There has probably never been as much Christian music created as there is today. It can be a chore to sort through the vast amounts of noise to find the few songs that present timeless truth in fresh ways. One group that does this well is Australia’s CityAlight. They are creating music that is a joy to sing alone and, often, well-suited to sing as a congregation. Here are five favorites that are ideal for individuals and congregations alike. (Chords, lyrics, and lead sheets for all songs are available on their site.)
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Jerusalem
Verse 1: See Him in Jerusalem / Walking where the crowds are / Once these streets had sung to Him / Now they cry for murder / Such a frail and lonely Man / Holding up the heavy cross / See Him walking in Jerusalem / On the road to save us
All My Ways Are Known To You
Verse 1: In days of peace and days of rest / In times of loss and loneliness / Though rich or poor, Your word is true / That all my ways are known to You
Chorus: And oh what peace that I have found / Wherever I may be / For all my ways are known to You / Hallelujah, they are known to You!
Christ Is Mine Forevermore
Verse 1: Mine are days that God has numbered / I was made to walk with Him / Yet I look for worldly treasure / And forsake the King of kings / But mine is hope in my Redeemer / Though I fall, his love is sure / For Christ has paid for every failing / I am his forevermore
Only a Holy God
Verse 1: Who else commands all the hosts of heaven / Who else could make every king bow down / Who else can whisper and darkness trembles / Only a Holy God
Chorus: Come and behold Him / The One and the Only / Cry out, sing holy / Forever a Holy God / Come and worship the Holy God
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me
Verse 1: What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer / There is no more for heaven now to give / He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom / My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
Refrain 1: To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus / For my life is wholly bound to his / Oh how strange and divine, I can sing: all is mine! / Yet not I, but through Christ in me
I also really enjoy their song “Home,” though I think it would be a stretch for most churches that are really emphasizing congregational engagement in the singing.
Albums
CityAlight has published two albums: Only a Holy God (2016) and Your Alone (2014). Here’s hoping that the new song they released a few days ago portends a new album for 2018.