The Kingdom)
Ascending to No. 1, “Take It All Back” swiftly became one of the biggest hits of Tauren Wells’ career to date. The singer, songwriter and pastor enlisted the help of hip-hop heavyweight Davies and multigenerational family band We The Kingdom, delivering a searing one-two punch to the devil himself. “I think people are tired of letting the enemy steal, kill and destroy the things they value in life,” Wells says of the message behind the chart-topping track. “Many times, we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond. This song is a faith response! A response of victory and determination to believe God against all odds.” This year, in addition to releasing a huge hit, Wells and his wife, Lorna, launched Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas.
“Count ‘Em,” Brandon Lake
Brandon Lake attempted to tally the sum of God’s blessings on his fiery single, “Count ‘Em.” The blazing selection became an immediate fan favorite when it released ahead of Lake’s GRAMMY®-nominated studio effort, “Coat of Many Colors,” on which it appears as the second track. While it might have initially felt like a departure for the singer/songwriter with its brash blend of pop, rock and hip-hop, in reality, “Count ‘Em” proved Lake defies genre categorization as he fearlessly pushes boundaries in every sonic direction possible. “‘Count Em’ is my bragging-on-God song!” the South Carolina native remarks. “There’s so much I could say about who He is and all the things He’s done — truly, I couldn’t count ‘em if I tried.”
“Good Plans,” Red Rocks Worship
“Good Plans” swiftly became a fan favorite as soon as Red Rocks Worship released their album, “Ascend.” Psalm 23 served as the blueprint for “Good Plans,” which the collective performed at Air1’s “Worship Now: Live at Red Rocks” night this summer. “It became the focal point of every word that we wrote for that song,” says the group’s Kory Miller of the familiar passage of Scripture that formed the track’s lyrical foundation. “[This song] feels like a major personal revelation that turned into a corporate revelation for our church.” The striking imagery of Psalm 23 paints a beautiful picture of the Lord’s gracious care and enduring comfort. The congregational-friendly single starts out soft and tender but gradually builds into a crescendo of praise that confidently declares: “I know my Father has good plans, good plans, good plans.”
“Thank You Jesus,” Josh Baldwin
Josh Baldwin says “Thank You Jesus” is his favorite song from his live album, “Made For More.” It was also a favorite of Air1 listeners this year. “‘Thank You Jesus’ is very special to me. I wanted a song that was simple and just talked about why I love the Lord,” Baldwin shares. “I love this song. I love leading it. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of singing it, because it’s such a good reminder of who the Lord is. I have so many reasons to be thankful, so many reasons to be grateful. I have so many reasons to worship. I hope it blesses you. I hope it shifts the atmosphere in your car, in your home, in your church — wherever you’re singing it, wherever you’re listening to it. I hope it just changes the atmosphere around you.”
“In the Room,” Maverick City Music (feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard)
If God seemed far away in 2024, Maverick City Music’s song, “In the Room,” was written for you. Led by the group’s Naomi Raine, the building anthem featured special guest and powerhouse vocalist Tasha Cobbs Leonard. “Just go ask Daniel if our God will bring you out, and he will testify He shuts the lion’s mouth,” the ladies attest. “Go ask those Hebrew boys if He’ll stick by your side, they will identify the fourth man in the fire.” The fresh selection leans into a trio of individual stories from the Bible: when Daniel found himself face-to-face with a pride of lions; when three brave Hebrew boys refused to bow down to their nation’s idols and were thrown into a fiery furnace; and when a dead girl was raised to life by Jesus. Ultimately, the declaration reminds us that there’s no room the Lord is not currently standing in today; and His presence makes all the difference.
“I Believe,” Charity Gayle
An unwavering declaration of the consistency of our Heavenly Father, “I Believe” was one of many songs Charity Gayle and her husband, Ryan Kennedy, wrote in the wake of their oldest son’s premature arrival, as well as a cancer scare for Gayle. The soaring anthem of hope fits in seamlessly with the 13 additional originals that comprise “Rejoice (Live),” Gayle’s third full-length effort. The mother of two admits “I Believe” is one of her personal favorites on the record.
Lyrically and sonically, “I Believe” organically resides inside the full narrative that unfolds across “Rejoice.” The resolute anthem of faith testifies to what we know to be true of God even when we can’t see how He’s working through our current situation.
“Stay Strong,” Danny Gokey
On his latest single, “Stay Strong,” Danny Gokey transparently captured what it feels like when you’re waiting on God to move on your behalf — something he’s intimately acquainted with given his story of loss and love. On the solemn ballad, the “American Idol” alum vows to trust God even if he never experiences the breakthrough he’s praying for on this side of heaven. “It’s one thing to know that God is going to come through. It’s another to endure in the midst of the struggle,” Gokey remarks. “No matter where you are today, and even if you never see the answer you want, this song is a reminder to stay strong, to hold onto your faith, and to never stop believing that God will work everything out for good!”
“Goodbye Yesterday,” ELEVATION RHYTHM (feat. Gracie Binion)
Elevation Rhythm bids farewell to old ways on “Goodbye Yesterday,” the perfect anthem for the end of one year and the start of the next. Featuring emerging worship artist Gracie Binion, the vibrant track boasts a cheerful, bouncy chorus as the collective leaves the past behind to embrace new life in Christ singing, “I’m dancing on the grave that I once lived in.” “Goodbye Yesterday” brings to mind 2 Corinthians 5:17: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Meanwhile, well-known hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” is interpolated into the bridge, helping to illustrate the transformation that takes place when we begin a personal relationship with Jesus.
“Outnumbered,” Lakewood Music (feat. Tauren Wells)
“Outnumbered” proclaimed the reality of Christ living in us, working through us and fighting battles — both seen and unseen — on our behalf. Together, Lakewood Music and Tauren Wells testified to the truth that the enemy is already defeated if God is on your side. When Air1 listeners heard the faith-building selection, they weren’t surprised to learn Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick and Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown and Tiffany Hudson are the songwriters behind the hit with additional lyrical contributions by Mitch Wong, as well as Lakewood pastor Joel Osteen and his son, Jonathan. “This song was written as a way for you to declare victory over your life through any battle you may face,” Lakewood Music collectively shares. “The enemy is outnumbered! Take a listen — and take hold of the victory that’s already won.”
“I Believe,” Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham brought the title-cut of his GRAMMY®-nominated project, “I Believe,” to radio in 2024. As the follow-up to chart-topper “This Is Our God,” the explosive “I Believe” continues to be a standout moment during Wickham’s energetic live show. The father of four spent time on the road this year headlining his “I Believe Tour,” as well as the second consecutive installment of his collaborative “Summer Worship Nights” trek with Brandon Lake. Ever the innovator, the revered artist reimagined his entire “I Believe” record — which picked up a Dove for Worship Album of the Year — by stripping his heavily produced pop down to a vibey, atmospheric offering praised by fans and critics alike. Wickham is set to reprise his popular “Singalong Tour” alongside Kristian Stanfill and Cody Carnes in 2025.
“God Problems,” Maverick City Music
Written by Naomi Raine, Daniel Bashta, Ryan Ellis and Chris Davenport, Maverick City Music’s “God Problems” emphasized there are mountains we’ll never be able to move in our own strength and difficulties we’ll never be able to overcome alone. The GRAMMY®-nominated track reminds us God is a Problem Solver and an ever-present Strong Tower in times of trouble. Acknowledging the reality of hardship, while simultaneously recognizing God’s ability to do more than we can ask or imagine, the faith-affirming single invites listeners to depend on a Higher Power when we face circumstances beyond our comprehension. “Trusting God means not always understanding the how, but knowing that He can and is faithful to do all that He said He would do,” offers the group’s Chandler Moore, who steers lead vocals. “Whatever battle you’re facing right now, surrender it to Him and watch what He will do!”
“Love of God,” Brandon Lake & Phil Wickham
A hymn-like offering of awe-inspiring wonder, “Love of God” became a global anthem echoed around the world thanks to Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham’s sincere vocals and brilliant lyrical twists and turns. With Lake helming the first verse and Wickham taking the reins on verse two, the beautifully stitched selection finds the esteemed worship leaders at the pinnacle of their craft. The two men penned “Love of God” with Cody Carnes and Benjamin William Hastings, and Air1 premiered the uplifting track during an exclusive Worship First event. The longtime friends shared the poignant original each night on the second installment of their co-headlining “Summer Worship Nights” tour, which sold out arenas across the country throughout the month of August.
“Been So Good,” Elevation Worship (feat. Tiffany Hudson)
The gratitude-soaked “Been So Good” was a last-minute addition to Elevation Worship’s eight-track “CAN YOU IMAGINE?” project. Writers Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore sent Tiffany Hudson the demo the evening before the album’s live recording. The songstress listened to the rough version they sent while driving that night and admits she had to pull her car over to the side of the road to collect herself as a result of the emotion that welled up as the lyrics struck a personal chord. “Although I did not write it, it feels like my life story. God has been so good, and I’ll spend my life thanking Him,” shares Hudson, who gave birth to her first child this year. “The bridge of ‘Been So Good’ gets me every time. It feels like a movie plays in my mind of God’s faithfulness through every morning, every mountain and every day in between. His faithfulness has been like a cradle that has carried me through countless seasons.”
