It’s almost time to close the book on 2025; but before we officially turn the page to 2026, we’d be remiss if we didn’t look back at the incredible music we’ve enjoyed over the past 12 months.
Award-winning worship collectives have given us new anthems to sing, established artists have unveiled some of their best work to date, and new voices have piqued our interest with their innovative sounds and choruses we simply can’t get out of our heads.
As we wrap another remarkable year, let’s reflect on the songs that defined it. Join us over the next 25 days as we do a daily unwrap of Air1’s 25 most-played songs of 2025.
On the heels of fan favorite “The King Is In The Room,” Phil Wickham unveiled “What An Awesome God,” his modern-day take on a Rich Mullins classic.
Together with longtime collaborator Jonathan Smith, the two crafted a trio of new verses around Mullins’ signature chorus. Wickham’s lyrics paint our Creator as the ultimate artist and look toward His triumphant return. Found on his latest project, “Song Of The Saints,” “What An Awesome God” became one of the SoCal native’s biggest hits to date.
Brandon Lake came out swinging — gloves off — on the stop-you-in-your-tracks “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” one of the biggest success stories of 2025.
Calling the offering “the most honest song I’ve ever written,” Lake pulls no punches as he wrestles with the devil throughout the gritty anthem filled with the kind of relatable tension that permeates the human experience. His version with Jelly Roll launched the song into a new stratosphere, earning the pair high-profile media appearances, numerous awards and notable airplay on country radio.
Jon Reddick watched the enemy flee with the power of his first career No. 1, “No Fear,” which topped the Christian radio charts for multiple weeks.
An anthem of faith, the country-tinged original incorporates the truth of Psalm 23:4 into its lyrics: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.” “No Fear” premiered during an Air1 Worship First event, where Air1 listeners had the chance to hear the track before anyone else.
Elevation Worship and Brandon Lake joined forces for another moving collaboration on “I Know A Name.”
Written by Lake, Steven Furtick, Hank Bentley and Jacob Sooter, the bright track builds to a commanding refrain that declares, “Dead things come alive in the name of Jesus.” Extolling the character of God, the anthemic selection magnifies the grave-shaking power released when we call on the name of our Heavenly Father.
Earning his first No. 1, Christian music riser Josiah Queen teamed up with in-demand collaborator Brandon Lake for “Can’t Steal My Joy.”
The epic singalong rides on heartfelt lyrics undergirded by the Americana-flavored instrumentation that has swiftly made Queen a buzzworthy act. Lake is also no stranger to integrating hints of country music into his own catalog, but the pair goes all in on the acoustic-grounded “Can’t Steal My Joy.”
Affirming the truth in song, Passion’s “The Lord Will Provide” serves up a fluid mid-tempo selection that reminds listeners of what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19.
Passion’s Landon Wolfe leads the popular anthem written by Brett Younker, Chris Davenport and Jess Cates. “I pray this song serves as a reminder that your Heavenly Father sees you, loves you, cares for you and knows exactly what you need,” Wolfe shares.
Together with her friends, Jacob Sooter and Lauren Sloat, Hope Darst wrote “Mighty Name Of Jesus” for her local church in Nashville.
The prayerful declaration calls on the power and protection of God over every facet of our lives and the people we love. With lyrics that evoke Biblical imagery, Darst and her co-writers rooted themselves in the truth of Isaiah 54:17. “Mighty Name Of Jesus” is a subtle reminder that our prayers, in and of themselves, are meaningless without a waiting Savior willing to listen and answer.
Revered lyricist, and worship leader Jenn Johnson helms an extraordinary moment of worship on her song, “No One Like The Lord.”
The slow-burning live recording starts with simple guitar and strings and builds to a holy crescendo as Johnson paints a picture of what eternity might look like, while exalting the only One worthy of our unending praise. This year, Johnson saw “No One Like The Lord” swiftly become a highlight of her live set as she led worship on stages across the country.
Gateway Worship’s “Who Else” takes its victorious cues from Psalm 89 and features the group’s Claire Smith on vocals.
Josiah Funderburk drew inspiration for "Who Else" from a sermon where his pastor talked about how our very bodies are handcrafted by the Creator to be instruments of praise. Together with Zac Rowe and frequent collaborator Abbie Gamboa, Funderburk’s idea for "Who Else" was fleshed out during a writing session.
Elevation Worship acknowledges there’s a duality that exists with God.
“In the Bible, God is defined as wind, but God is also defined as fire. Even in Genesis 1, whenever He used His breath, something was created. He sets things in motion when He speaks. And then the fire of God typically represents Him purifying us,” Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown explains, adding, “We want to be people who welcome both His wind and His fire into our lives.”
When Sons of Sunday dropped their first single, “God Did!” surprised fans with its fresh sound and an undeniable message
The group’s initial radio offering from their self-titled debut testifies to God as the ultimate rescuer. Affirming He is perfectly ordering our steps and actively orchestrating our lives, “God Did!” helps us better understand our Creator’s intentional timing. He may not always work on our timeline, but He’s never late.
David Funk uniquely intertwines his personal story of transformation with unending gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus on “The Blood.”
The Georgia native has led the moving selection around the world alongside everyone from Jenn Johnson to Amanda Cook and UPPERROOM, proving the story of “The Blood” belongs to everyone. It’s the story of how we weren’t deserving of a Savior’s rescue, but He saved us in spite of our sin, regardless of our human condition.
Phil Wickham’s “The King Is In The Room” debuted during an Air1 Worship First event, giving Air1 listeners first dibs on the track.
The expectant anthem reminds us nothing is impossible when the presence of Jesus is palpable. “‘The King Is In The Room’ was written to set the table for the Church as we gather in worship — not just because it carries joy and energy, but because of the truth it declares,” Wickham shares.
Elevation Worship contemplates God’s pace and His steady presence across “Always On Time.”
The ballad, led by former Elevation RHYTHM member Bella Cordero, speaks to a life marked by a divine timeline. The song exalts a loving Father who sustains us through life’s most turbulent moments.
Across 2025, “Goodbye Yesterday” garnered Elevation Rhythm multiple award nominations and their first headlining tour.
Found on the group’s latest album, “Victory Lap,” the vibrant track boasts a cheerful, bouncy chorus as the youthful outfit leaves the past behind to embrace new life in Christ singing, “I’m dancing on the grave that I once lived in.”
With awe and wonder, SEU Worship praises the very nature of our Heavenly Father on “What A God.”
Originally led by the group’s Chelsea Plank, the crescendoing anthem points to a God who never runs out of second chances and never tires of chasing after His wayward children. The song affirms Jesus as the ultimate treasure and emphasizes the providential truth that we find everything we need in Him.
Josiah Queen and Henrik harnessed their complementary folk-pop stylings to create “i need you more.”
The meandering acoustic-driven original reverberates with the kind of heartbreak required to unlock true beauty found only in surrender. The single notes our desperate need for God as we strive to do things in our own strength.
Red Rocks Worship looks forward to the day when all will be made right on “The King Is Coming.”
The triumphant anthem of expectation first premiered during an Air1 Worship First event. Written by Red Rocks Worship members Sidney Bakken and Roberts, alongside respected songwriters Jonathan Smith and Mia Fieldes, “The King Is Coming” prepares the way for Jesus’ return with praise and exultation.
Midway through 2025, Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown joined forces for “So So Good."
The fist-pumping, faith-elevating anthem encourages listeners to look back and remember God’s faithfulness in order to predict how His goodness might permeate their lives in the future. Primed for singalongs, “So So Good” debuted on the radio during an Air1 Worship First event.
Brandon Lake’s "King Of Hearts" is an intimate portrait of the care and affection God has for His children.
Sonically, “King Of Hearts” relies on rich textures woven across a diverse musical tapestry that recalls the stripped-back, airy guitar-vocal that originally amassed Lake scores of fans on “Gratitude.” Eventually exploding into a worshipful, in-depth look into the heart of the Father, the ballad slowly builds and beautifully encapsulates Lake’s vision for his new album of the same name.
Seph Schlueter embraces his worship roots on “Words We’ll Sing Forever.”
Schlueter's declaration of worship brings a little glimpse of heaven to earth as he invites listeners to sing the unending praise of a God who is loving, compassionate and kind beyond measure. Schlueter shares, “It’s a song for the Church to sing and lift to the Lord. It’s a song for each individual to focus their attention on Christ. And it’s a song for Jesus, to praise and glorify Him.”
Charity Gayle Declares the Consistency of Our Heavenly Father on "I Believe."
The soaring anthem of hope fits in seamlessly with the 13 additional originals that comprise “Rejoice (Live),” Gayle’s third full-length effort. The “I Speak Jesus” singer says the album was birthed from a period of difficulty, yet miraculously, these new selections radiate hope and light despite circumstances, pointing to the face of Christ.
Sons of Sunday expresses pure-hearted thankfulness on “One More Day.”
Led by Leeland Mooring and Chandler Moore, the articulate ballad finds the supergroup acknowledging their humanity in sharp contrast to a debt of unending gratitude. Reminding us that every day is a gift, the selection offers the perspective that each new sunrise is also another chance to give God credit for everything He’s done for us.
Tauren Wells clears space for God to move on "Making Room."
The husband, father and pastor is expectant for what God will do on the original ballad he penned with songwriter/producer Jordan Sapp. He might not know the how or the when of his breakthrough, but he is preparing his heart for God to orchestrate the miraculous. The faith-elevating track honors the transformation that can take place when we allow ourselves to abide in the presence of the Lord.
TAYA speaks to our secret fears on “Come Into The Light.”
For those shackled by shame or hidden in the depths of disappointment, the crescendoing ballad beckons us all into a transformational encounter with a Savior who is nothing if not kind, loving and gentle. The Australian native’s vocal is intimate and raw on the original, which immediately draws listeners in with relatable lyrics and a warm invitation. "May these minutes afford you another chance to respond to Jesus wherever you find yourself listening," she says.
