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. We’re grateful for all of the creatives who were brave enough to put their art out into the world this year, giving us fresh language to articulate our relationship with God and beautiful melodies to soundtrack our faith journey. As we wrap another remarkable year, let’s reflect on the songs that defined it. Join us over the next 25 days as we count down Air1’s 25 most-played songs of 2025.
25. “Come Into The Light,” TAYA
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. “This song comes from a place of desperation, surrender and an honest conversation,” the powerful vocalist reveals of “Come Into The Light,” which appears on her sophomore effort, “The Reminder.” “Maybe like me, you’ve walked with Jesus for a little while; and perhaps, there have been altar call moments in church services, worship nights, gatherings, etc., where you felt you needed to respond, but you let pride keep you in your seat. May these minutes afford you another chance to respond to Jesus wherever you find yourself listening.”
24. “Making Room,” Tauren Wells
Tauren Wells clears space for God to move on worship-oriented single, “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. “We don’t need to have all the answers or be perfect,” Wells says in regard to the song’s message. “We just need to be open and available for what He wants to do in our lives.” The lyrically poignant selection offered the first taste of the Platinum-selling singer’s most recent EP, “Let The Church Sing.”
23. “One More Day,” Sons of Sunday
Sons Of Sunday expresses pure-hearted thankfulness on “One More Day.” Led by Leeland Mooring and Chandler Moore, the articulate ballad finds the supergroup — also comprised of Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Chris Brown (Elevation Worship) and Pat Barrett — 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. Overflowing into more than seven minutes of audio, “One More Day” transitions into spontaneous bursts of gentle praise. With emotion evident in their voices, Mooring’s fragile tenor is beautifully juxtaposed by Moore’s gravelly rasp. The recording is a standout track from the outfit’s self-titled debut.
22. “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 “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. 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. Gayle describes “I Believe” as one of her personal favorites on the record.
21. “Words We’ll Sing Forever,” Seph Schlueter
Emerging artist Seph Schlueter embraces his worship roots on “Words We’ll Sing Forever,” an unabashed anthem for the Church. The soaring declaration 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. The poetic lyrics encapsulate the refrain of generations of believers. “As someone who grew up in the church, the most powerful songs for me were the ones that took my eyes off of myself and lifted them to God. ‘Words We’ll Sing Forever’ is that song,” shares Schlueter, who is also a member of Ohio-based collective Damascus Worship. “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.”
20. “King Of Hearts,” Brandon Lake
Brandon Lake’s newest album is called “King Of Hearts,” and the title track is an intimate portrait of the care and affection God has for His children. Lake and his co-writers — Hank Bentley and Jacob Sooter — borrow vivid Biblical imagery as the award-winning singer steps into the shoes of the thief on the cross, who famously hung beside Jesus and asked for His forgiveness just minutes before taking his final breath. Sonically, “King Of Hearts” relies on rich textures woven across a diverse musical tapestry that, at first blush, 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 the full project. “I’m not sure if I knew who this record was for when I started writing it, but as the songs came, the more I realized it was not for the seemingly put together, but rather, those who are honest about their brokenness but also have a desire to connect with their Creator and experience Him in everyday life,” Lake shares. “This Creator is King of the universe, King of nations [and] King of creation; but none more important than King of hearts.”
19. “So So Good,” Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship
Midway through 2025, Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship’s Chris Brown joined forces for “So So Good (Live),” an original song the three award-winning artists penned alongside Steven Furtick and Jonathan Smith. The trio of superstars surprised fans at Wickham and Lake’s “Summer Worship Nights” tour stop in Phoenix, Arizona, at the PHX Arena on July 31, 2025, by bringing out Brown for a performance of the upbeat single, which they recorded live that evening. While Wickham and Lake had already been debuting “So So Good” at dates across their completely sold-out co-headlining stretch, Phoenix marked the first time all three co-writers had sung it together publicly. 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 (Live)” debuted on the radio during an Air1 Worship First event.
18. “The King Is Coming,” Red Rocks Worship
Red Rocks Worship looks forward to the day when all will be made right on “The King Is Coming.” The group’s Tyler Roberts leads the song, which serves as the namesake for Red Rocks Worship’s most recent live recording. “This album is all about fixing our eyes on Jesus and the fact that He’s going to come back one day,” the collective shares of the project’s theme and the subsequent title cut. “So lift your eyes, stir your faith. Our King is coming soon.” 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.
17. “i need you more,” Josiah Queen (feat. Henrik)
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. Verse two, in particular, also addresses how technology keeps us isolated and offers a prayer for more community and less loneliness — a bold statement coming from a pair of 20-somethings. The two rising acts penned the haunting stomp-clap track with Jared Condon. With a sense of yearning in their respective vocals, Queen and Henrik convey our collective hopelessness if it weren’t for a Savior willing to rescue us. The folky duet appears on the deluxe edition of Queen’s critically acclaimed full-length debut, “The Prodigal,” whose driving title cut became a breakout hit for the Tampa native.
16. “What A God,” SEU Worship (feat. Roosevelt Stewart and ONE HOUSE)
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, alongside singer-songwriter Roosevelt Stewart and diverse Los Angeles-based group ONE HOUSE, 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. “What A God” reveres the power of Christ to do what we — in our limited humanity — find difficult: Keep no record of wrong. Forgive the unforgivable. Love the unloveable. The soaring original appears on SEU Worship’s aptly named LP, “Move Of God (Live).” The Florida-based collective, comprised of students, staff and alumni from Southeastern University, first debuted the selection at their annual conference back in 2023. Ever since, churches across the country have also been singing the refrain.
15. “Goodbye Yesterday,” Elevation Rhythm (feat. Gracie Binion)
Across 2025, “Goodbye Yesterday” garnered Elevation Rhythm multiple award nominations, an opening slot on Forrest Frank’s arena trek and their first headlining tour. The collective bids farewell to old ways on “Goodbye Yesterday,” which also features emerging alt-pop artist Gracie Binion. 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.” The 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. “‘Goodbye Yesterday’ is our salvation anthem, full of hope and expectation for living in the light of a new day,” shares Elevation Rhythm member Joshua Holiday of the group’s biggest hit to date, which he produced and penned alongside Binion, Steven Furtick and Mitch Wong. “The song serves as a declaration to follow Jesus.”
14. “Always On Time,” Elevation Worship (feat. Bella Cordero)
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. His past faithfulness only points to a future filled with His continued devotion. Written by Steven Furtick, Jonathan Smith, Pat Barrett and Leeland Mooring, “Always On Time” affirms that while God’s timing might not align with our own expectations, His timing is always perfect. Reflecting on His tender care and the way He guides us with His love, Cordero offers up a sweet vocal with gentle, comforting lyrics to match. “Always On Time” appears on Elevation Worship’s GRAMMY®-nominated album, “When Wind Meets Fire.”
13. “The King Is In The Room,” Phil Wickham
Phil Wickham’s “The King Is In The Room” debuted during an Air1 Worship First event, giving Air1 listeners first dibs on the full track after Wickham teased it for weeks across his social platforms. The expectant anthem reminds us nothing is impossible when the presence of Jesus is palpable. We can always anticipate healing, freedom and peace when our King is present. “‘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 says of the selection that gave fans an early taste of his album, “Song Of The Saints.” “This song awakens our hearts to the reality that we are not just a group of people singing in an empty room, but the King — Jesus, the Holy Spirit — is present with us, ready to set people free as we focus on Him.”
12. “The Blood,” David Funk
Newcomer David Funk uniquely intertwines his personal story of transformation with unending gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus on “The Blood.” While Funk didn’t write the powerful declaration — penned by Jenn Johnson, Dante Bowe and Mitch Wong — it feels tailor-made for his airy vocal and genuine delivery. The breezy first verse lazily glides into a chorus of exultation before exploding into a full-on heart-racing anthem that marries timeless truth with modern language. The Georgia native has led the moving selection around the world alongside everyone from Johnson and kalley 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. Funk currently resides with his wife and young son, Milo, in Redding, California, where he continues to be an instrumental part of his local church’s worship team each week.
11. “God Did!” Sons of Sunday
When next-level collective Sons of Sunday dropped their first single, “God Did!” surprised fans with its fresh sound and an undeniable message, crafted by six of the top songwriters in worship music today: Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Leeland Mooring and Pat Barrett. 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. On “God Did!” Lake and Furtick primarily helm lead — a rare treat for fans, who are used to Furtick’s lyrical touch, but less familiar with the pastor and visionary’s singing voice. Moore and Brown also briefly lend their voices to the gratitude-laced track, but it’s the stacked gang vocals that add a moody, Gospel-tinged tone and solidify a brotherhood that eschews ego and competition.
10. “When Wind Meets Fire,” Elevation Worship
Elevation Worship acknowledges there’s a duality that exists with God. He is both a creator and a refiner, and we are the benefactors of both. That’s what their song, “When Wind Meets Fire,” is ultimately about. “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.” Brown unites his voice with that of Tiffany Hudson as, together, they steward the emotive selection, written by Steven Furtick, Joshua Holiday, Abbie Gamboa and Leeland Mooring. The stirring ballad serves as the title cut of the outfit’s GRAMMY®-nominated project and inspired the album’s unique cover art depicting a pair of lungs illuminated by lightning.
9. “Who Else,” Gateway Worship (feat. Claire Smith)
Gateway Worship’s “Who Else” takes its victorious cues from Psalm 89 and features the group’s Claire Smith, whose initial live rendering was first captured on 2023’s “Crowns Down.”
Gateway Worship member Josiah Funderburk drew inspiration for the original selection from a sermon where his pastor talked about how our very bodies are handcrafted by the Creator to be instruments of praise. Building off this idea, Funderburk came up with the line, “I am an instrument of exultation…,” a weighty thought for a yet unwritten song. Together with Gateway’s Zac Rowe and frequent collaborator Abbie Gamboa, Funderburk’s sweeping declaration was fleshed out during a writing session. “We were created to give God praise,” Rowe reflects. “I love that when we worship God, we can think about how great He is, and it makes our problems and the things we go through feel like they get put in their correct perspective.” The slow-burning, crescendoing anthem assumes a submissive posture but is still defiant in its stance: No one else compares to Him; and He alone is worthy of all praise, glory and honor.
8. “No One Like The Lord,” Jenn Johnson
Revered lyricist, vocalist 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. Her combined passion, grit and reverence make way for a regal coronation, led by her signature alto. “When I first heard this song, I fell in love with it,” she shares. “It feels like a song we will sing in heaven...and those are my favorite songs.” YWAM (Youth With A Mission) worship leader Lindy Cofer and the Circuit Riders, a worship collective based in Southern California, developed the offering initially. Johnson worked with Cofer and the other original co-writers — Aliyah Stamper, Eniola Abioye, Jonathan Stamper and Nathan Carter — to create her own, unique version. 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.
7. “Mighty Name Of Jesus,” Hope Darst
Together with her friends, Jacob Sooter and Lauren Sloat, Hope Darst wrote “Mighty Name Of Jesus” for her local church in Nashville. Prior to her release, Darst had been leading the song for the better part of a year at The Belonging Co., with whom she originally recorded a version for the collective’s live project, “Eden.” Meanwhile, Darst re-recorded her own iteration for her first-ever live worship album, “In The Mighty Name.” The prayerful declaration calls on the power and protection of God over every facet of our lives and the people we love. With vivid lyrics that evoke Biblical imagery, Darst and her co-writers rooted themselves in the truth of Isaiah 54:17. The slow burn of “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. It’s the One we’re praying to and the name we’re praying in that makes all the difference. With her warm, commanding vocal, Darst authoritatively speaks to the fear and darkness that attempts to extinguish the light of Christ that lives within the heart of every believer.
6. “The Lord Will Provide,” Passion
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. First introduced at Passion 2024, “The Lord Will Provide” is part of the tracklisting for the collective’s “Call On Heaven,” the album that captured the best live moments from that year’s conference. They reprised “The Lord Will Provide” at Passion 2025, held at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena earlier this year, and welcomed soulful singer-songwriter Anna Golden, who joined Wolfe and the rest of the Passion worship team for a moving rendition of the pivotal track. Golden introed the song with timeless hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” ushering in another unforgettable live moment.
5. “Can’t Steal My Joy,” Josiah Queen (feat. Brandon Lake)
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.” “This song came from the idea that our joy isn’t dependent on the situations we face in our lives,” Queen shares. “All of my life, the enemy has tried to rob me of my joy, but he can’t have something he never gave me.” The driving anthem puts a twist on traditional Vacation Bible School standard “I’ve Got The Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy.” In fact, Lake appropriately calls the surprise hit “a total joy bomb,” and there’s no better description. From top to bottom, the song is a massive celebration of a specific brand of joy that can be experienced regardless of our circumstances — the joy available only in Jesus.
4. “I Know A Name,” Elevation Worship (feat. Brandon Lake)
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. Reminding us that He has dominion over life and death, “I Know A Name” draws from the truth found in 1 Corinthians 15. Premiered during an Air1 Worship First event, “I Know A Name” builds on the ongoing partnership and friendship between Elevation Worship and Lake, who have previously recorded massive hits together, including “Praise,” “Grave Into Gardens” and “Lion,” among others. The original garnered the collaborators a 2025 GMA Dove Award, as well as a 2026 GRAMMY® nomination.
3. “No Fear,” Jon Reddick
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.” The song’s bridge boasts a standout refrain that proclaims God’s protection and sovereignty over every area of our lives. “No fear, not over my family, not over my future, not over my life,” Reddick confidently declares before adding, “God’s over my life!” “No Fear” premiered during an exclusive Air1 Worship First event, where Air1 listeners had the chance to hear the chart-topping track before anyone else. “My hope is this song reminds you that we have not been given a spirit of fear,” Reddick shared upon the single’s release. “I’m so excited about this song and hope you love it, too.” “No Fear” also bears the name of the rising worship leader’s sophomore album, which released in May.
2. “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” Brandon Lake
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. Since giving fans a sneak peek of the then unreleased track during a soundcheck in early 2024, Lake repeatedly teased portions of the original on social media and previewed the selection as he traveled across the country on a nationwide tour. Nearly a year in the making, the soulful R&B, electric guitar-led selection showcases the hitmaker’s signature growl. Backed by a well-placed Gospel choir, Lake delivers a raw vocal across some of his most vulnerable lyrics to date. 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. “Hard Fought Hallelujah” anchors Lake’s fourth studio effort, “King Of Hearts.” His version with Jelly Roll launched the song into an entirely new stratosphere, earning the pair high-profile media appearances, numerous awards and notable airplay on country radio.
1. “What An Awesome God,” Phil Wickham
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. “Awesome God” was one of the first songs the seasoned worship leader learned to play on guitar. Two decades later, he’s introducing it to an entirely new era of worshipers. “I can’t believe I get to be a small part of this song’s story,” Wickham reflects. “I feel like every generation carries this song in a new way, and I’m honored to bring it to this one.” Together with longtime collaborator Jonathan Smith, the trusted artist crafted a trio of new verses around Mullins’ signature chorus. Wickham’s piano-led, beat-laden lyrics paint our Creator as the ultimate artist and look toward His triumphant return. Loaded with vibes and straightforward language, “What An Awesome God” is further accented by a full choir as Wickham’s fresh additions give way to a group of enthusiastic voices, unified in extolling the awe and majesty of Jesus. Found on his latest project, “Song Of The Saints,” “What An Awesome God” quickly became one of the SoCal native’s biggest hits to date, dominating the radio charts for numerous weeks.
