We spend a solid month or more surrounded by Christmas music before December 25th actually rolls around, so why isn’t Easter music a thing? On second thought, maybe it’s a good thing radio stations don’t change to nonstop bunnies and springtime. However, if you’re looking for a reflective soundtrack for Lent, the 40 days leading to Easter, we have six meaningful recommendations for you.

Audrey Assad, Fortunate Fall
Written as a prayer cycle, Fortunate Fall reflects on the concept of the “happy fault,” or, in St. Augustine’s words, “God judged it better to bring good out of evil than not to permit any evil to exist.” These are heavy ideas for such a lovely and contemplative record, with lush instrumentation and penetrating lyrics. (Her new hymns record Inheritance is a great choice too…CLICK HERE to check out our 5-star review!)

Gungor, Ghosts Upon the Earth
Ghosts Upon the Earth is strange, haunting, and melancholy… sort of like the Lenten season itself. This elegant collection of songs reflects on creation, the fall, and the eventual end of death itself. “The Fall” is an especially poignant plea for redemption, perfect for Lent.

The Brilliance, Brother
Another great Lenten album from another Gungor. David Gungor’s band The Brilliance released a quietly powerful indie worship album last year that considers confession, repentance, love, and mercy.

John Mark McMillan, The Medicine
The Medicine has always struck me as a Good Friday sort of album. Something about McMillan’s visceral songwriting and gritty Southern rock style evokes images of blood and bone, dust and glory like no other worship artist. Songs like “Death in His Grave” and “Reckoning Day” are a great place to start.

Jason Gray, Everything Sad is Coming Untrue
This is the poppiest record on the list, but that doesn’t make it any less profound, especially on Easter weekend. With songs that examine the heart, look toward the future, and celebrate renewal, Everything Sad feels like the first thaw of spring. If nothing else, consider “Everything Sad is Coming Untrue Part 2” for your Easter morning playlist.

Andrew Peterson, Resurrection Letters Vol. 2
Because “resurrection” is right there in the title. Andrew Peterson, ever the master of poetic, hopeful, storytelling song, explores tales of hope and renewal and celebrates the way “Jesus makes all things new.” It’s a perfect choice to celebrate Easter morning. He is risen indeed.

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