Long ago, in a time before Hillsong, Jesus Culture and Elevation; in a world uninhabited by Chris Tomlin, there existed another universe of praise and worship…
This list is comprised of songs which are not the most popular from the ’90s, but chosen by a criteria consisting of, “Would these songs work well with today’s congregations?” or, “Are these songs which could be re-introduced?”
Why this matters: There were some substantive songs which people who have been around church remember, but are not currently sung. The songs represent music for a demographic that is not longing for the nostalgia of the Gaither Music years — they aren’t that old yet — but longing for some connection to past songs where there is greater singability.
This could include things from Maranatha Music, Vineyard Music, etc.
Statistically, the median age of established churches rises over time. The key is to keep this demographic engaged, but present music that doesn’t sound dated to the younger demographic churches are hungry to reach.
This is the list I assembled:
- You Are the Mighty King
- The Servant King
- You Are Worthy of My Praise (I Will Worship With All of My Heart)
- Blessed Be the Lord God Almighty
- Above All
- Glorify Thy Name (Father, I Love You…)
- You Are My King (with 2nd verse)1
- Once Again
- Shout to the North
- Majesty2
- All Heaven Declares
- You Are My All in All
- Lord I Lift Your Name on High (with 2nd verse)
- Trading my Sorrows
- Open the Eyes of My Heart
Related: A History of Modern Worship Music
Thinking Out Loud 
These were THE songs…I still recall some of them…Not the wishy washy ones these days…’Blessed be the Lord God Almighty’ and ‘Majesty’ were popular here in Nigerian churches thise days up to the mid 2000s
Comment by Jesus Wins — July 2, 2019 @ 6:44 am
Good list, Paul. I often listen to Maranatha albums and still love the worship songs the early 80s.
Too often I’ve visited churches that have “worship” music that never seems to mention Jesus, L-RD, G-D, or make any reference to Spirit–perhaps not wanting to offend someone.
L-RD Bless, Keep, Shine. . .
Comment by jonahzsong — July 7, 2019 @ 7:28 pm