I have conservative standards in music, which some would call “traditional values.” However, while I happen to like many old hymns and gospel songs, I don’t see myself as a traditionalist. “Traditionalist” implies stuck in a rut and resistant to change. However, I like fresh, new songs very much. The challenge is finding contemporary songs with lyrics that are true to the Bible and music that is not worldly in style.

For that reason, I thought it would be fun to create a list of my favorite songs, in the hope that it might be helpful to others like me who are looking for wholesome, inspiring suggestions. I wish I had direct links to song samples for all of these; however, most of them can be found on iTunes or other music services if you want to try before you buy.

These songs tend to be either contemporary songs sung in a traditional manner, or else traditional songs sung with contemporary but conservative stylings. The instrumental formula is basically “acoustic without syncopated percussion.” I prefer real instruments; however, some of these songs use synths. Caveat: Naturally there are components of taste, personality, and culture in the songs I like. One person’s definition of “worldly” may not satisfy another’s. I hope you enjoy this, but I can make no guarantees!

These are 20 of my current favorite songs, in no particular order:

• “My Life Flows On” sung by Aled Jones, Aled
• “Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting” sung by Alisa Dishong, Surrender
• “And Now My Lifesong Sings” sung by Casting Crowns, Lifesong
• “Give Me Jesus” sung by Emily Felts Jones, Songs Of The Messiah
• “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” sung by Kathy Troccoli, Draw Me Close
• “How Great You Are” sung by Kathy Troccoli, Draw Me Close
• “Knowing You” sung by Kathy Troccoli, Draw Me Close
• “Light of the World” sung by Christine Denté, Come to the Cradle (Michael Card)
• “Raining on the Inside” sung by Sandra Entermann, Rest
• “That’s the Day” sung by Sandra Entermann, Rest
• “Belong to Me” sung by Sandra Entermann, Treasure
• “Before the Throne of God Above” sung by Selah, Hiding Place
• “In My Life/If We Never Meet Again” sung by Selah, Press On
• “Gentle Healer” sung by Selah, Bless the Broken Road
• “Faithful One” sung by Selah, Bless the Broken Road
• “Bless the Broken Road” sung by Selah, Bless the Broken Road
• “Peace, Perfect Peace” sung by Wiley Beveridge, How Sweet the Sound
• “Come Ye Disconsolate” sung by Wiley Beveridge, How Sweet the Sound
• “Ancient Words” sung by Michael W. Smith, Worship Again
• “Benediction” sung by Brian Dunning and friends, Benediction

Honorable Mentions

• “This Season” sung by Camila Aguilar, Compelled
• “My Cathedral” sung by Chris Rice, Run the Earth, Watch the Sky
• “Mighty Is the Power of the Cross” sung by Chris Tomlin, Arriving
• “How Long O Lord” sung by Eden’s Bridge, Celtic Psalms
• “Shadow of Your Hand” sung by Eden’s Bridge, Celtic Worship
• “Give Me Jesus” sung by Fernando Ortega, Give Me Jesus (EP)
• “In Your Mercy” sung by Jennifer LaMountain, Abundantly
• “You Thought Of Us” sung by Jennifer LaMountain, Abundantly
• “What Matters Most” sung by Jericho Road, What Matters Most
• “Not Too Far From Here” sung by Jericho Road, What Matters Most
• “You Melt the Madness” sung by Jericho Road, What Matters Most
• “Come Just As You Are” sung by Kathy Troccoli, Draw Me Close
• “Awesome In This Place” sung by Kathy Troccoli, Draw Me Close
• “Word of God Speak” sung by MercyMe, Spoken For
• “He’s Watching Over You” sung by Michelle Tumes, Listen
• “For the Glory of Your Name” sung by Michelle Tumes, Very Best of Michelle Tumes
• “Remember Me” sung by Sandra Entermann, If I Stand
• “Were It Not For Grace” sung by Sandra Entermann, If I Stand
• “The Strength of the Lord” sung by Sandra Entermann, Rest
• “Too Many Times” sung by Sandra Entermann, Rest
• “This Peace” sung by Sara Groves, All Right Here
• “You Cannot Lose My Love” sung by Sara Groves, All Right Here
• “He’s Always Been Faithful” sung by Sara Groves, Conversations
• “Treasures of Jesus” sung by Steven Curtis Chapman, All Things New
• “When You Speak to Me” sung by Twila Paris, True North
• “I Will Listen” sung by Twila Paris, Where I Stand
• “The Voice of God” sung by 4HIM, The Basics of Life

If you thought this list was helpful or interesting, and you have similar tastes, I’d love to hear your favorites!