It is not often that you hear of a teenager who is captured by Sandi Patty’s music. But I was that girl. The songs Ms. Patty sang were not just full of good lyrics but they were richly layered and meaningful. If you have been in a conservative Christian church long enough, you have likely been exposed to a number of songs that Ms. Patty has recorded. Despite a personal setback and a 10 year performance hiatus, Sandi Patty returned to the Christian and Gospel music scene with vigor. Each of her albums offer something unique for her listeners because as she grew in her art, her albums mirrored her struggles and triumphs. Here is a listing of the top 10 songs by Sandi Patty.
1. “The Day He Wore My Crown”
Sandi Patty, also known by Sandi Patti (a typo in her surname that she did not correct until years later), released her first album in 1979 entitled, Sandi’s Song. One of the few songs recognizable to Patty Fans from this album is “The Day He Wore My Crown.” This was a favorite in my church for years around Easter time with such great lyrics as, “…and I’m the one to blame. I caused all his pain….the day he wore my crown.”
2. “More Than Wonderful”
Of the top 10 songs by Sandi Patty, no list is complete without “More than Wonderful” from the same titled album. Larnelle Harris, another great in the Christian Gospel realm, sang this duet with her. Even today, this song is still sung by church duets and still one of the most popularly downloaded songs of Sandi Patty’s on iTunes.
3. “Sweet Hour of Prayer”
Though Sandi Patty came on to the Christian music scene with powerhouse vocals and praise and worship songs, she did not stray far from her church roots when she made the album, Hymns Just For You. Most Patty fans would not put this song on the top 10 songs list but the sweet and simple melody of this song showcased the quality of her voice like no other song, in my opinion.
4. “Hand on My Shoulder”
After amazing worship songs, pop soprano vocals, and many female vocalist of the year awards, Sandi Patty’s Le Voyage set a completely different tone. Quiet, introspective Pilgrim’s Progress-ish, Le Voyage showcased a beautiful song, “Hand on My Shoulder.” The song spoke to me personally in struggling with God’s presence in my life.
5. “Another Time, Another Place”
Most people, even non-Gospel listeners, could identify Sandi Patty and Wayne Watson’s duet, “Another Time, Another Place.” The album by the same name won Dove’s pop gospel album of the year in 1991. Even though spoofed by comic Mark Lowry, the song is an anthem of longing to see heaven.
6. “Morning Like This”
Another Easter favorite, “Morning Like This” won Sandi Patty best female gospel performance in 1987. In addition, the powerful lyrics, “did the earth seem to pound ‘He Is Risen’!”, and the catchy music made this a top 10 song by Sandi Patty.
7. “Love in Any Language”
I remember watching her perform this song on one of the late night shows. Love in Any Language,” which included love references in five languages, was a popular song for mainstream music. This one allowed Sandi Patty to step outside the traditional gospel realm and into a more pop crossover, much like Amy Grant’s “Baby, Baby.
8. “Solo El Amor”
In a more recent album, These Days (2000), “Solo El Amor” is a beautiful duet with Miguel Angel Guerra. This Spanglish song provides a picture of God’s love as the purest form of love.
9. “Falling Forward”
From her newest album, Falling Forward (2007), “Falling Forward” is a beautiful song of hope and renewal in Christ. Sandi Patty said of the lyrics, “‘When I’m frozen in my failure there’s a whisper, don’t forget your redeemer somehow uses even what you most regret.’ I simply love the lyric because it affirms that God can take us wherever we are and move us forward to where He wants us to be.”1
10. “Via Dolorosa”
Last, but certainly not least on the top 10 best songs by Sandi Patty, “Via Dolorosa” is another Easter time staple. The song speaks of the path that Jesus the Saviour took to the hill where they crucified Him. This powerful song also utilizes Spanish lyrics which enhance the overall mysterious feeling of the song. Many artists have since recorded this song, including Lea Solonga (of Miss Saigon fame), Irish tenor Ronan Tynan, Tatiana, and many other Christian artists. Sandi Patty first recorded this song in 1984 on her album, Songs from the Heart. It has definitely earned its place in the top ten songs by Sandi Patty as 24 years later it is still widely listened to and sung.
Endnotes:
1http://www.sandipatty.com/biography67.htm
Sources:
Apple iTunes, Sandi Patty discography
www.sandipatty.com
