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Our top ten Crowder songs list presents the music of an American singer known for his impact on contemporary Christian music. Born in 1971, Crowder has been active in the music scene since 1996 following his membership in the Christian rock act, David Crowder Band. Crowder went ahead to launch his solo music career following the disbandment of the David Crowder Band. His former bandmates went ahead to launch a Christian rock band named The Digital Age in 2012.
Crowder’s endearing personality and great musicianship as a member of the now-defunct act, David Crowder band, saw him earn a cult following even after starting his solo musical pursuits. Other than contemporary Christian music, Crowder has ventured into Christian rock, modern worship, and folktronica sounds. Armored with invoking lyricism, stunning vocals, and his guitar, Crowder has played a significant role in pushing the limits of contemporary Christian music.
Crowder’s Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Crowder’s passion for Christianity made him stumble into a path he admits he barely dreamt of success in during his youthful days. After realizing that most of his peers at Baylor University (a Christian-based institution founded by Baptist pioneers) were not attending the church, Crowder hatched a plan that would reward him handsomely with success in the music scene. His initial plan was to enroll his peers at the institution to worship services, writing songs to pull more students to the church.
Crowder went ahead to front the David Crowder Band through which most of the written songs were released. David Crowder Band started becoming popular after the issue of the band’s 2002 debut studio album (third release overall) Can You Hear Us? All of David Crowder Band’s next releases made it to the top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. However, at the height of its career, the David Crowder Band broke up with Crowder moving on to start his solo music career which has been nothing less than impactful.
Crowder’s Album Releases over the Years
In 2012, Crowder went ahead to issue his debut studio album Neon Steeple. The album is Crowder’s most successful solo record to date, having earned gold certification in the US. Some producers of this album were Ed Cash (who worked with Chris Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Vince Gill), Will Hunt of Evanescence, and Christopher Stevens (who worked with Carrie Underwood, Shakira, and Blake Shelton).
Neon Steeple topped the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, rising to the ninth spot on the Billboard 200. “Come as You Are,” “I Am,” “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains),” “Here’s My Heart,” and “My Beloved” are some of the best Crowder songs from the album Neon Steeple. “My Sweet Lord,” another song from Neon Steeple, saw Crowder collaborate with the thirteen-time Grammy Awards winner Emmylou Harris. Neon Staple won the 2015 Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.
In 2016, Crowder issued his second studio album American Prodigal. The worship and contemporary Christian music album topped the Billboard Christian Albums chart, rising to the twelfth spot on the Billboard 200 Chart. American Prodigal is home to a number of musical gems by Crowder including “All My Hope,” “Prove It,” “Run Devil Run,” “Back to the Garden,” and “Forgiven.” Christian rapper KB and Tedashii of 116 Clique (a hip-hop troupe including Lecrae) are both featured on different songs on the album American Prodigal.
I Know a Ghost, issued in 2018, marked Crowder’s third solo studio album. The album went ahead to peak at the second spot on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, rising to position forty-three on the Billboard 200. Other artists featured on I Know a Ghost include Riley Clemmons, JR, the Grammy Award-winning singer Mandisa, TAYA, and Social Club Misfits.
I Know a Ghost was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in the 2020 Grammy Awards ceremony. However, the album lost the accolade to Burn the Ships by For Kings & Country. Other albums that had been nominated for the award include Haven’t Seen it Yet by Danny Gokey, Holy Roar by Chris Tomlin, and The Elements by TobyMac. “Wildfire,” “Let It Rain (Is There Anybody),” “Ghost,” “Crushing Snakes,” and “Red Letters” are the best Crowder songs from the album.
In 2021, Crowder returned with his fourth solo studio album Milk & Honey. The album topped the Billboard Christian Albums Chart, rising to the fifty-ninth spot on the Billboard 200. Milk & Honey also graced the UK Christian & Gospel Albums Chart, peaking at the tenth spot. Maverick City Music, Dante Bowe, and Hulvey are the additional artists featured on this album. “Good God Almighty,” “God Really Loves Us,” “In the House,” and “He Is” are the most popular songs by Crowder from Milk & Honey.
Crowder’s Other Musical Pursuits, Accolades, and Legacy
Since his early years as the lead vocalist of the David Crowder Band, Crowder has been among the most reputable artists in the contemporary Christian music scene. His solo career has earned him even more success, both in the mainstream and commercially. Crowder has earned four GMA Dove Awards accolades (out of many nominations) for his solo career. The singer has also received a couple of nominations at the Grammy Awards. Other notable artists who have been pushing the limits of contemporary Christian music include Lauren Daigle, Matt Maher, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, and Mandisa. Here we present the ten best Crowder songs of all time.
#10- Let It Rain (Is There Anybody) ft. Mandisa
Ushering us to the ten best Crowder songs list is the amazing hit “Let It Rain (Is There Anybody).” The song was co-written by Crowder and producer Ed Cash (also known for his work with contemporary Christian music singer Chris Tomlin and Mark Hall of Casting Crowns). “Let It Rain (Is There Anybody)” is more than just a contemporary Christian music track—It features some ‘70s-Esque soul vibes. The song features samples of the 1969 hit “Long Red” first recorded by American rock guitarist Leslie West. Leslie went ahead to perform this song in 1972 with his band Mountain.
In this song, Crowder teams up with the American Idol alumna and Grammy Award-winning gospel/contemporary Christian singer Mandisa. The two singers croon about the need to have God in one’s life. “Lord It Rain (Is There Anybody)” peaked at the sixth spot on both the Billboard Christian AC Chart and Billboard Christian Airplay Chart. The song also graced the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, rising to the tenth spot.
#9- Forgiven
Forgiveness is one of the major pillars upon which the Christian faith is built. In his song “Forgiven,” Crowder sings about finding the grace of the Lord God in forgiveness. However, the singer mentions repentance to be key for anyone who wishes to be forgiven of their sins. The singer goes ahead to mention forgiveness to be an act of endless love from God even when we are not (or don’t feel) worthy.
“Forgiven” is one of the most sought-after songs by Crowder featured on his sophomore studio album American Prodigal. The song made it to the tenth spot on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart and Billboard Christian AC Chart. “Forgiven” also made it to the eighth spot on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart.
#8- In the House
Coming in at number eight on our ten best Crowder songs list is the breathtaking hit “In the House.” The song is one of the most popular tracks off the singer’s most recent full-length studio album Milk & Honey. “In the House” was penned by Crowder in collaboration with Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover (best known for his work with Mandisa, MercyMe, For King & Country, Mikeschair, and Francesca Battistelli.
Crowder revealed that “In the House” was inspired by a reading from the Bible—Psalms chapter one hundred and twenty-two, verse one which cites the psalmist’s bliss in being invited over to step into the house of the Lord God. “In the House” is Crowder’s second solo single to ever top the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart. The song also made it to the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, peaking at the nineteenth spot.
#7- I Am
Upon its release in 2013, “I Am” marked Crowder’s debut single—The song was later featured on his debut studio album Neon Steeple. “I Am” was penned by Crowder in conjunction with producer Ed Cash. This song came about right after producer Ed Cash had resumed from a trip to Uganda where he worked with a choir group of orphans. The song peaked at the third spot on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart. “I Am” also made it to the sixth spot on the Billboard Christian AC Chart. In this song, contemporary Christian music meets folktronica and Americana influences.
#6- Run Devil Run
Number six on our ten best Crowder songs list is the hit “Run Devil Run.” The song is featured on Crowder’s sophomore studio album American Prodigal. Like “I Am,” “Run Devil Run” features bits of folktronica and Americana sound influences. The song made it to the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart, peaking at number twenty-two. “Run Devil Run” also made it to the Billboard Christian Airplay, peaking at number twenty-six.
The song was nominated for the Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards ceremony in 2017. However, “Run Devil Run” lost the accolade to “Hard Love” by Needtobreathe ft. Lauren Daigle. Nevertheless, “Run Devil Run” won the Short Form Video of the Year at the same ceremony. Other artists who have recorded a song under the same title (but with different lyrics) include Paul McCartney and Girls’ Generation.
#5- Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) ft. Tedashii
Neon Steeple, the singer’s debut studio album, is home to the fifth-best Crowder song “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains).” The song’s lyrics are centered around the Christian notion of repentance as a remedy for a God-Man relationship compromised by sins. “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)” is yet another hit whose sole mission is to bring Christians closer home, that is, closer to God.
In this song, Crowder teams up with Christian hip-hop artist Tedashii, who happens to share membership at 116 Clique with Lecrae. “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains)” made it to the eleventh spot on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart. The song was nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in the 2016 Grammy Awards ceremony. However, the song lost the accolade to “Holy Spirit” by Francesca Battistelli.
#4- Red Letters
“Red Letters” is one of the most impressive hits off Crowder’s third studio album I Know a Ghost. The song’s lyrics were a collaborative effort by Crowder and producer Ed Cash. “Red Letters” was inspired by Crowder’s young concern about why some of the Bible verses from his grandma’s copy were colored red. The song went ahead to peak at the eighth spot on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart.
“Red Letters” also graced the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart, peaking at the ninth spot. The song was nominated for the Song of the Year and Short Form Video of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards ceremony in 2019. However, “Red Letters” lost the accolades to, “You Say” by Lauren Daigle and “Haven’t Seen It Yet” by Danny Gokey, respectively.
#3- Good God Almighty
The third spot on our ten best Crowder songs goes to the charming hit “Good God Almighty.” “Good God Almighty” was penned by Crowder in collaboration with Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. The song’s lyrics were inspired by Crowder’s idea for a phrase similar to the song’s title. Despite having been released during the tough pandemic times, (“Good God Almighty” sends a clear message of God’s goodness all the time.
The song was a mainstream success topping several charts including the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart, Billboard Christian Airplay Chart, and Billboard Christian AC Chart. “Good God Almighty” was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards in 2021, losing to “Famous For (I Believe)” by Tauren Wells. The song was also nominated for Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards in 2022 but lost to “Believe for It” by CeCe Winans. “Good God Almighty” was gold-certified in the US.
#2- All My Hope
“All My Hope” is yet another impressive musical gem from Crowder’s sophomore studio album American Prodigal to have made it to our list. This contemporary worship music track finds Crowder teaming up with the ten-time Grammy Awards nominated singer Tauren Wells on the vocals. Crowder and Tauren deliver an amazing vocal delivery on this hit. The song managed to top the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart.
“All My Hope” proceeded to peak at number three on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart. The song was nominated for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards in 2018. However, “All My Hope” lost the accolades to “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury and “Old Church Choir” by Zach Williams. “All My Hope” was gold-certified in the US.
#1- Come as You Are
Number one on our ten best Crowder songs list is the alluring hit “Come as You Are.” The song is the most sought-after song by Crowder off his debut studio album Neon Steeple. “Come as You Are” finds Crowder welcoming home the burdened, the sorrowful, and the sinners. In this context, home means closer to God.
As the title insinuates, the invitation requires all to draw closer to God’s presence/home as they are, either broken or sinful. “Come as You Are” topped the Billboard Christian Airplay, peaking at the third spot on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart. The song is Crowder’s only solo platinum-certified release.
“Come as You Are” was nominated for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards in 2015. However, the song lost to “How Can It Be” by Lauren Daigle in both categories. The song also earned a nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in the 2015 Grammy Awards ceremony. However, “Come as You Are” lost the accolade to “Messengers” by Lecrae ft. For Kings and Country.
Top 10 Crowder Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. 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It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. 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When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. 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