A Few of My Favorite Songs of 2022

Kurt Neuswanger • December 31, 2022

Choosing “best” songs is always a subjective thing. And since I’m the one doing the choosing, these are “a few of my favorite songs”! Enjoy!

 

Sunday Sermons

Anne Wilson

20 year old Anne Wilson brought us the hugely touching and popular song “My Jesus” in 2021 (the one about the loss of her brother in a car accident). “Sunday Sermons” continues Anne’s trademark southern style with a tribute to her Christian heritage. (By the way, check out her song video for a cool picture of man who goes out of his way to help others as he is driving down a country road.)

 

Seven years old, third row pew John 3:16, something changed in me Red letters coming off the page Flooding my heart with amazing grace I knew then I believed And those roots run deep Oh I been through some faith shaking hard times Yeah But nothing’s gonna make me forget

 

  Every one of those Sunday sermons
  Every time that choir would sing
  I could hear my Savior calling,

  telling me how much He loves me
 

  Devil gon' try and take me out of that church
  But you can't take the church out of me
  Devil gon' try and take me out of that church
  But you can't take the church out of me

 

Crazy People

Casting Crowns

You have to love a song that calls Christians “crazy people”—and means it as a compliment!

 

  Who builds a boat with no clouds in sight?
  Who walks up to a giant and picks the fight?
  Who turns a lion's den into a petting zoo?
  Who can have a church in the fire of furnace?

  Well, I'll tell you

 

  Crazy people trust in Jesus
  Following Him wherever He leads us
  Kingdom seekers, walk by faith believers
  Here's the church, here's the steeple,

  here's to all God's crazy people

 

Jesus Is Coming Back

Jordan Feliz

Jordan Feliz has a knack for catchy tunes, as I well remember, listening to him at the Chris Tomlin concert at the Las Colonias Amphitheatre last summer. At least, I remember his songs in fits and starts, as thunderstorms and lightning caused multiple delays. (Thankfully, the entire concert was eventually able to finish for all the hearty fans who persevered!)

 

  Have you ever thought that the world has kinda lost its way?

  Crazy as it seems, yeah, I know it's gonna be okay
  It doesn't scare me, it's temporary
  There's something better, we got forever
  And it won't be long, 'cause we know our help is on the way
 

  So, keep your head up
  Jesus is coming back, Jesus is coming back
  No, don't you give up (hey)
  Jesus is coming back, Jesus is coming back

 

I’m Not Lucky, Just Blessed

Love & the Outcome

Speaking of catchy tunes, there’s few catchier than this, from the husband-wife duo who brought us “If I Don’t Have You” and “You Got This.”

 

  Some would call it good fortune
  Some would call it good luck
  Some would say that the stars align
  But in my mind, it doesn't add up, no
  Some would call it good timing
  But I know more than anything
  I live in victory 'cause I'm a child of the king

 

  You know I gotta give credit where credit is due
  Every good thing that I got, I only got because of You
  No four-leaf clover and no good-luck charm
  The only thing I'm counting on is Your everlasting love

 

  I'm not lucky, I'm blessed
  I can't deny it
  I'm not lucky, I'm blessed
  Why try to fight it?
  I'm not lucky, I'm blessed

 

(God Is In A) Good Mood

Richlin

You might notice a trend here: catchy! And at first glance, some people no doubt were thinking “God doesn’t have moods!” And you’d be correct, but that’s the point of the song. Richlin (Brandon Richardson) is addressing people who really do think God has “bad moods” when He is going to “get you” for messing up. In fact, when you have Jesus in your heart, that’s who God sees in you!

 

  There's been some miscommunication, misinterpretation

  Some say God is love but full of aggravation

  Some say He don't talk to you Unless you're perfect too

  But if you know Him you can laugh, Cause you know that ain't true

 

  Cause it's Jesus that He sees you through

  Even on your worst day, after a mistake

  He don't change, the way the weather do

  Here's some hope that you can hold onto, God is in a good mood

 

I’m So Blessed

CAIN

We wrote about this song last year when it came out, because it has one of the more creative music videos! The band (siblings Taylor, Madison and Logan Cain from Alabama) made a video in the style of a 70s TV show, where they all fall in the swimming pool with their instruments but continuing singing “I’m so blessed!”

 

  Trouble knocking at my door today

  I ain't gonna let it in

  And worry wanna steal my joy away

  But I ain't gonna let it win

 

  'Cause on my best day, I'm a child of God

  On my worst day, I'm a child of God

  Oh, everyday is a good day

  And You're the reason why

 

  I'm so blessed, I'm so blessed

  Got this heartbeat in my chest

  No, it doesn't matter about the rest

  If I got You Lord, I'm so blessed

April Spring Friendraiser

By Dave Andrews • April 1, 2026
Our April Spring Friendraiser is officially underway! From time to time on the air, you might hear a gentle reminder to support KJOL in 2026…it’s not a Sharathon…just a time to encourage new friends to come alongside us in ministry to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and God’s Word across the Western Slope.

Fifteen Incredible Easter Songs!

By Kurt Neuswanger • March 28, 2026
Fifteen Incredible Easter Songs! Every Easter, I love hearing the wonderful Easter songs, starting with (and ending with) Charles Wesley’s Christ The Lord Is Risen Today . Here are a few of my other favorites that you will hear on KJOL on Easter Sunday. You can no doubt think of many other songs. 2nd Chapter of Acts (also Keith Green) Easter Song Don Francisco He’s Alive Lenny LeBlanc Above All Matt Redman The Cross Has Said It All Newsong Arise My Love Can’t Keep A Good Man Down Phillips, Craig & Dean Crucified With Christ Robin Mark The Wonder of Your Cross (10 minute version!) Ron Kenoly & Hillsongs Australia Jesus Is Alive Larnelle Harris & Sandy Patti I’ve Just Seen Jesus Twila Paris Lamb of God Dallas Holm Rise Again Hillsongs Australia My Redeemer Lives Greg Long Mercy Said No

A Taste of Country

By Kurt Neuswanger • March 6, 2026
Many KJOL listeners have indicated they enjoy songs with a country music flair. As it turns out, there are some great songs out right now that fit that description. John Waller & Eric Lee Brumley “ Surprise Me” John Waller is a former worship leader at a church in Parker, Colorado. His songs have been featured in several movies by the Kendrick Brothers: “Fireproof” ( While I’m Waiting ) “Courageous” ( As For Me And My House ) “War Room” ( Crazy Faith ) Eric Lee Brumley grew up in Rhode Island. His life was turned around when he got involved with Teen Challenge and began writing songs. He sings “blue, rock and Americana Gospel.” Caleb & John “ Finished ” Caleb & John are an unlikely collaboration. Caleb Crino is a pastor’s kid who studied classical piano at Belmont University, while John Secker is a self-taught guitarist. John’s style “leans toward the gritty, rootsy side” while “Caleb’s sweet spot is in pop melodies.” They met through a mutual friend while performing with CAIN and Anne Wilson. Their big hits are “ Somebody Like Me ” and “ Hallelujah Feeling .” Ben Fuller & Carrie Underwood “ If It Was Up To Me ” Last October, Ben Fuller was a guest at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, singing his new song “If It Was Up To Me.” Then he introduced a surprise guest on stage: Carrie Underwood. Their voices blended perfectly in a spellbinding performance (which you can see in the link above). The Band Reeves “ My Country ” The Band Reeves is two brothers, Jeramy and Cody Reeves of East Texas. Their newest song is “a heartfelt anthem celebrating faith, family, and the everyday values that define Band Reeves — two brothers who are everyday family men with calluses on their hands and Bible verses in their songs.” They arrived on the music scene in 2022 with their hit “ Higher Than The Heavens .”

God Is Love

By Dave Andrews • February 16, 2026
The staff and I step into the month of February with a little trepidation but leaning on God. Coming out of maybe the busiest year in my memory, the pattern continues into this month. We look ahead to some challenging projects and hard anniversaries. We would love your prayers.

"I Can Only Imagine 2" NOW SHOWING

By Kurt Neuswanger • January 29, 2026
The new movie “ I Can Only Imagine 2 ” is now showing in Grand Junction. It is a sequel to the highly successful first movie, “ I Can Only Imagine ” (2018) which was inspired by the title song about how MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard reconciled with his alcoholic father. Even before that movie came out, Millard was on tour (2017) with his 15 year old son, Sam, who is diabetic. But while MercyMe was having tremendous success, Millard’s relationship with both his son and his wife was strained. “When you're a parent of a child with any kind of chronic illness, these things don't go away. You have a lot of good days, but some days you feel like you're losing bad. I was in the midst of one of those bad days when 'Even If' was written," Millard recalled. “ Even If ” was co-written with Tim Timmons, who had joined MercyMe on tour. Millard discovered that Timmons was carrying his own hardships and secrets. When film director Andy Erwin (October Baby, Jesus Revolution) heard “Even If” he was blown away. "I never dreamed there was more story to tell — until we heard the story behind 'Even If.' Learning how Tim and Bart co-wrote that song out of deep, lived faith moved us to tears; the honesty and hope woven through each of their journeys are undeniable. (Filmmaker) Brent (McCorkle) and I knew immediately that 'I Can Only Imagine' truly deserved a sequel." A new song written for the movie, “ Make It Well ,” expresses even more pain and struggle. Make it well with my soul Don’t let me face this loneliness alone Make it well with my soul I need a peace that only heaven knows Jesus could you please Just sit and cry with me Till I can sing It is well with my soul I Can Only Imagine 2 opened Feb 19 at the Regal Canyon View theater and The Picture Show in Grand Junction

Top New Artists of 2025 (plus Forrest Frank)

By Kurt Neuswanger • January 3, 2026
KJOL added 118 new songs in 2025. That’s a new song every three days! The list included a number of great new artists. Megan Woods ( The Truth ) 24 year old from Massachusetts who overcame an abusive relationship after a friend introduced her to Jesus John Wesley ( Oh, What a Friend ) Not the hymnwriter! John Wesley Honaker is a worship leader in Florida. Rachel Purcell ( Show Up ) A native of Muscle Schoals, Alabama (home of a famous recording studio), Purcell is also a country musician under her maiden name Rachel Wammack Emerson Day ( God Ain’t Finished Yet ) (album version!) She graduated as a “decorated lacrosse player” with a degree in homeland security. But instead, she felt called to pursue Christian music. Jamie MacDonald ( Desperate ) A Michigan native who met Jesus at youth camp, left home and forgot Jesus, returned to the Lord in her 20s. Peter Burton ( Where Would I Be ) He started Thrive Worship at Bayside Church in Sacramento with Lincoln Brewster. Now he is a solo artist with Story House Collective, managed by Matthew West. (Bonus for the guys: the video features a 1975 Chevy Blazer with a custom 409 engine!) Jet Trouble ( I Need You ) The most unusual name in our repertoire! He is a Dallas based musician whose full name is James E. Troublefield (J.E.T.). And he knows about trouble: his father was diagnosed with ALS and died, inspiring “I Need You.” And we can’t discuss 2025 without mentioning one more notable artist. Forrest Frank In July, he was playing with his daughter in his driveway when he crashed his skateboard and broke two vertebrae! While lying in bed, he composed the song “ God’s Got My Back! ” Then two weeks later, tests revealed his back was healed! He later decided not to attend the Dove Awards, saying “I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus.” He swept the Dove Awards anyway: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year ( Your Way’s Better ).
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