My Ten Favourite Songs of All Time

I don't know what compelled me to write this, but I want to throw out some plugs. Listening to these songs again remind me of the sentimental and enjoyable feelings I had. They range in genre and artist (a lot of Nichole Nordeman), but all have influenced me in some small way.

10. Mandy Moore - Only Hope

Although this was originally performed by Switchfoot, I just love the way Mandy sings this one (A Walk To Remember). The piano accompaniment beats the one provided by Switchfoot, and the lyrics never fail to astound me.

The lyrics are a bit vague, which is why some understandably think it's about a relationship with a guy. But nonetheless, they are written beautifully, referencing the longing to be with God and the struggles in our journey there.

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=U4DjOTfz1ik)

9. Joy Williams - I'm In Love With You

This acoustic-based love song (guitar/piano throughout) is just exceptional. The background doesn't impede, but enhances the words coming out of Joy's mouth. Creative references such as "leaving dreams" avoid repetitive cliques (although there are some in this song). I've played this a few times on the guitar, and I love it. Aside from "I Will Be Here" (from Steven Curtis Chapman), this is the song I love to perform for others.

Actually, I don't know why I adore this song. I can't really pinpoint what is so amazing about it. It's definitely a case where the sum is greater than its parts. So, yes, listen to it. It makes you wonder why Joy had to retire from singing.

(Link: http://www.myspace.com/joywilliamsmusic)

8. Nichole Nordeman - Every Season

So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-dwpdZdvCl8)

7. Sufjan Stevens - The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us!

Yes, the title is abnormally long. Classic Sufjan stuff. This piano ballad is a story of how Sufjan lost his best friend through some seemingly harmless joke or whatnot (the song is not very clear on this). The beauty that emanates throughout, however, is something to be adored. From a build-up from an acoustic guitar to a full band (including some more classical orchestra instruments) and a dying down to a mere simple conclusion. Just listen to it and find out for yourself.

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rf5kG8drKaM)

6. Something Like Silas - Anchor of My Soul

The only worship song I have on this list (I'm generally not a tremendous fan of worship music... it's nice, but I find it a bit repetitive, lacking creativity and sometimes boring), it is, in fact, one of the less creative songs churned out by one of the best worship artists I've ever heard. The lead band of the modern church Flood, this band has come up with some great stuff (including using allusions and references not common in music) that vary from the awfully quiet to the rock-like tunes. However, this tune is relatively simplistic. It talks about how we've sinned, and is a plea for forgiveness from the One himself. I've played it once at Kairos Worship before, it's unfortunate I never got to follow up on this song.

(Couldn't find a link... sorry)

5. Nichole Nordeman - To Know You

Be patient with my doubt
I'm just tryin' to figure out Your will
And I really want to know You still

One of her first biggest hits, Nichole's sheer honesty comes out in this song, something we, unfortunately, rarely see in music nowadays. Others disguise their weakness, talking about God's holiness and grace. That's cool too (except when the songs all start sounding the same). But Nichole takes a totally different approach in this piece. She admits that she sometimes doubts God's existence, comparing herself to the disciple Thomas. At the end, Nichole makes a pledge to become more strong and adamant in her faith. Unlike most of her stronger pieces, this one does not involve her playing on the piano (much), but the lyrics remain powerful and true.

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=13JKVABz5p0)

4. Nichole Nordeman - Why (Live)

Nichole writes this in the perspective of a young girl in Jesus' time on Earth. This piano ballad (I don't know if she ever recorded it... she performed it live and it ended up on one of her CDs) is astounding. It's believable (the way it is written could be from a young girl), and the different tones of voice and whatnot between Nichole, Jesus and God are interwoven perfectly.

The end climaxes with some powerful vocals and powerful accompaniment. Nichole is an amazing pianist. I can only aspire to be like her.

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=BESAc3LRrUg)

3. Avalon - You Were There

Although Avalon has tailed off recently, they were once proud with some of the strongest ballads (Their Euro-pop songs were quite good too). Mostly led by a piano originally (before it escalates into some extremely powerful vocals... it's absolutely beautiful the way it turns out), this one involved Jody (yes, a guy... he even sounds like a girl) referencing different Biblical events, noting how Jesus and God influenced them, and shaped these events in the way they did. In the bridge, Jody ascribes God as the meaning behind everything, and in the final verse, Jesus' death on the cross and it's significance is portrayed by a quiet saddened tone. Nonetheless, another one to not miss out on.

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=nutVz94Uhcs)

2. Eisley - Brightly Wound

I love Eisley. Easily one of my top 3 favourite artists. Although all their songs are extremely solid (and melodic in some eerie ways), none stands out as much as this one. An excerpt from a review I wrote years ago should describe it perfectly:

"Eisley continues on with another slow song (call it a ballad?) However, this one is amazingly touching, as Stacy and Sherri once again harmonize and intertwine their singing, creating an irresistible sound. Yet, even in this very harmonious moment, the drum finds its way into the song, making it even more beautiful. The lyrics include a lot of fantasy (dragons?) and seems like another love song, though the lyrics really leave the meaning open-ended."

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=iMaMXeDl9lg)

1. Nichole Nordeman - I Am

I don't know what to say. This song is perfect. It's the only song that can make me cry usually. Listen to it.

(Link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ieVIW_NQoH0)

Barely Missing The Cut
11. Mandy Moore - Cry
12. Avalon - Orphans Of God
13. Phil Joel - The Man You Want Me To Be
14. Sanctus Real - The Face of Love
15. Backstreet Boys - I Still
16. Sixpence None The Richer - Kiss Me
17. Natalie Grant - The Real Me
18. Jars of Clay - Faith Enough
19. Acceptance - Different
20. Cool Hand Luke - Cinematic