The 2000s were a chaotic and glorious time for contemporary Christian music. Hillsong was cranking out bangers monthly, youth groups were doing interpretive dances in basketball gyms and every worship night felt like an emotionally charged episode of One Tree Hill—but for Jesus.
These songs didn’t just go hard. They went too hard. They hijacked your emotions, made you cry during altar calls and somehow got burned onto every youth group mix CD between 2001 and 2009. Here’s a definitive ranking of the ones that hit hardest—and still kind of do.
10. “You Never Let Go” – Matt Redman (2006)
This was for the kids who had never known true suffering but still belted, “Even though I walk through the valley…” like they were going through something. If you played this in a candlelit sanctuary, someone was leaving changed.
9. “Hosanna” – Hillsong United (2007)
This wasn’t just a worship song—it was a movement. That bridge (“Break my heart for what breaks yours”) had a whole generation of teens ready to go build orphanages or at least cry at the altar. Still undefeated.
8. “Give Us Clean Hands” – Chris Tomlin (2002)
The quiet killer. This was the one they used when they wanted you to feel deep conviction. Everyone got super still, super fast. Someone in the back was definitely repenting for lying to their parents.
7. “Came to My Rescue” – Hillsong United (2007)
The slow build. The emotional climb. The hands raised higher with every repetition of “In my life… be lifted high.” This one was custom-designed for dramatic testimonies and post-breakup worship sessions.
6. “Open the Eyes of My Heart” – Paul Baloche (2000)
This one was required by law to be played at least once a month. Theologically simple. Emotionally effective. Bonus points if your youth pastor played it on a cheap keyboard with the organ setting on.
5. “From the Inside Out” – Hillsong United (2006)
This song lasted nine minutes and somehow wasn’t long enough. It started slow, built to a passionate climax and left everyone emotionally wrecked. The blueprint for the dramatic acoustic closer.
4. “Here I Am to Worship” – Tim Hughes (2001)
If you didn’t sing this at a lock-in or winter retreat, did you even have a youth group? This song had the unique power to make you cry and feel guilty and rededicate your life—all before the bridge.
3. “Forever” – Chris Tomlin (2001)
You didn’t just sing this one. You declared it. “Forever God is faithful” rang out like a battle cry. The only song that made clapping on the twos and fours feel spiritual.
2. “How He Loves” – John Mark McMillan/David Crowder Band (2005/2009)
You already know. The song that split youth groups in two over “sloppy wet kiss” vs “unforeseen kiss.” Either way, the emotional devastation was universal. If you didn’t scream-cry this at a camp altar, you weren’t doing 2000s Christianity right.
1. “Mighty to Save” – Hillsong (2006)
The final boss of 2000s worship. You had to raise your hands. You had to close your eyes during “Savior, He can move the mountains.” This song turned every suburban church sanctuary into a full spiritual battlefield. No notes. Just reverence.
