The 100 Greatest Christian Albums of the 00s. This is the decade where my musical taste continued to grow and finally found its sweet spot. The first half of the decade coincided with my college years, and I have many fond memories attached to these albums because of it. The second half held the first five years of marriage, fatherhood, and the financial struggles of a young family. Because I listened to such a wider variety of songs as the CCM genre continued to expand, I chose to limit the times a band/artist could show up on this list to two. With the 90s list and the 10s list, I had no such rules, but it seemed necessary for this decade to include as many different artists as possible. In other words, though I may pick the “wrong” album by a band or artist, according to some, I tried to make sure they were at least represented.

Additionally, this is my second time making the list so there is an asterisk to denote an albums first time inclusion. I also left some parenthetical notes on others that moved spots (up or down) from the first iteration of the list to the current one.

Again, this list as the two preceding it, is a bit of a hybrid. I tried to be as objective as possible to include albums that are widely considered great, though it may not be my personal taste. There are ten such albums present and bonus points to those that can pick them out. Also, the ranking was tremendously difficult, nay impossible so don’t get too hung up on where an album placed, especially anything outside of the top 50. Because of this difficulty I choose groupings of 25 until I got to the Top 50. However I think they’re all great or I wouldn’t have included them. Some will be farther down the list because I either hadn’t heard them prior to making the list or had spent less time with them. The higher the rank, the more my personal enjoyment, especially once we get to the Top 25.

Another question that may come up is the “is such and such a Christian band/artist?” or “why would x be on this Christian list?” One of the things that I love about Christian music in the 00s is that the age-old question of what applies as “Christian” music continued to expand. Personally, I think it’s silly to define an entire genre on the lyrical content alone, but for better or worse that has been the history of CCM. For this list, I chose to include a few artists who are confirmed Christians though their musical output was beyond the borders of traditional CCM. No that doesn’t include U2, but it may include a few surprises.

If you missed the 90s and 10s lists I’ve already posted they can be found here: 100 Greatest Christian Albums of the 90s and here: 100 Best Albums of the 2010s, and as always I’d love to hear from you on your favorites, as well as where you think I missed it, or maybe even nailed it.

Honorable mentions and stats on the list at the end.

Here we go!

100-76

Michael W. Smith – Worship (2001)

Chris Tomlin – Arriving (2004)

Perhaps the quintennial worship release of the decade, Arriving is worthy of inclusion on this list due to “How Great Is Our God” alone.

Stacie Orrico – Self Titled (2003)

There was a major mainstream impact with songs “Stuck” and “There’s Gotta Be More To Life” and several other songs of pop goodness.

Family Force 5 – Business up Front, Party in the Back (2006)

Bernard – A View Beyond the Cave (2006)*

Future of Forestry – Travel I & II (2009)*

Brandon Heath – What if We (2008)

Tenth Avenue North – Over & Underneath (2008)

Hawk Nelson – Letters To The President (2004)

Francesca Battistelli – My Paper Heart (2008)

A radio-ready pop album if there ever was one, literally every song could have been released as a single, and the ones that were shot of the charts.

Emery – The Question (2005)

Not really my cup of tea, but objectively I understand why this rock album and band are highly regarded. Intense screams and melodic vocals play off of each other well creating a palpable tension.

Jeremy Camp – Stay (2002)

Camp burst onto the scene with multiple hit singles with songs like, “Understand,” “Right Here” “Walk By Faith,” “I Still Believe,” and “Take My Life.” Each one a solid pop tune directing praise to God even amid personal tragedy.

John Reuben – Word of Mouth (2007)*

Big Daddy Weave – One and Only (2002)

I love the saxophone that Big Daddy Weave features highly on this album. “In Christ,” “Friend Like You,” “Neighborhoods,” and “Audience Of One” are the cream of the crop.

Demon Hunter – Summer of Darkness (2004)*

The Choir – O How the Mighty Have Fallen (2005)*

Owl City – Ocean Eyes (2009)*

Third Day – Offerings (2000)

The worship craze was soon to take over CCM, but Third Day released one of the better ones before nearly every other artist followed suit.

Jonzetta – Popularity (2006)*

Lecrae – Rebel (2008)

Leaps and bounds were made on this his third album and he would continue to soar to greater heights.

Rachel Lampa – Self Titled (2004)*

Leeland – Sound of Melodies (2006)

This young band took the industry by storm in a way very few had done before it. European influenced pop/rock with worship undertones abounding.

Mars iLL – Pro*Pain (2006)

Hip-Hop at its finest. Versatile beats, world-class rapping.

The Julianna Theory – Emotion is Dead (2000)*

LetterKills – The Bridge (2004)

Punk-emo rock with some screamed vocals and melodic singing thrown in the mix as well.

75-51

Shane & Shane – Pages (2007)

Passionate journal entry songs calling listeners to praise and worship the King. This acoustic-based duo was a favorite of mine during the 00s.

Phil Wickham – Cannons (2007)

Soaring vocals and worshipful lyrics with the title track, “You’re Beautiful,” and “True Love” being my favorite songs.

Shawn McDonald – Simply Nothing (2004)

Singer/Songwriter debut with acoustic guitar-based songs and a dash of hip-hop rhythms.

Dead Poetic – New Medicines (2004)*

Mark Schultz – Self Titled (2000)

A piano man with a handful of catchy, tear-jerking songs. Great debut!

Ballydowse – Out of the Fertile Crescent (2000)*

16 Horsepower – Secret South (2000)*

Falling up – Captiva (2007)

Electronic pop/rock and the first album by Falling Up that I’m totally into up to this point in their career. Greater things to come, but this is a good start.

Steven Curtis Chapman – Declaration (2001)*

Eisley – Room Noises (2005)

With shades of Sixpence singer Leigh Nash in their angelic voices, the DuPree sister-fronted Eisley debuted with this hauntingly beautiful indie-rock album.

Out of Eden – This is Your Life (2002)

This R&B/Pop sister group was criminally ignored by the radio. I feel like they were about ten years ahead of their time, and it’s a shame they weren’t bigger.

Pax217 – Two Seventeen (2000)

Reggae influences help this rap/rock group stand apart from others of the era.

Needtobreathe – The Heat (2007)

This one didn’t leave my car stereo for a full year after I stumbled upon it. All the elements I love Alt/rock goodness, distinctive voice, strong lyrics.

Sandra McCracken – Builder & the Architect (2006)

Hymn-like song structures and feel to pair with a soothing voice and well-crafted lyrics.

Showbread – No Sir, Nihilism is Not Practical (2004)

A Tooth & Nail band, the vocal-shredding singer is an acquired taste. This is weird rock n’ roll with “Mouth Like A Magazine” being my favorite overall tune.

Jennifer Knapp – The Way I Am (2001)

Best girl-with-guitar album of the decade in my opinion. Soul. Angst. Fantastic guitar playing. It’s all here.

Sara Groves – Tell Me What You Know (2007)

Piano-based singer/songwriter with the deeper things to say in soothing ways.

The Elms – The Chess Hotel (2006)

Snotty, gritty-in-your-face-rock-n-roll at its finest.

Copeland – In Motion (2005)*

Dave Barnes – Brother, Bring the Sun (2004)*

Audio Adrenaline – Lift (2001)

A highlight release from a long-tenured band. They lean more fully into the worship motif of the era, but it’s one of the best at it. “Tremble” and “Ocean Floor” is Audio A classics.

Seabird – Til We See the Shore (2008)

Bouncy, rolling piano-led pop. Earworm central here. “Apparitions” is divine.

Anberlin – Never Take Friendship Personal (2005)

Emo-flavored rock with pristine vocals.

Relient K – Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right…But Three Do (2003)

It’s a classic as far as I’m concerned. There was a large step in maturity from Album two to this one although they still have some pop-punk hijinks as well.

Downhere – Wide Eyed & Mystified (2006)

In the conversation for the best overall pop/rock album of the decade as far as I’m concerned. All that it tries to do, it does well. Dual vocalists that both bring a different strength to well-written and executed pop/rock tunes.

Top 50

50. Grits – Art of Translation (2002)

“Ooh Ahh” and “Here We Go” are the cream-of-the-crop, but there are other really strong songs. Overall this is a fantastic follow up to the better Grammatical Revolution.

49. The Classic Crime – The Silver Chord (2008)

Raw. Electric guitars. Intense. Dynamic. Mature. This is excellent rock n roll music.

48. Far-Less – A Toast to Bad Taste (2007)*

I’m in danger of major recency bias as the album is brand spanking new to me as of a week ago, but I think I just missed a tremendously great post-hardcore gem the first go around. This has the chance to jump higher if I ever revisit this list again in the coming years.

47. Underoath – Define the Great Line (2006)

The Florida based Screamo/Hardcore band’s “defining” album? This is a genre shaking/shaping album just as their prior record They’re Only Chasing Safety before it. (This album dropped from #42 to #47 this time around.)

46. Living Sacrifice – The Hammering Process (2000)*

Not my style…like at all, but it’s highly regarded and respected in the heavy music community and absolutely belongs in the “greats” convo of the genre.

45. Further Seems Forever – How to Start a Fire (2003)*

A recent run-through their catalogue had me replace The Moon is Down with this superior offering from the band that had trouble keeping a lead singer for awhile there.

44. The Cross Movement – Higher Definition (2004)

I did go through a brief rap period, (as we are all wont to do) and this is one of the ones that has stuck with me.

43. Brave Saint Saturn – The Light of Things Hoped For (2003)*

I was reminded of this excellent Reese Roper (FiF) side project recently and fell back in love with it after many years. “Estrella” gets me every time.

42. As Cities Burn – Come Now Sleep (2007)*

A newer favorite as of 2023, had to make room for this screaming good time. Great album for while you’re driving.

41. Project 86 – Songs to Burn Your Bridges By (2004)

This album is outside of my typical listening habits, but “The Spy Hunter” is a jam that must be turned up full blast.

40. Skillet – Comatose (2006)

Symphonic rock begging for pyrotechnics, this would be a career-defining album for them. (Dropped 11 spots from #29.)

39. Kevin Max – Stereotype Be (2001)

Euro/rock drenched offerings, there wasn’t/isn’t anything like it, and it holds up well to this day.

38. Jars of Clay – Good Monsters (2006)

A tad more aggressive musically, this is where social justice came to the forefront of the message. “Work,” “Dead Man (Carry Me),” and the tremendous cover of “All My Tears” bring me back for more, and then I remember how amazing the rest of the album is too. (Dropped out of the Top 10…my feelings on this one have always vacillated)

37. Jon Foreman – Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer (2007-2008)

Ever the prolific songwriter for Switchfoot, these terrific tunes saw the light of day as solo releases. “The Cure For Pain” is my favorite from the Fall disc which is also my overall favorite of the four seasonal EPs.

36. Ben Shive – Ill-Tempered Klavier (2009)

With Beach Boys-inspired harmonies AND melodies this is a singer/songwriter treasure that is not to be missed. (Jumped into the Top 50 from #67!)

35. David Crowder Band – Church Music (2009)

EDM Worship music? Why yes, the ever-restless DC*B innovates once again pushing worship music into the future.

34. Mxpx – Ever Passing Moment (2000)

As my musical taste was expanding to harder rock, ska, and hip-hop, this pop/punk album was important in my early college years and my ever-developing musical palate.

33. Luna Halo – Shimmer (2000)

Losing the dynamic rap/rock band Reality Check after one superb album was a tough blow, but out of the ashes, Nathan Barlowe dropped this catchy euro/rock-influenced album. “Aliens” and “Superman” demand your attention right out of the gate, but the whole tracklist is worth a listen. (From #61 to #33?!)

32. Five Iron Frenzy – The End is Near (2003)

How did this album get here?! Cut and paste accident I guess…might as well leave it. Worst album by the worst band ever! (Big jump up the list from #56)

31. Switchfoot – Nothing Is Sound (2005)

Hard to follow-up the smash that TBL was but they did a more than adequate job adding Drew and a wall of guitars sound on “Lonely Nation” “Stars” and some melancholic lyrics on gems, “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine,” “Happy is a Yuppie Word,” “The Fatal Wound,” and “The Blues.” Also, “We Are One Tonight” is a terrific song-a-long and “Daisy” is a killer closer.

30. Thousand Foot Krutch – Phenomenon (2003)

Ah yes, TFK. A guilty pleasure perhaps, but this is their most complete album with a very little hint of the rap/rock hybrid of their debut. This is more mature, and spawned their career-defining hit “Rawkfist.”

29. Newsboys – Thrive (2002)

The last Newsboys album I loved deeply, this was their best combination of quirky pop/rock tunes and the worship-based ones for which their later albums would be known.

28. PFR – Disappear (2001)

An ironic comeback album title if there ever was one, at least we got this terrific pop/rock reunion record before they were gone again.

27. Tobymac – Welcome to Diverse City (2004)

The best overall album from the godfather of Christian music.

26. Underoath – They’re Only Chasing Safety (2004)*

Perhaps inexplicably absent the first time this list was compiled it’s time the band was given their due for their influence on the sound and genre.

Top 25

25. Derek Webb – She Must and Shall Go Free (2003)

A no-holds-barred acoustic guitar-based wake-up call for the church. Needed now more than ever despite his current personal faith journey. (Jumped from #49)

24. Flyleaf – Self-Titled (2005)

Female hard rock with heavy guitars, screams, and clean vocals. “So Sick” is still a jam.

23. Falling up – Fangs! (2009)*

Indie rock and criminally underrated. if you checkout out after their first 2-3 albums do yourself a favor and jump back in on their indie releases. You’re welcome. (Making its initial debut on the list at #29!)

22. Children 18:3 – Self Titled (2008)

Three siblings formed pop/punk group Children 18:3. This is infectious and bratty in all the right ways, and it’s hard to get these pop/punk songs out of your head after listening.

21. Downhere – Self Titled (2001)

Dual singers with contrasting styles, vertically directed lyrics, pop song constructs, and great vocal performances. The ballads really shine on this fantastic album. The trio of “Great Are You,” “Calmer Of The Storm” and “Protest To Praise” still get regular listens to this day. (From #44 to #21)

20. Andrew Peterson – Carried Along (2000)

Thinking man’s guy and guitar, Peterson does it better than most. Poetic and charming. (Moving from #37 to Top 20 my appreciation for Peterson’s artistic expression only grows deeper with each year.)

19. Lifehouse – No Name Face (2000)

At the time of release, the smash hit song “Hanging By A Moment” was inescapable. However, it’s far from the best song on the album. The ballads, specifically “Breathing” and “Trying” is first-class, and closer “Everything” is hands down the best track.

18. Mewithoutyou – Brother, Sister (2006)

The rare band that I listen to for the musicality alone, cause who the heck even knows what the lyrics are about? Brother, Sister is passionate and weird in all the right ways.

17. P.O.D. – Satellite (2001)

Three killer singles and several other great deep cuts make this album an easy best of decade pick. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard “Alive,” “Boom,” or “Youth Of The Nation” at some point.

16. Earthsuit – Kaleidoscope Superior (2000)

There was nothing else like it in the genre as far I know…reggae-infused rap/rock with some of the best drummings you’ll hear. This was the one-hit-wonder band that launched out MuteMath from the ashes. (From #40 previously to Top 20, this album keeps getting better.)

15. Needtobreathe – The Outsiders (2009)

I wore this album out after loving their album The Heat before it. Southern alt/rock with tremendous lyrics spread all around. There’s not a single skippable song present.

14. Brooke Fraser – Albertine (2006)

Piano pop doesn’t do justice as a descriptor of this artfully crafted album with few to no flaws. Each arrangement unique, nothing distracting from the art. Well done. 5 Stars.

13. Jars of Clay – The Long Fall Back to Earth (2009)

Primarily a horizontal relationship album with strong 80s vibes. Took time to grow on me, but now it’s top 5 in their discography. “Safe To Land” is my favorite of many exceptional songs.

12. Blindside – Silence (2002)

One of the few hard rock albums I return to often. “Caught A Glimpse” and “Pitiful” are my favorites.

11. Various Artists – Glory Revealed (2007)

It’s a simple album of acoustic/Americana Scripture songs but it has been a balm to my soul ever since I first happened upon it. It also stand s out as one of my top 5 favorite live shows I’ve ever had to pleasure of attending. “Who Is Like You” is my favorite song, but I love them all.

10. David Crowder Band – A Collision (2005)

The amount of thought and attention to detail put into this one is staggering. My pick for their best overall album. (A slide down from #4 but still in the Top 10)

Top 20 Songs of 20 Artists: David Crowder Band

9. Anberlin – Cities (2007)

Hands down their magnum opus.

8. MuteMath – Self Titled (2006)

Though not a Christian band per se, this was the phoenix to rise out of the ashes of one-album wonder Earthsuit. Marketing aside, this is fantastic music no matter the genre. “Typical,” “Chaos,” and “You Are Mine” are the ones I return to most often.

7. Thrice – Vhessui (2005)

My introduction to Thrice, and still my favorite offering of their discography. “Music Box” is creepy and explosive building tension perfectly. The song “Red Sky” swells and soars satisfyingly. Opener “Image Of The Invisible” demands your attention. Superb album. (Moved into the Top 10 from the previous #18)

6. House of Heroes – The End is not the End (2008)

This band and this album should have made them hugely famous. I’m still scratching my head why it didn’t. Pop/punk/rock with world-class vocals and harmonies. So. Many. Great. Songs.

5. Sixpence None The Richer – Divine Discontent (2002)

Much more straightforwardly pop than their previous output, this is still high-quality art, doing the sound extremely well. (A gigantic move from #46 into the Top 5…these last two years have cemented this as an all-timer for me.)

4. Caedmon’s Call – Long Line of Leavers (2000)

The acoustic-driven band plugged in a few guitars and experimented with some other instruments on their most diverse album yet. I keep a copy in the car to spin this one regularly. (Leapfrogging from its previous perch of #22 into the Top 5!)

3. Relient K – Mmhmm (2004)

Relient K’s most cohesive and mature album to date. I still don’t think they made a better album than this. (Moved down one spot from #2 to #3)

2. Switchfoot – The Beautiful Letdown (2003)

Hard to deny that this was a smash album on the strength of the reworked and re-released song “Dare You To Move” and the grungy mega-hit “Meant To Live.” With a storied career that is still going this still stands out as their best album in my opinion. (Bumped from #1 to #2)

Switchfoot: The Beautiful Letdown’s 20th Anniversary

1. Mae – The Everglow (2005)

An indie-rock concept album. This one demands your full attention. Best listened to while reading the accompanying booklet. (Jumped up from #5 to dethrone Switchfoot, for now)

Playlist of 2000-2009 Favorite Songs

Honorable Mentions:

The Terminal – How the Lonely Keep (2005)

Mat Kearney – Nothing Left to Lose (2006)

Sides of the North – The Incurable Romantic (2005)

Sanctus Real – Fight the Tide (2004)

Kirk Franklin – The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (2002)

Remedy Drive – Daylight is Coming (2008)

House of Heroes – Say No More (2006)

Tait – Empty (2001)

Deitrick Haddon – Lost and Found (2002)

MercyMe – All That is Within Me (2007)

The Benjamin Gate – Contact (2002)

Phil Joel – Watching Over You (2000)

Casting Crowns – Self Titled (2003)

Fiction Family – Self Titled (2009)

O.C Supertones – Loud & Clear (2000)

Stats on my list…

How many albums from each year in the decade are represented:

2000 – 14

2001 – 8

2002 – 7

2003 – 8

2004 – 14

2005 – 10

2006 – 13

2007 – 11

2008 – 8

2009 – 7

New Album Adds to the list: 22

Albums On the fringe of CCM: 28

Albums with Mainstream Crossover: 26

Albums I’d consider all-time favorites: 26

Albums I own: 79

Wish list: New Medicine, A Toast to Bad Taste, Come Now Sleep, Bernard