#25: Various Artists — Orphans Of God (1996)
A tribute of healing—artists uniting to honor Mark Heard with performances soaked in grief, hope, and gratitude.
Intro
Appearing in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, Orphans Of God (1996) stands as a defining statement for its era—artistically bold, spiritually resonant, and historically influential.
The Album in Context
This project emerged during a transformative period in Christian music, when artists pushed beyond formula to craft work shaped by authenticity, craft, and heartfelt theological reflection. Its sonic landscape reveals musicians deeply committed to telling the truth in sound and story.
Within the CCM movement, the album challenged expectations and widened the creative vocabulary for what Christian artistry could be. It inspired peers, ignited emerging songwriters, and expanded the emotional and intellectual range of faith-driven music.
Standout Songs
- “Treasure of the Broken Land” — A defining track whose message and musicality capture the essence of the record.
- “Strong Hand of Love” — A fan-favorite that blends artistic excellence with spiritual insight.
- “Orphans of God” — A cornerstone cut that continues to shape listeners and artists years later.
Why It Matters
Artistically, this album represents the height of intentional craft—carefully constructed melodies, expressive performances, and lyrics that linger long after listening. Its influence threads through modern worship, singer-songwriter traditions, and contemporary Christian pop.
Historically, it helped shift the landscape of Christian music by breaking molds, challenging norms, and demonstrating that faith-based art could be both culturally relevant and spiritually grounded.
What’s Next
Tomorrow in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, we continue our journey toward the Top 20. Don’t miss the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice for deeper commentary and historical insight.
Soli Deo Gloria!
This post is part of the series The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, celebrating the artists and recordings that defined a generation of faith-filled creativity.
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Album Details
| Artist: | Various Artists |
| Album: | Orphans Of God |
| Year Released: | 1996 |
| Record Label(s): | Fingerprint |
| Producer(s): | Dan Russell |
Previous Post in the series:
#26: Charlie Peacock – Secret Of Time (1990)
Next in the series:
#24: AndraĂ© Crouch & The Disciples – This Is Another Day (1976)
Listen to “Orphans Of God” on Spotify
You can listen below or click here to purchase the entire album.
Various Artists: Orphans Of God is available from Amazon to purchase the whole album.
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