These Popular Easter Songs, Hymns, and Albums Will Make Everyone Want to Sing Along

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Easter Sunday is almost here (and earlier than usual this year), and along with church services, Easter dinner, and an egg hunt or two, you absolutely must celebrate with music. While the Lenten season that leads up to Easter Sunday is marked by repentance and fasting—and Maundy Thursday and Good Friday recognize crucifixion and death—Easter, by contrast, resounds with the glory of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. And for Christians, that calls for singing!

This list of best Easter songs and albums, including favorites performed by contemporary Christian artists (plenty of Hillsong Worship and Chris Tomlin), gospel greats, world-renowned choirs, and chart-topping legends (Elvis, Carrie Underwood, and Dolly Parton to name a few), is a good place to begin.

You’ll find a little bit of everything on this list, including a few fun Easter songs for the kids ("This Little Light of Mine," as well as the secular favorites "Bunny Hop" and "Here Comes Peter Cottontail"). After your at-home Easter music hour you can continue the festivities by streaming a flick from our list of the best Easter movies with the family. Or you might spend some time reading Easter bible verses (add these Palm Sunday verses and Good Friday scriptures to take you all the way through holy week). Need some reading music? Number seven on this list, Quietly, A Piano Album, is a great choice.

"Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" by Carrie Underwood

The queen of country will get everyone singing along to this Christian hymn. Written by Robert Lowry in 1876, the song appears on Underwood's 2021 album My Savior. "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus," go the lyrics.

"Victory" by Yolanda Adams

Get ready to get up on your feet and dance in praise (you really won't be able to stop yourself) to this track from Adams's 2005 album Day by Day. The Easter message is especially prominent in the chorus: "For me he died but he rose on the third day / That's why I have true victory every day."

"In the Garden" by Alan Jackson

This hymn is written in the voice of Mary Magdalene, as if she's walking and talking with the risen savior. Penned by Austin Miles in 1912, "In the Garden" has become a traditional Easter song that remains popular in church services. Here, country singer Alan Jackson captured it beautifully on his album Precious Memories, released in 2016.

"King Of Kings" by Brooke Ligertwood and Hillsong Worship

This 2019 collaboration between Hillsong Worship and Brooke Ligertwood will give you chills this Easter, but in a good way we promise!

"How Great Is Our God" by Jonathan Nelson

Gospel singer Jonathan Nelson's soulful take on a classic will become an instant Easter favorite. Find the track on the album Right Now Praise.

"What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship

"My sin was great, your love was greater," read the beautiful lyrics from this ballad. "What could separate us now?"

"Quietly, A Piano Album" by Jay Stocker

"I listen while reading scripture," reads one of many comments from satisfied-sounding reviewers. "...It's a blessing."

Mighty To Save (Live)

"Mighty to Save” is a song that came not from one situation or circumstance in our lives, but as the sum of many. Our God who is all powerful, chooses not to turn his power against us, but towards us, drawing us to himself, writing us into a new story—his salvation story. We have seen it in our own lives." - Ben Fielding

"Jesus Christ Is Risen Today" by The Jubilate Singers

Originally titled "Hymn for Easter Day," this song was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. The Jubilate Singers, a Toronto-based chamber choir, offer a beautiful, classic rendition. The intro lyrics say it all: "Jesus Christ is risen today, Allelujah! Our triumphant holy day, Allelujah!"

"All Hail King Jesus" by Jeremy Riddle

"All hail King Jesus/ All hail the Savior of the world!"

"Up From the Grave He Arose" by the Scottish Festival Singers

This hymn sums up what the Easter celebration is all about: "He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!" This choral version was recorded at the Old St. Paul's Church in Edinburgh for the album The Hymn Makers.

"My Feet Are on the Rock" by I Am They

Here's a track that's a little more upbeat than the typical Easter songs. Just try and stop yourself from dancing! Find it on the album Trial & Triumph.

"Rock of Ages" Album by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Fans of choral music should jump at the opportunity to add this album to their collection. Not only are the melodies beautiful, but they're also incredibly meaningful.

"Changed" Album by Sanctus Real

Songs like "Safe in My Father's Arms," "My Hope Is in the Lord," and "Your Love Is Loud" will accompany your Easter celebrations perfectly. Each song sounds more personal and thoughtful than the next.

Jesus Paid It All

There's no debt left to pay, Jesus paid it all.

"Bunny Hop" by The Tinseltown Players

Children will delight in this kids' Easter song that teaches a corresponding dance routine.

"The Rock Won't Move" Album by Vertical Worship

This well-reviewed album features several hits, and we have a feeing you'll be listening to it well past Easter's end. But the title track in particular, "The Rock Won't Move," feels like a perfect choice for that holy Sunday.

"Peace in the Valley" Album by Elvis Presley

This Elvis album is a compilation of all of his gospel-style recordings. It's a great way to worship to an older, more classic sound.

"Redeemer" by Nicole C. Mullen

If you ever begin to question your faith, one listen to this melody will instantly reassure you. The title track of Mullen's "best of" album, this popular Christen ballad won the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Song of the Year in 2001.

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (He Is Not Dead)

Christ the Lord is risen indeed. What a fitting song for celebrating Easter.

"The Struggle" Album by Tenth Avenue North

Don't be fooled by the 2012 release date: Just because this album by Tenth Avenue North is on the newer side doesn't mean it can't replicate the soul-expanding, faith-assuring tracks of older records.

"Easter Medley" by Anthem Lights

This medley from the LA-based Christian trio Anthem Lights includes "Because He Lives," "My Redeemer Lives," and "Arise My Love." It'll help you celebrate the special day with glorious, soaring harmonies.

"Priceless" by for KING & COUNTRY

If you're a Christian rock fan, you're probably obsessed with all things for KING & COUNTRY. We have a feeling you'll love this track even more than all their others.

"This Little Light of Mine" by Cedarmont Kids

This children's bible song is a classic for any time of year. Find this track on the Cedarmont Kids album Action Bible Songs.

"How Great Thou Art" by Johnny Cash

Recorded live from Folsom Prison, Johnny Cash's take on this classic Christian song will have you in tears. We love it so much, we actually listen to it all year long.

"Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)" by Casting Crowns

"Beautiful worship song," says one review of this track by Casting Crowns from the album Until the Whole World Hears. It's a Christian anthem that you'll feel in your soul.

"Believer" by Rhett Walker

"I'm in the hands of the Healer, the arms of the Savior" say the lyrics of this contemporary song. "His grace makes me who I am."

"He Is Risen!" Album by William Neil

The 23 Easter hymns included on this album from organist and harpsichordist William Neil will get you in the spirit faster than you can say "Thine is the Glory" (which happens to be Track 22!). Its playtime is nearly as long as an entire Easter brunch.

"For the Cross" by Bethel Music

"Thank the King for the cross" with this electrifying number from the album Tides.

"How Deep the Father's Love for Us" by Stuart Townend

It can be emotional to think about how God gave up His only son, but it's so important to remember—especially on Easter.

"Hope Is Alive" by Kristene DiMarco

Everyone will have renewed desire for the Lord after listening to this stimulating song from the album Where His Light Was.

"The Cross Has the Final Word" by Newsboys featuring Michael Tait and Peter Furler

This powerful track reminds listeners: "There's nothing greater than the name of Jesus."

"You Are My King (Amazing Love)" by Passion

There's truly no love like the amazing love from Jesus.

"He's Alive" by Dolly Parton

Dolly's sweet voice telling the story of Jesus's resurrection will have everyone singing "Yes, He's alive, and I'm forgiven."

"Easter Parade" by Judy Garland

This tune about about a holiday march is from the 1948 movie of the same name.

"Alive" by Natalie Grant

Just close your eyes and listen to Natalie's pure voice sing about "Emmanuel, the promised king."

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin

A light piano pairs beautifully with this poignant song, especially when Chris sings "The victory is won, He is risen from the dead."

"This Is Amazing Grace" by Phil Whickham

Think of this contemporary hit as a modern version of the classic hymn.

"Because He Lives (Amen)" by Matt Maher

This powerful track will have everyone coming together to sing, "Amen."

"Death Was Arrested" by Laura Story

Many Christians will relate to Laura crooning about losing hope and finding it again through Christ.

"Flawless" by MercyMe

Just remember, as this popular band puts it: "The cross has made you flawless."

House Of The Lord

"We sing to the God who heals/ We sing to the God who saves/ We sing to the God who always makes a way/ 'Cause He hung up on that cross/ Then He rose up from that grave/ My God's still rolling stones away"

"Glorious Day" by Passion Featuring Kristian Stanfill

This toe-tapping duet will get everyone passionate for Easter Sunday.

"One of Us" by Joan Osborne

One way to get everyone singing about their savior on April 21? Queue up this well-known track.

"How Can It Be?" by Lauren Daigle

If you're wondering "how can it be," that Jesus died for everyone's sins, Lauren's powerhouse vocals will remind you why.

"Nailed to the Cross" by Rend Collective

The folksy sound will have everyone swaying and praising along.

"I Surrender" by All Sons & Daughters

For new—and even longtime—Christians, this is a must-listen in honor of Jesus's resurrection.

The Wonderful Cross

"Oh the wonderful Cross, oh the wonderful Cross/Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live"

"Hallelujah for the Cross" by Newsboys

You'll get chills listening to the lyrics, "Love has won, death has lost."

"Forever" by Kari Jobe

Although there are many songs depicting the events behind Good Friday and Easter Sunday, this one is definitely one of the most inspiring.

"You Are Good" by Israel Houghton

You'll be ready to sing and even dance along to this upbeat gospel.

It Was Finished Upon That Cross

A new release, and a new favorite for Easter or anyday.

I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130) [Live]

There's nothing more powerful than Psalm 130 a song of ascents performed live.

"He Is Risen" by Paul Baloche

When they lyrics encourage, "Let the whole world sing," everyone will know exactly what to do!

"I Saw God Today" by George Strait

Leave it to George to remind us that God is everywhere.

Worthy Is the Lamb / Crown Him With Many Crowns

This contemporary worship song reminds us all of the reason for the season.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

"I know that my Redeemer lives/What hope this sweet assurance gives/That He, who gave His life for me/Arose with healing in His wings"

"Here Comes Peter Cottontail" by The Kiboomers

Play this super fun bop for little ones to enjoy while you're decorating Easter eggs. It isn't a worship song, but the kiddos will love it!

In Christ Alone

A contemporary worship song known by the masses, perfect for an Easter celebration.

Thank You Jesus for the Blood

"Now death has no sting/ And life has no end/ For I have been transformed/ By the blood of the lamb"

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