This week on Billboard’s Christian singles charts see a new #1, as well as the advent of hot new singles from some of Christian music’s new names. Before that, however, the usual Billboard Christian chart roundup. Click after the jump to read more!
Billboard Hot Christian Songs Top 10 (as of May 17, 2008)
1. Washed by the Water (4) Need to Breathe – Greatest Gainer
2. Let It Fade (1) Jeremy Camp
3. You Are Everything (2) Matthew West
4. Every Man (3) Casting Crowns
5. Love Is Here (7) Tenth Avenue North
6. Cinderella (5) Steven Curtis Chapman
7. All Because of Jesus (8) Fee
8. Call My Name (11) Third Day
9. God With Us (6) MercyMe
10. Find You Waiting (9) DecembeRadio
This week, Washed By the Water blasts past the previously unshakable Top 3 of Jeremy Camp, Matthew West, and Casting Crowns to claim the #1 spot. Other than that majestic effort, the only other noteworthy chart rise in the Top 10 would be the two-notch rise of Tenth Avenue North’s anthem Love is Here to a new peak in the Top 5.
Over at Christian AC, here’s the situation:
1. Let It Fade (1) Jeremy Camp
2. You Are Everything (2) Matthew West
3. All Because of Jesus (3) Fee
4. Cinderella (3) Steven Curtis Chapman
5. Every Man (6) Casting Crowns
6. Song of Hope (7) Robbie Seay Band
7. Washed by the Water (10) Needtobreathe
8. Love is Here (8) Tenth Avenue North
9. God With Us (5) MercyMe
10. Your Grace is Enough (10) Matt Maher
Needtobreathe registers a three-notch rise to #7. Other than that, no real shockers on this chart. It’s fun to watch airplay charts; it’s so exciting. *roll eyes*
This week, here are the songs I’d personally recommend y’all give a listen to, bearing in mind I’m coming from an AC perspective, plus I recommend songs that’d be good for use in churches as praise and worship songs or offering specials. All three songs have themes of redemption, encouragement, and God’s sovereignty.
1) Mighty to Save by Laura Story. I first heard this via Hillsong Australia, and it’s a majestic track you’d all enjoy.
2) You’re Not Alone by Meredith Andrews. The live video link has Aaron Shust (pronounced ‘shoost’) playing guitar and Dove Award 2008 Best New Artist winner Brandon Heath on BGV. (Brandon is as humble as he is talented; I actually contacted him for an online interview and he indulged me personally! He deserves every ounce of success he’s been God-given.) Andrews has the voice of an angel and she’s so pretty! You’re Not Alone is HOT.
3) Watch Over Me by Aaron Shust. This song is anointed! Perfect for those going through extremely difficult times, I promise you.
Finally, please buy Running Back to You, the debut album of Chris Sligh. Carrier single Empty Me is now #16 on the Hot Christian Songs chart with a bullet.