1990s Classics — The Foundation
These songs built the DNA of modern worship. Many people especially millenials first sang them at youth camps, Sunday school, or revival nights with overhead projectors and acoustic guitars.
- “Shout to the Lord” — Darlene Zschech / Hillsong (1994)
Then: The anthem that catapulted Hillsong into global worship. A power ballad sung in nearly every church by the late 90s.
Now: Still timeless, reminding millennials of packed sanctuaries and raw devotion.
- “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” — Rick Founds (1989, popular in 90s)
Then: An upbeat, joyful chorus that became one of the most sung worship songs worldwide in the 90s.
Now: It brings instant nostalgia — easy to play, easy to sing, still joyful.
- “Open the Eyes of My Heart” — Paul Baloche (1997)
Then: A prayerful chorus that spread across youth groups everywhere in the late 90s.
Now: Millennials still connect to its simplicity — often sung in stripped-down sets.
- “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” — Delirious? (1994)
Then: The song that made the UK band Delirious? global, bringing Britpop style into worship.
Now: A millennial classic — it’s both nostalgic and lyrically eternal.
- “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship” — Brian Doerksen (1998)
Then: A rallying call of the late 90s, balancing invitation and intimacy.
Now: Its gentle reminder still works in opening sets today.
2000s Anthems — The Golden Youth Group Era
This was the height of millennial church culture — mission trips, Passion conferences, and iPod playlists full of Chris Tomlin.
- “Here I Am to Worship” — Tim Hughes (2001)
Then: A slow, reflective anthem that became the soundtrack of early 2000s devotion.
Now: Still central in many services — millennials sing it with deep familiarity.
- “How Great Is Our God” — Chris Tomlin (2004)
Then: The definitive millennial worship anthem, sung everywhere from stadiums to small groups.
Now: Still one of the most recognized worship songs globally.
- “Blessed Be Your Name” — Matt Redman (2002)
Then: Written after 9/11, this song carried themes of worship in hardship.
Now: Millennials remember it as a raw, honest anthem — still sung in crisis moments.
- “Indescribable” — Chris Tomlin (2004)
Then: A fresh wave of awe-filled lyrics pointing to creation and God’s majesty.
Now: Millennials recall this as the start of the modern Passion conference sound.
- “Trading My Sorrows” — Darrell Evans (2000)
Then: Upbeat and interactive — “Yes, Lord, Yes, Lord…” was shouted in gyms and youth halls.
Now: It’s a throwback that still lifts spirits.
- “God of Wonders” — Third Day / Caedmon’s Call (2000)
Then: Part of the Passion Worship Project — a soaring anthem about creation.
Now: Still resonates with millennials who remember the first Passion CDs.
- “Friend of God” — Israel Houghton (2004)
Then: Brought gospel energy into contemporary worship — joyful, funky, alive.
Now: Millennials still light up when the chorus drops.
- “In Christ Alone” — Stuart Townend & Keith Getty (2001)
Then: A modern hymn with powerful theology — sung across denominations.
Now: Millennials see it as both reverent and singable, bridging old and new.
- “Hosanna” — Hillsong United (2007)
Then: A breakout track from Hillsong United, with soaring vocals and a bridge that stirred a generation.
Now: Still powerful at conferences, often remembered for Brooke Fraser’s performance.
- “Mighty to Save” — Hillsong Worship (2006)
Then: Won Dove Award for Worship Song of the Year in 2009. A declaration of God’s power.
Now: Millennials recall it as the soundtrack of large worship gatherings.
2010s Staples — The Modern Shift
By the 2010s, worship moved into cinematic builds, EDM flourishes, and even more global sounds.
- “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” — Matt Redman (2011)
Then: A simple, scripture-rooted worship song that became an instant global hit.
Now: Millennials embrace it as a hymn for their adulthood.
- “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” — Hillsong United (2013)
Then: Defined the 2010s era of expansive, meditative worship.
Now: Millennials remember it as the song of deep faith and surrender.
- “Forever Reign” — Hillsong / One Sonic Society (2010)
Then: A contemplative anthem bridging older ballads with newer worship textures.
Now: Millennials still use it in reflective worship moments.
- “Cornerstone” — Hillsong Worship (2012)
Then: A reworking of “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” refreshed for a new era.
Now: Millennials value its mix of hymn roots and modern worship sound.
- “Great Are You Lord” — All Sons & Daughters (2013)
Then: A slower, heartfelt anthem that gave space for breath and reflection.
Now: Millennials use it for quiet worship, prayer nights, and intimate gatherings.
Suggested Next Reads
- The Role of Worship and Prayer in Christian Living
A perfect continuation for readers who want to go beyond songs and understand how worship shapes daily Christian life. - How to Strengthen Your Faith in God
Pairing worship songs with steps to grow stronger spiritually makes this a natural companion read. - Overcoming Doubt: Building Unshakeable Faith
Many of the songs in your list were written during seasons of struggle. This article offers biblical strategies to stand firm in faith. - The Power of Forgiveness in a Christ-Centered Life
Songs like “Mighty to Save” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” resonate with forgiveness and grace. This article deepens that theme. - Practical Ways to Serve Others and Reflect Christ’s Love
Worship is not just singing — it’s also service. This piece expands the reader’s understanding of worship as lifestyle.