#5: Keith Green — For Him Who Has Ears to Hear (1977)
Prophetic piano fire—raw passion, piercing honesty, and the birth of one of Christian music’s most enduring voices.
Intro
Appearing in The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music, For Him Who Has Ears to Hear (1977) stands as a deeply influential and beloved project. Its blend of craft, conviction, and emotional resonance has shaped listeners and artists for generations.
The Album in Context
This album arrived at a moment of musical and spiritual transition. Artists were stretching creative boundaries, embracing new sonic languages, and deepening the emotional honesty of their writing. This record reflects that cultural and artistic restlessness, balancing innovation with timeless spiritual themes.
Within Christian music, the album helped expand expectations—showing that faith-driven art could be sophisticated, poetic, bold, and culturally engaged.
Standout Songs
- “You Put This Love in My Heart” — A defining track that encapsulates the album’s voice and artistic center.
- “Because of You” — A listener favorite whose arrangement and lyric continue to resonate.
- “Trials Turned to Gold” — A cornerstone moment that anchors the project’s enduring legacy.
Why It Matters
Artistically, this album remains a benchmark—rich in musicality, emotional depth, and spiritual insight. Its impact extends far beyond its release year, influencing multiple generations of worship leaders, songwriters, and Christian creatives.
Historically, it marks a turning point (or, in the case of Honorable Mentions, a defining supplement) that broadened the scope of Christian music’s reach and artistic credibility.
What’s Next
The countdown now moves into its final stretch. Be sure to join the companion podcast episode of The CCM Professor with Greg Rice as we prepare to reveal the top entries of this landmark series.
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: | Keith Green |
| Album: | For Him Who Has Ears to Hear |
| Year Released: | 1977 |
| Record Label(s): | Sparrow |
| Producer(s): | Bill Maxwell and Keith Green |
Previous Post in the series:
#6: U2 – The Joshua Tree (1987)
Next in the series:
#4: Mark Heard – Second Hand (1991)
Listen to “For Him Who Has Ears to Hear” on Spotify
You can listen below or click here to purchase the entire album.
Keith Green: For Him Who Has Ears to Hear is available for purchase on Amazon.
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