23 Songs That Defined 2023

Posted on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 by Air1 Staff

23 Songs That Defined 2023

Worship into 2024 with our exclusive compilation of 23 songs that defined 2023 on Air1. As we explore the melodies that resonated through the airwaves, you'll discover a powerful blend of worship songs that got you praising in your life, lifting your hands and reminding you to worship through all of life's challenges. From the uplifting choruses that became anthems of hope to the soul-stirring ballads that brought listeners closer to God, these songs are the soundtrack of a year filled with praise, reflection, and moments of sincere worship to the King of Kings.


"I've Witnessed It" Passion

RELATED CONTENT: Passion Helps Us Believe in Miracles in "I've Witnessed It"

Passion's impactful hit, "I've Witnessed It," swiftly earned its place as a timeless church classic and a recurrent presence on the airwaves. Melodie Malone's soulful voice proclaiming God's faithfulness creates a transcendent moment within the song, uniting believers worldwide in worship to the true King, Jesus.


"Easy to Praise" Patrick Mayberry

RELATED CONTENT: Air1 Exclusive: Patrick Mayberry's "Easy to Praise" Music Video

Patrick Mayberry kicked off 2023 with a powerful start through his uplifting praise anthem, "Easy to Praise." The toe-tapping melody swiftly ushered listeners into a sing-along chorus that emphasizes the effortless joy of giving thanks and worshiping our Savior.


"This Is Our God" Phil Wickham

RELATED CONTENT: Phil Wickham Preaches to His Own Soul on “This Is Our God”

Unleashed as the lead single from his GRAMMY-Nominated album, "I Believe," Phil Wickham introduced "This Is Our God" to the airwaves. With blazing guitars and infectious sing-along melodies, the track boldly declared the awe-inspiring, death-defying power of our Almighty God.


"Gonna Be Alright" Ryan Ellis

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In "Gonna Be Alright," Ryan Ellis offers a humble ballad that becomes a comforting anchor for those moments when we need to hold on a little longer. The song's simplicity adds to its power, delivering a heartfelt reminder that, even amid life's storms, everything will be alright when we find solace in God's comforting embrace.


"Holy Forever" Chris Tomlin

RELATED CONTENT: Chris Tomlin Calls Us to Sing the Song of Ages in "Holy Forever"

Chris Tomlin's "Holy Forever" is a transformative song that redirects our worship gaze towards our eternal home. The song paints a magnificent picture of Heaven, where all ages and generations converge in worship to God. Notably, "Holy Forever" has resonated beyond its original rendition, with artists like CeCe Winans, Phil Wickham and Jenn Johnson covering it. The song's impact has extended even further, transcending language barriers with translations into Spanish.


"I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)" Jon Reddick

RELATED CONTENT: Jon Reddick Raises a Shout of Simple Belief in "I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)"

Revitalizing the worship scene in 2023, Jon Reddick breathed fresh life with his powerful and truth-telling track, "I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)." Reddick offers straightforward yet profoundly effective lyrics, providing a compelling means to declare our faith in Christ. The infectious, "stuck-in-your-head" melody ensured that this song became a memorable and uplifting addition to your worship playlist.


"That's The Thing About Praise (feat. Blessing Offor)" Benjamin William Hastings

RELATED CONTENT: Benjamin William Hastings & Blessing Offor Endure Using a Hallelujah in "That’s The Thing About Praise”

Benjamin William Hastings ushered in a fresh perspective on praise in 2023 with this compelling duet alongside Blessing Offor. In "That's The Thing About Praise," Hastings and Offor eloquently underscored that, at times, the most profound way to navigate challenging situations is by sending up a hallelujah. While our struggles may not instantly vanish while worshiping God, the transformative power of praise has the capacity to reshape and refine us.


"Joy In The Morning" Tauren Wells & Elevation Worship

RELATED CONTENT: Tauren Wells & Elevation Worship "Joy In The Morning (Worship Version)"

In a harmonious collaboration, Tauren Wells and Elevation Worship joined forces to present a "Worship Version" of Wells' 2022 hit, "Joy In The Morning." This rendition breathes new life into the song, casting its lyrics in a fresh light. The "worship version" serves as a reminder that even in the midst of life's challenges, if things aren't good, it simply means that God's work is still in progress. The assurance is clear – joy will undoubtedly greet us in the morning!


"Carry The World" Meredith Andrews

RELATED CONTENT: Meredith Andrews Declares That God Shoulders the Weight We Can’t in "Carry The World"

With "Carry The World," Meredith Andrews unveiled a profound truth— that we are not meant to shoulder the burdens of this world in isolation. The song emphasizes that the strength we require can only be found in God, urging us to shift from relying on our own strength to entrusting our challenges to Him.


"Every Hour" David Leonard & Josh Baldwin

RELATED CONTENT: David Leonard & Josh Baldwin Lean Into Their Need for God in "Every Hour"

In the impactful duet "Every Hour," featuring Josh Baldwin, David Leonard marked a significant year by delivering a powerful reminder. The song underscores the constant need for God's presence and intervention in our lives. It reassures that God is never overwhelmed or frustrated by our pleas for guidance and help. This collaboration serves as a remembrance anthem, acknowledging our perpetual dependence on God's assistance and guidance in every hour of every day.


"In The Room" Matt Maher & Chris Brown

RELATED CONTENT: Matt Maher and Chris Brown Declare Desire to Witness a Miracle With "In The Room"

In the collaborative effort from Matt Maher and Chris Brown, "In The Room" served as a powerful reminder – miracles are not confined to the past; they unfold in our midst today. The song underscored the invitation extended by Jesus for us to actively participate in witnessing miracles, placing us in the room where extraordinary occurrences unfold for the people around us.


"More Than Able" Elevation Worship

RELATED CONTENT: Elevation Worship Shows The Possibilities With God in "More Than Able"

In 2023, Elevation Worship's new album unveiled a treasure trove of worship songs, and among them, "More Than Able" emerged as a favorite. This powerful anthem serves as a reminder that God's power exceeds our needs, assuring us that He not only sees us through challenges but does so abundantly. Regardless of the mountains we encounter, "More Than Able" instills the confidence that God always provides a way for us to overcome and conquer.


"Honest Offering" CAIN

RELATED CONTENT: CAIN Presents Their All To Jesus In "Honest Offering / I Surrender All"

2023 saw CAIN's first worship music release. The sibling trio released "Honest Offering / I Surrender All," and brought forth the profound truth — our offerings, however modest they may appear to us, hold immense value in the eyes of God. The song beautifully illustrates that, to God, even the seemingly smallest praises and offerings become invaluable when presented with humility and sincerity.


"You've Already Won" Shane & Shane

RELATED CONTENT: Shane & Shane in "You've Already Won"

In the last year, Shane & Shane  graced the airwaves with a personal anthem that resonated with everyone. This instant classic served as a comforting reminder that, no matter how many challenges one encountered, God has already promised us victory. While the intricacies of life may elude our understanding, the song assured us that the conclusion of our stories will ultimately be a good one.


"Bless God" Brooke Ligertwood

RELATED CONTENT: Brooke Ligertwood "Bless God" Exclusive Performance

As 2023 drew to a close, Brooke Ligertwood's "Bless God" emerged as a noteworthy addition to her already remarkable catalog. This latest release boldly declares the worthiness of unwavering praise and unlimited devotion to God. With lyrics that direct our focus straight to Jesus, "Bless God" promises to resonate for years to come as a powerful and enduring expression of worship.


"Silence" JWLKRS Worship

RELATED CONTENT: JWLKRS Worship: Experiencing God's Grace in the Silence

Making their debut in 2023, JWLKRS Worship introduced a compelling worship song that echoes a timeless truth – that God will never abandon us. The powerful anthem "Silence" serves as a reminder to maintain faith even in the quiet space between our prayers and God's answers.


"Sunrise" River Valley AGES

RELATED CONTENT: River Valley AGES Reminds Us of the Constant Nature of God in "Sunrise"

Worship Collectives marked a standout year in 2023, particularly the young collective from Minnesota, River Valley AGES . Their track "Sunrise" garnered airwave success, capturing the hearts of listeners. Through this uplifting song, they imparted a reminder that, God's glory will never go away.


"Fall on Me" NEEDTOBREATHE feat. Maverick City Music

RELATED CONTENT: NEEDTOBREATHE and Maverick City Music Offer a Safe Place to Land on ‘Fall On Me’

In NEEDTOBREATHE's latest single, written from the perspective of a father/son relationship, the song beautifully unfolds the narrative of our Heavenly Father opening His heart to us. The lyrics resonate with a profound message, inviting us to seek solace and refuge in Him, especially during the challenging moments of life.


"I Believe" Phil Wickham

RELATED CONTENT: Air1 Premiere "I Believe" Phil Wickham

Following its radio premiere on Air1, Phil Wickham's title track "I Believe" has emerged as a compelling reminder to declare daily devotion, celebrating the profound gospel of Jesus Christ. The song felt like a modern day apostles creed, encouraging listeners to profess their unwavering belief and commitment to the teachings of Christ.


"Praise You Anywhere" Brandon Lake 

RELATED CONTENT: Brandon Lake Sings Through the Struggle in "Praise You Anywhere"

2023 saw Brandon Lake make a significant impact with the release of a new album, and the lead single, "Praise You Anywhere," quickly emerged as a powerful anthem. This dynamic track boldly declares that God deserves praise irrespective of circumstances – whether it makes sense or when facing life's lions' dens.


"Praise" Elevation Worship

RELATED CONTENT: Elevation Worship Deploys an Arsenal of ‘Praise’ on New Single

Closing out Elevation Worship's album, "Praise" stands as a global anthem for Christians. The song's simple yet powerful premise resonates – praise all day, every day, for God deserves nothing less. This anthem has become a rallying cry for believers worldwide, emphasizing the unceasing nature of worship and the recognition that God is deserving of our praise in every moment.


"The King Is On The Way" Jonathan Traylor

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Traylor Heralds Christ's Imminent Return in "The King Is On The Way"

In "The King Is On The Way," Jonathan Traylor delivered the reminder of the imminent return of God. The song serves as a rallying call, urging us to work diligently until the moment of His arrival. It prompts reflection on the question: How do you want to be found when He does come?


"Plead The Blood" Chris Davenport

RELATED CONTENT: Chris Davenport, Brandon Lake & Cody Carnes Shield Themselves with Sacrifice in “Plead The Blood”

Concluding the list is Chris Davenport's single, "Plead The Blood." Performed alongside Brandon Lake & Cody Carnes; this powerful song serves as a spiritual shield against enemies and evil forces, emphasizing that Jesus' blood is our defense against any accusations thrown our way. The lyrics highlight how Jesus' sacrifice stands as a testament in our defense, freeing us from condemnation. "Plead The Blood" carries a powerful message of protection, assuring listeners of the transformative power and grace found in the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus.

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