As our last Dove Awards preview mentioned, Lipscomb is hosting the 45th Annual Dove Awards for the second year in a row, and there are quite a few stand-out nominees.
In this preview, we’ll be looking at the “Song of the Year” category as well as analyzing who should win and who will win.
The list of nominees are as follows:
“Fix My Eyes” performed by for King and Country, written by Seth Mosley, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone
“Hello My Name Is” performed and written by Matthew West
“Hurricane” performed by Natalie Grant, written by Natalie Grant, Matt Bronleewe and Cindy Morgan
“I Can Trust Him” performed by The Perrys, written by Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey
“Lord I Need You” performed by Matt Maher, written by Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Kristian Stanfill and Matt Maher
“Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail)” performed by Hillsong United, written by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston and Salomon Ligthelm
“Overcomer” performed by Mandisa, written by David Garcia, Christopher Stevens and Ben Glover
“Revival” performed by Karen Peck and New River, written by Kenna Turner West, Karen Peck Gooch and Don Poythress
“Say Amen” performed by Brian Free & Assurance, written by Jason Cox, Michael Farren and Kenna Turner West
“That’s Why” performed by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, written by Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey
With a list full of popular songs, it is hard to choose which one will be the best.
However, certain songs do stand out. “Oceans,” as of Sept. 16, was number one on Billboard’s Top 25 Christian songs, while “Fix My Eyes” was in third. Those are the only two songs listed on Billboard’s current list. Those two songs really stick out as the top contenders, along with “Overcomer” and “Hurricane.”
I think, by a small margin, “Oceans” will emerge when the victors are announced in Allen Arena on Oct. 7.
Hillsong has consistently put out great songs that are often underrated among the ‘Pop-Christian’ realm, but “Oceans” really clicked with listeners and worshipers alike.
“Fix My Eyes” is a close second, but only because Hillsong’s product has extended to church worship as well. Remember “10,000 Reasons?” That song, performed by Matt Redman, soared partly due to the popularity of its usage in church worship services—and it’s simply a good song.
That’s my prediction for who will win, but what about who should win?
Well, I could be biased and say the un-nominated “Multiplied” by Needtobreathe, but I promised myself I would not be biased like that. All in all, I think it still boils down to “Oceans” and “Fix My Eyes.” I could make an argument for “Overcomer,” but this year was really about those two songs.
For King and Country won “Best New Artist” last year, and this would certainly put syrup on their Dove Awards pancakes, but I think “Oceans” should take the win. It is a tough decision to make because both songs are well written, well-performed and altogether encouraging.
I believe “Oceans” simply is a better song, even if by a small margin.