I often love the idea of making a ranked list more than actually making the list. There are a variety of reasons, but the most frequent reason is: “man, this is hard.” That’s what went through my brain as I tried to whittle down all of the albums that I love into a top 30. I love a lot of albums, folks. I’ve changed this list a couple toned and reordered a few after “finalizing” it. Even now, I’m having doubts about this…
It helped when I decided to avoid duplicate artists. Artists like Showbread, Project 86, and John Van Deusen would have easily shown up multiple times, so I opted to showcase more artists instead, which knocked out a few entries. It also helped when I decided to ignore objectivity and go straight to the albums that have won my heart. Are they 5 stars? Sure, some of them. But some of them are 4 stars, or maybe even undeniably 3.5. But I don’t really care, because they all have special places in my heart.
Honorable mentions include Age of Reptiles and The Fear of God by Showbread, Five Iron Frenzy 2: Electric Boogaloo by Five Iron Frenzy, Holy Culture by The Cross Movement, Dark is the Way, Light Is A Place by Anberlin, Supertones Strike Back by The O.C. Supertones, Pro*Pain by Mars ILL, A Chorus of Obliteration by The Showdown, The Incurable Romantic by Sides of the North, The Gun Show and Be Clean Again by Heath McNease, The Valley by Eisley, Staple by Staple, and too many more to name.
Finally, since this is JFH, this list is just music that is (or at least was) Christian market. Some of these artists have since walked away from the faith, but their music and legacy made an impact on Christian music. I will also not be listing any favorite albums in secular music, like Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World, Give Up by The Postal Service, Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard, or Endless Summer by The Midnight. Nope… not mentioning them.
– Scott Fryberger
- The Glorious Unseen – Tonight The Stars Speak
Before comedian Jon Crist was a well-known name, his brother Ben Crist was bringing some fresh worship music with The Glorious Unseen. Tonight the Stars Speak is a lovely album that I’ve put on plenty of times as my “I need some peace” music. Though his singing voice isn’t necessarily a strong one, his thoughtful lyricism and his ear for melody do more than enough to carry the album. Favorite songs: “Forever Holy,” “Tonight the Stars Speak,” “Where Your Glory Dwells”
- Gable Price and Friends – Fractioned Heart
I like to check out unfamiliar bands simply because I like the band name. Occasionally, that works out very well for me, such as with Gable Price and Friends. I was blown away by Fractioned Heart, especially the lyrics. Price was bold in his faith in Christ, but also humble, recognizing his own shortcomings and need for grace. His gift of words combined with the well-written and accessible alt/pop sound makes for an album that almost anyone can enjoy. Favorite songs: “Heretic,” “Communion,” “Underdressed”
- John Van Deusen – (I Am) Origami, Pt. 3: A Catacomb Hymn
You can’t really go wrong with Van Deusen. Some albums hit harder than others, but all of them are good. Something about A Catacomb Hymn makes it stand out amongst his other output, though. After a folky worship album the year before (a great one that was my initial choice for this list), JVD flipped the script with an alternative rock that’s really just ten bangers in a row. And that’s honestly just more in character for me. Favorite songs: “Whatever Makes You Mine,” “Social Sucker,” “Numb”
- East West – The Light In Guinevere’s Garden
My timeline may be off a bit, but I’m pretty sure I bought this album through Sound & Spirit after hearing “Song X” on the Extreme Days soundtrack. To my surprise, the album was an eclectic mix of alt rock, nu metal, rapcore, and alt metal, which was a mixture I had little experience with at the time. But boy did I love it! Twenty plus years later, and these songs still get stuck in my head from time to time. Favorite songs: “Song X,” “Closure,” “Ded”
- Earthsuit – Kaleidoscope Superior
Before MuteMath, Paul Meany and company rocked together in Earthsuit. Equal parts alternative, electronic rock, reggae, and hip hop, they were a unique entity in the Christian music world. Kaleidoscope Superior was a gateway album for me, leading me to more interesting artists than the basic stuff I had been exposed to up to that point. It’s a bit dated in 2026, but no less enjoyable. Favorite songs: “One Time,” “Against the Grain,” “Wonder”
- The O.C. Supertones – Chase the Sun
Ska! My wife thinks ska is as dorky as polka, and… well yeah, I get it. But when it’s good, it’s good. And Chase the Sun is good. It’s hard to compare this with Supertones Strike Back, which is a great album in its own right, but there’s a bit of a jump in production, songwriting, and all-around instrumentation here, as they incorporate a lot more surf rock into the mix for an added bonus. Some of the band’s most iconic songs originated here. And man, Mojo was confrontational in all the right ways. A super fun and impactful album right here. Favorite songs: “In Between,” “Away From You,” “Old Friend”
- Relient K – Relient K
I can just hear you now. ThIs IsN’t FoRgEt AnD NoT sLoW dOwN! You’re right, and it isn’t Mmhmm either. Both albums are better than their self-titled debut, but this one never fails to hit me in the nostalgic part of my brain, and I’m an absolute sucker for that. The band tried a lot of things here, making this perhaps their most diverse and unique offering. They learned a lot over the years and improved in almost every way, the less mature and more fun-loving sounds of Relient K are so endearing to me. Favorite songs: “Wake Up Call,” “Softer To Me,” “17 Magazine”
- RedCloud – Hawthorne’s Most Wanted
The first review I ever wrote for JFH was for It’s Pronounced Five-Two by KJ-52. But the first review I wrote as an actual staff member was for RedCloud’s third album, Hawthorne’s Most Wanted. At the time, I had pegged it as my third favorite of his. It was not an insult at all, I was just really into the first too. But in the last 19 years, I’ve spent so much time revisiting this one the most, and it managed to surpass the other two as my favorite. DJ Wise is a master craftsman on the beats and turntables, and RedCloud’s unique voice and flow make it stand out amongst its peers. Favorite songs: “Boulevard Knights,” “Krylon Teardrops,” “The Time Has Come”
- FM Static – What Are You Waiting For?
When Thousand Foot Krutch signed to Tooth & Nail in 2003, they released an album that changed their trajectory and established their new sound going forward. When they began to tease a new project called FM Static, the wild speculations began immediately. But I don’t think anyone expected this super fun pop punk album to come out of it. The energy and youthfulness of these songs are just what my aging soul needs sometimes. Favorite songs: “Three Days Later,” “Donna,” “The Notion”
- Fair – The Best Worst-Case Scenario
What an underrated gem of an album that I don’t hear people talk about much. As far as performances go, this is some of Aaron Sprinkle’s best. The production here is pristine, and the vocal and musical melodies are insanely catchy. This is the sort of dreamy alt rock album I could always use more of in my life. Favorite songs: “Bide My Crime,” “Cut Down Sideways,” “Confidently Dreaming”
- Psallos – Jude
I saw this album on an Indie Vision Music new release list (hey Noah!) and took a chance on it with zero idea who Psallos was. In short, I was mesmerized by what I heard: orchestral music, sea shanties, jazz, quasi-opera pieces, and interludes that sound like they were taken from a stage performance. All while recounting the Book of Jude in a swift 27 minutes. This isn’t for everyone, but I fell in love with very quickly. Favorite songs: “The Body of Moses,” “…Woe-Cries…,” “The Keeper”
- Project 86 – And the Rest Will Follow
Drawing Black Lines was my first real taste of the heavier side of Christian music. Project 86 soon became a favorite of mine, dropping great album after great album. And the Rest Will Follow usually feels to me like the most musically mature album in their discography, with back to back to back ragers that hit on every level. Favorite songs: “All of Me,” “Subject To Change,” “My Will Be A Dead Man”
- Heath McNease – Thrift Store Jesus
There were a few years in the early 2010s where McNasty was releasing three albums a year, and they were all great. In 2012, he released one of his absolute best, the borderline depressing Thrift Store Jesus. Though the lyrics are heavier, Heath gets as honest and vulnerable as he had ever been up to the point, and it’s hard not to appreciate it. Of course his rhyme schemes and word play are still incredible, and the musicality is off the charts. It was hard to pick just one Heath album, but I just couldn’t cut this one. Favorite songs: “Thrift Store Jesus,” “When Mama’s Not Around,” “It’s A Wonderful Life”
- Playdough – Don’t Drink the Water
There aren’t many that do it like Playdough. An emcee with a gift for building on an overarching theme and an ear for musically-interesting beats and production, he’s long been a favorite of mine, largely thanks to this album. Don’t Drink the Water spends its time warning the listener against following foolish trends and offers an alternative in Jesus, while doing so with crafty lyricism and a little humor. Favorite songs: “Emergency Broadcast,” “Don’t Drink the Water,” “The Difference”
- Owl City – All Things Bright and Beautiful
I understand the significance of Ocean Eyes and the massively popular “Fireflies.” But once I heard All Things Bright and Beautiful, I couldn’t help but notice the musical growth that accompanied the equally creative and catchy pop music. There’s a subtle hip hop flavor sprinkled in, and a whole lot more organic instrumentation that don’t overshadow the dreamy, wistful sound Adam Young had become known for. For my money, this is the most well-rounded Owl City album to date. Favorite songs: “Honey and the Bee,” “Alligator Sky,” “Plant Life”
- Furthermore – Fluorescent Jellyfish
Furthermore was one-of-a-kind. An experimental hip hop duo that did everything the way you thought they shouldn’t, simply because they could. The music was whatever they wanted it to be, and Fischer’s lyrics either made sense or they didn’t. But one listen and I was along for the ride. It’s a shame they didn’t last much longer, but we’ll always have this fantastic piece of music. Favorite songs: “Are You The Walrus?,” “Being A Ghost Isn’t That Great,” “Melted Vinyl”
- Anberlin – Cities
There may not be a more iconic album in all of Christian alt rock history. Every youth group kid and 20-something knew every word to this album, despite Stephen Christian being a little hard to understand sometimes. Cities has stood the test of time as a truly great rock album, forcing me to belt out each word to the best of my ability, as if I had that kind of energy anymore. Favorite songs: “Adelaide,” “Inevitable,” “Dismantle. Repair.”
- Further Seems Forever – Hide Nothing
Further Seems Forever’s initial run gave us three albums that are as different as the three vocalists that fronted them. A case could be made for any of them being their best, but man, none of them hit my soul like Hide Nothing. Beautiful melodies abound here, as do some fantastic guitar riffs and Jon Bunch’s soothing vocals that had serious range, from kinda/sorta shouting right on down to a lovely falsetto. RIP Jon Bunch. Favorite songs: “Light Up Ahead,” “Hide Nothing,” “Call On My Life”
- House of Heroes – Suburba
I did not appreciate this album when it came out. At the time, I thought it was good, even if a little underwhelming after The End Is Not The End. But the years have been kind to Suburba, and I’ve grown to really love it. House of Heroes is truly a special band, and their chemistry is more than noticeable in these songs. I also appreciate their dedication to stylistic versatility, from driving rock songs to acoustic-based ballads, all the while smashing it with vocal harmonies that could possibly rival The Beach Boys and Queen. Favorite songs: “Love is for the Middle Class,” “God Save the Foolish Kings,” “Constant”
- Mae – The Everglow
Now this… this is a landmark album of alternative rock music. After not really connecting with Mae’s previous album, I didn’t have high expectations with their sophomore album. Needless to say, I couldn’t believe my ears when I discovered the brilliance of The Everglow. It had layers of sound, soaring vocals, thoughtful lyrics, great guitar riffs, and the added storybook element in case you had the CD insert and wanted the full experience. On an objective, ranked list, this would easily be a bit closer to the top, and might actually even fight for the #1 spot. Favorite songs: “The Ocean,” “The Everglow,” “Anything”
- Demon Hunter – Demon Hunter
I’ve already acknowledged this a few times thus far, but there is certainly a difference between “best” and “favorite.” I usually consider The World Is A Thorn to be Demon Hunter’s best. But their self-titled debut has such a special place in my heart. They were the first metal band I truly loved, and this album was the reason why. It opened up my tastes to a whole new world of sound while drilling each riff and lyric into my brain. Plus, I was shocked to hear a band that could go so hard but then also incorporate great clean vocals and even a couple of ballads. “Wait, how can he scream and sing?” my primitive little brain thought. Favorite songs: “My Throat Is An Open Grave,” “Through the Black,” “A Broken Upper Hand”
- John Mark McMillan – Mercury & Lightning
Primarily known for his megahit, corporate worship song “How He Loves,” McMillan changed things up big time in 2017, swerving away from his Americana rock sound into a heavily indie pop-inspired one. It wasn’t a total departure, but there is a noticeable difference between this and his previous album Borderland (heck, even this and his live album from just a couple years before). But Mercury & Lightning is some of his best work, and it’s the album I return to most when I want to hear his unique vocals and thoughts on life and faith. Favorite songs: “Enemy, love,” “Death In Reverse,” “Nothing Stands Between Us”
- Kings Kaleidoscope – Becoming Who We Are
The “worship music industry” (a thing that probably shouldn’t exist) has been largely boring for many years. When Kings Kaleidoscope entered the scene, it was a breath of fresh air. As they bright us some originals, covers of their friends’ songs, and classic hymns, Kings K made them their own, mixing indie pop, rock, hip hip, synthpop, jazz, and even a little ska, resulting in an album that’s as interesting as it is worshipful. This is still one of my favorite worship albums and probably always will be. Favorite songs: “Grace Alone,” “139,” “Light After Darkness”
- Diatheke – …And the Word Was God
What a behemoth of an album. I only came across Diatheke in 2021, but they instantly became a band to keep an eye on, and I waited impatiently for a few years for a full-length record. I was not disappointed. This album is incredible, packed to the brim with crushing guitars, wild bass lines, amazing thematic lyrics, and monstrous vocal work from most of (if not all of) the band members. This is definitely the newest album on my list, and I generally hesitate to put albums this new on an “of all time” list, but Diatheke has done everything to earn this spot. It is a masterpiece. Favorite songs: “The Creator,” “The Redeemer,” “The Coronation”
- Underoath – They’re Only Chasing Safety
This is definitely not Underoath’s best album. They would get to that two years later with Define the Great Line. But as great as that album is, They’re Only Chasing Safety really has my heart. This album had a hand in changing my music taste, and it ended up being on repeat for most of 2004 and 2005. And it’s far and away better than anything they’ve released post-hiatus… Favorite songs: “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door,” “I’m Content With Losing,” “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape”
- mewithoutYou – Brother Sister
mewithoutYou was always such a unique entity in post hardcore. I liked them to a certain degree in the early 2000s, but 2006’s Brother Sister is what made me a fan. I couldn’t get enough of their poetic lyrics, dynamic music that felt both sporadic and purposeful, and their intricate, tight musicianship (Richard Mazzotta is a seriously underrated drummer). This is easily my favorite mewithoutYou album, and has earned a spot in my top ten. Favorite songs: “A Glass Can Only Spill What It Contains,” “In A Market Dimly Lit,” “In A Sweater Poorly Knit”
- Emery – The Weak’s End
I still remember my introduction to Emery, sitting in my church’s coffee shop, watching TVU’s great line-up of new music. That’s when I heard “Walls” for the first time. I was blown away. I was still early in my years of musical exploration, so I hadn’t really heard anything quite like it. Multiple vocalists taking turns crooning and screaming, intricate guitar melodies and soul-punching riffs, and a group of musicians with insane chemistry – The Weak’s End has it all. Favorite songs: “Walls,” “The Ponytail Parades,” “The Note From Which A Chord Is Built”
- Five Iron Frenzy – The End Is Near
When this album came out, The End Is Near wasn’t just an album title: it was the band’s fate. Five Iron was calling it quits, and they went out in a blaze of glory. The octet put their everything into making sure their final album was their best, and it worked. This is Five Iron Frenzy at its finest, complete with everything fans love about them: humor and satire, honest reflections on faith and mankind’s evil tendencies, and so much wonderful musicianship and lyricism. It doesn’t get much better than this. Favorite songs: “It Was Beautiful,” “Something Like Laughter,” “On Distant Shores”
- Brave Saint Saturn – The Light of Things Hoped For
Part 2 of a trilogy of sci-fi concept albums, this entry finds its protagonists finishing up their space exploration, ready to come, only for the equipment to malfunction and strand them in the shadow of a distant moon. The album explores despair and hopelessness by means of real-world sad stories set to fantastic spacey alt rock, sprinkled with little bits of storyline here and there. Its hopeful ending wraps it up nicely, always making me tear up in the process. Favorite songs: “Binary,” “Heart Still Beats,” “Daylight”
- Showbread – No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical
Showbread was one of the most unpredictable acts in Tooth & Nail history; you never really knew what to expect whenever they released a new album. Or even song to song on the same album, for that matter. Nihilism is a wonderfully chaotic blend of punk, screamo, post hardcore, and synth rock, with seemingly no topic off-limits. I love every little nook and cranny of this album. Favorite songs: “Mouth Like A Magazine,” “Stabbing Art To Death,” “Matthias Replaces Judas”