19 Best Christian Karaoke Songs
Are you from a Christian family? Maybe you’re just looking for a good, clean night of fun. Either way, there are plenty of great Christian songs you can punch into the karaoke system for beautiful sing-alongs.
Worship songs, after all, are written for corporate environments, and that means they are usually easy for everyone to sing.
Either way, we’ve got a mix of great songs prepared for you in this guide. Here are the best Christian karaoke songs.
Contents
“Today Is the Day” by Lincoln Brewster
Song year: 2008
I don’t know what it is that has people instantly think of “Amazing Grace” when it comes to Christian karaoke. Don’t get me wrong – it’s a great song. But don’t you want to start the party right, with an atmosphere of excitement, celebration, and joy? Thought so.
Then why not lean on this late 2000s Contemporary worship song featuring the guitar work of once Steve Perry (of Journey fame) guitarist Lincoln Brewster? “Today Is the Day” doesn’t pull any stops, with a repeating gang vocal hook, a message of rejoicing and being glad, and a legitimately great guitar solo.
“Jesus Freak” by DC Talk
Song year: 1995
Up until the mid-90s, contemporary Christian group DC Talk was known (not always favorably) for their focus on rap music. Perhaps sensing a major shift in the broader musical landscape, the group went grunge with their 1995 release, Jesus Freak, and not a moment too early.
Thinking back, this was probably the beginning of the end for DC Talk, as in the years following their output would be limited, and 1998’s Supernatural would be another step away from their hip-hop roots.
Nevertheless, “Jesus Freak” was legitimately good (not just a rehash of grunge music that was already out there), to the point where even secular audiences loved it.
If you want to make a bold declaration for your love of Jesus even in the face of persecution, this is the song you want to sing.
“Shine” by Newsboys
Song year: 1994
Not to be confused with Collective Soul’s “Shine” (also a great song, potentially Christian friendly), Newsboys’ “Shine” features a rap-sing style verse and a gang vocal chorus that anyone can sing along to!
Christian band Newsboys has gone through many incarnations, to the point where there are still debates as to which version is best. Today, Newsboys is fronted by former DC Talk singer Michael Tait.
But true fans know the best Newsboys is the one featuring Furler or James on the vocals with Steve Taylor handling the songwriting (Newsboys at their quirkiest and most original).
“Our God” by Chris Tomlin
Song year: 2010
Not that your karaoke set must follow the same trajectory, but in most worship settings, two to three upbeat songs are usually followed by one or two slower worship tunes (ballads). Chris Tomlin’s “Our God” makes for a great song for those quieter worship moments in just about any context.
The song does have a huge build towards the end, however, just in case you’re thinking of bringing it to your worship team next Sunday.
Texas native Tomlin has sold over seven million records and is a winner of 23 GMA Dove Awards, a Grammy Award, and two RIAA-certified platinum albums. Time magazine even said he may be one of the most sung artists anywhere.
“Shout to the Lord” by Hillsong Worship
Song year: 1994
With the legendary Australian singer-songwriter Darlene Zschech at the helm, Hillsong Worship’s “Shout to the Lord” reverberated across the world, quickly becoming a popular contemporary worship power ballad sung in churches everywhere.
The song rose to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its popularity even extended into American Idol in 2008 (where evidently the lyrics were changed without permission at the first performance and corrected for the second).
The song was written at a time when Zschech was experiencing financial troubles and was wondering how she was going to raise a young family.
“Break Free” by Hillsong UNITED
Song year: 2007
Hillsong UNITED was an outgrowth of Hillsong’s youth ministry, officially becoming a band in 1998 (with the encouragement of Darlene Zschech) with rotating worship leaders from the church (like Joel Houston, Matt Crocker, and Brooke Fraser, among others).
In 2007, the band would release All Of The Above, and one of the most recognizable and memorable tracks from the alum was this – “Break Free.”
With a mix of heavily distorted guitars and gritty speed-funk riffs, the song sticks out as an upbeat, guitar-oriented song celebrating the goodness of God.
“Flood” by Jars of Clay
Song year: 1995
Nashville Christian rock band Jars of Clay obviously knew something only a few other bands (like DC Talk) of the time knew – that music was steadily headed in a more alternative direction.
“Flood” shows these sensibilities in spades, and it even went on to become a contemporary Christian music / alternative rock radio crossover hit.
Having stayed in the Billboard 200 for an astounding 52 weeks, their self-titled album, Jars of Clay (on which you can find “Flood”), would be certified gold, and then platinum shortly after.
And in case you’re wondering, the song still holds up.
“Big House” by Audio Adrenaline
Song year: 1993
In the 90s, Christian music started appealing to a much younger audience – probably a smart business decision, even if it did annoy parents who’d cut their teeth on Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, and Michael Card.
I don’t think anyone can argue that Audio Adrenaline’s “Big House” is anything other than frivolous fun, especially now, but audiences listening to the likes of Spin Doctors would have loved it. And what is karaoke if not silly fun?
“Big House” is one of the band’s biggest hits of their career, and it even reached the top of Christian radio.
“How Many Kings” by Downhere
Song year: 2008
Juno and Covenant Award-winning Canadian Christian rock band Downhere blazed a trail of success from 2001 to 2012. As most bands do, they paid their dues from 1999 to 2001, from their independent release to signing with Slyngshot Records.
Like it or hate it, the band has become most known for its lead singer Marc Martel, whose voice is almost like that of a more polished Freddie Mercury (if that’s even possible). He is well known for his covers of Queen tunes, and his voice even appeared in the film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Downhere has been on hiatus since 2012, but Martel continues to work as a solo artist, contributing to games and films, and of course, singing Queen.
“How Many Kings,” by the way, is an acoustic ballad featuring the great vocal work of Martel, and of course Jason Germain.
“Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot
Song year: 2004
Alternative rock band Switchfoot’s “Dare You to Move” received significant radio airplay, and the accompanying music video got played on MTV, VH1, FUSE TV, and more. The song played on Christian radio and modern rock radio alike, becoming a crossover hit and their second top-20 single.
Written by Switchfoot singer and songwriter Jon Foreman, the band knew they had something special on their hands when they originally wrote it, and even rewrote it for The Beautiful Letdown.
“Dare You to Move” is not an easy song to sing, but you’re almost guaranteed to feel nostalgic singing it.
“Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Michael W. Smith
Song year: 2001
“Open the Eyes of My Heart” was originally written by Christian music artist, worship leader, and singer-songwriter Paul Baloche in 2000. Of course, the song rapidly took on a great deal of importance in the church, and before we knew it, we had the Michael W. Smith version as well.
No matter which version you prefer, “Open the Eyes of My Heart” generally makes for a great worship sing-along. So, give everyone in the karaoke booth a mic because things are about to get crazy (well, Christian crazy)!
“Today (As For Me and My House)” by Brian Doerksen
Song year: 2004
Canadian Christian singer-songwriter and worship leader Brian Doerksen has been a huge influence on contemporary Christian worship music for decades. You might know him for “Refiner’s Fire,” “Come Now is the Time to Worship,” and “Hope of the Nations,” among others.
In the 2000s, he rose to prominence with songs like “Today (As For Me and My House)” and he is only one of two Canadians who’ve received a Gospel Association Dove Award.
“My Glorious” by Delirious?
Song year: 2000
English contemporary Christian band Delirious? was active from 1992 to 2009, and amazingly, they were able to hold onto their original members until their final two years when drumming duties were handed off to Paul Evans from Stew Smith.
The band became known for modern worship songs like “Majesty,” “Lord You Have My Heart,” “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?,” and “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” among others.
I happen to think “My Glorious” is a needle in a haystack, though, and a song well worth revisiting if you haven’t heard it in a while.
“I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” by Sonicflood
Song year: 1999
Nashville contemporary worship music band Sonicfoold got its start in 1997 and is still active today. Massively influential in the realm of modern worship, the band has even been called “The Fathers of the Modern Worship Movement.”
Much of their success has been built on worship hit covers, including this, Delirious?’s “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever.”
But as they say, it’s not necessarily in the book, but in how you package the book, and Sonicflood brought something to modern worship that has stood the test of time.
“Welcome Home” by The O.C. Supertones
Song year: 2002
The O.C. Supertones are credited with being the first successful Christian ska band. They had a solid run from 1991 to 2005, and then again from 2010 to 2017.
“Welcome Home” is just as upbeat as most of their tracks, but one of the reasons it’s so memorable is probably because it has a part ska, part classic R&B-type vibe.
Try not having fun with a ska song about waiting to go to heaven at karaoke night. It’s impossible!
“Thy Word” by Amy Grant
Song year: 1990
Written by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, “Thy Word” is a well-remembered worship classic and is popular in churches across the world to this day.
Grant was initially a contemporary Christian artist, but she crossed over into mainstream pop, especially in the 80s and 90s. Some call her “The Queen of Christian Pop” thanks to her visibility, longevity, and knack for writing songs like “Thy Word.”
Her career is illustrious. Grant has sold over 30 million albums across the world and won six Grammy Awards and 22 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. She even had the first Christian album ever to go platinum.
“The Finish Line” by Steve Taylor
Song year: 1991
Sharp, satirical, and maybe even a little too smart for his own good, singer, songwriter, record producer, music executive, filmmaker, assistant professor, and actor Steve Taylor has had a prolific career in the arts.
While he may not be a household name (especially as a solo artist), his influence on Christian music is beyond reproach. Not only did he have a hand in bringing Sixpence None the Richer, Chevelle, and Burlap to Cashmere to the public, but he has also written and produced extensively for the likes of Newsboys.
“The Finish Line” may be an unusual choice for Christian karaoke night, but a fun one, nonetheless. If you need to explain to your friends why you’re singing this song, or who Steve Taylor is, now you know what to say.
“El Shaddai” by Michael Card
Song year: 1982
Written by Michael Card and John Thompson, “El Shaddai” is a contemporary Christian song using scripture as inspiration (there are some direct quotes in the lyrics). Card was the first to record it, though Amy Grant’s version is more well-known.
Christian singer-songwriter, musician, author, and radio host Michael Card has done all right for himself, though, selling over four million albums and writing 19 No. 1 singles. Some of his other well-known works include “Immanuel,” “Joy in the Journey,” and “Heal Our Land.”
Despite his success as an artist, Card considers himself a Biblical teacher first and foremost and has distanced himself from the industry in recent years.
And while Amy Grant’s version might be nice, I will always prefer the Michael Card original myself.
“Mighty to Save” by Hillsong Worship
Song year: 2006
Hillsong Worship’s “Mighty to Save” is a contemporary worship power ballad that very much came to represent Christian music in the mid-2000s. The song was originally recorded live in Sydney, Australia, picking up a Dove Award in 2009.
“Might to Save” is all about Jesus and how amazing the Saviour is.
Top Christian Karaoke Songs, Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this read. There are just so many songs to choose from, and so little time! But we trust you found at least a handful of songs you’re interested in bringing to karaoke night whether it’s with friends, family, or your Bible study group.
Praise the Lord!
