Top Gourmet Songs of 2009

A new year & a new decade has already begun. But before we get too far into 2010, we thought it would be important to reminisce on some of the songs that came out in 2009 that moved us, inspired us, convicted us, and encouraged us. We asked our panel of critics to nominate their choices for top "Gourmet Albums and Songs" of the last year. This birthed the collective Top 11 Gourmet Albums list we highlighted in early January. As expected, the critics' choices for Top Gourmet Songs were all over the map, because music inspires in different ways at different times - so we didn't even attempt one collective Top 11 list. However, if you're looking for thoughtful, artistic, & creative songs, here is a sampling of some of the best from 2009 that you won't want to miss.

"Reality Came Crashing Down" - Eric Peters - Chrome
He's been called "the best musician that nobody knows about." And no doubt, Chrome is one of the most undervalued albums of 2009. This track is musically rich, with subtle uses of mandolin and dulcimer - but it's the honest, vulnerable, and thoughtful lyrics that will stop you in your tracks!

"Something Beautiful" - Needtobreathe - The Outsiders
If you can overlook the cheesy inclusion of the band name in the line "I can't figure out just how much air I will need to breathe..." then you will be treated to everything a power ballad should be in the new millennium. Epic strings, layered guitars, and spiritually engaging lyrics make this one of 2009's best.

"Magnificent" - U2 - No Line on the Horizon
When you think of all the great corporate worship that has come out in recent years, it adds extra weight to one critic's thought that this track is "my favorite worship song of the last 5 years." Another critic said, "This terrific single easily ranks with U2's best songs, and it's certain to be used or emulated in Christian culture, including a worship context."

"How He Loves" - David Crowder Band - Church Music
Yes, a cover song made our list. The song was originally written and recorded by Atlanta-based worship leader John Mark McMillan. Kudos to DC*B for always crediting McMillan in interviews & the like, and for putting their spin on the song to bring it to the masses. "If his grace is an ocean, we're all sinking."

"Resurrection" - Jill Phillips - The Good Things
This song topped my personal "gourmet song" list from last year. This gem brings tears to your eyes and hope to your heart. The song cuts away the fluff, and says that in the face of death and illness, "I believe - though it's hard sometimes - You are the Resurrection and the Life." Beautiful!

"The Golden Boy and The Prodigal" - Jason Gray - Everything Sad is Coming Untrue
This song broke a 2 & ½ year writers block for Jason. It has no chorus, no bridge, no hook - but is gourmet from start to finish. In classic Jason Gray fashion, he spurs us to abandon a deceptive image and embrace our brokenness. This is both musically and lyrically powerful.

"The Time is Now" - Phil Wickham - Heaven and Earth
Phil Wickham has shown incredible artistic growth in 2009, and this track is Exhibit A. He pulls off pop strings without it sounding like KC & The Sunshine Band. One of our critics said, "Propelled by buoyant acoustic guitar and vibrant strings, [this song] is extremely catchy in its convictions."

"It's Me" - Sara Groves - Fireflies & Songs
One UTR critic put it best: "The picture of how a husband and wife hurt each other with emotional wounding words is capped off by Sara's crying out to the boy she loves ‘It's me, baby it's me. How in the world can tenderness be gone in the blink of an eye?' The song makes me cry just writing about it."

The UTR website also has the Complete List of Top Gourmet Songs of 2009. Please email me if there are songs that you'd like to recommend as some of 2009's best works of musical art. Dave@radarradio.net