I was introduced to Christy Nockels's music about nine years ago, when I first joined the worship ministry at my church and we had many songs in our repertoire that she was a worship leader on. She has a beautiful, calming, joyful voice that soothes as much as it uplifts, and whether she's serving as a solo artist or a part of a team, her gifts of worship and leadership shine through. If you've only experienced her through the work she's done with Watermark or Passion, I'm so excited to share her solo stuff with you this week because it's just as powerful.
And now, our traditional fact dump segment (information current as of January 2024):
-Maiden name is Christy Hill
-50 years old (she's a Scorpio)
-Born in Fort Worth, Texas
-Singer & songwriter
-Primary genres are worship and contemporary Christian
-Married to Nathan Nockels since 1995 (they have a son and two daughters together)
-Has released 8 solo studio albums (2 Christmas and 1 instrumental)
As usual, we're going to focus on Nockels's solo albums for this post, but I highly encourage you to check out her group stuff and singles as well. Let's see what we have on deck!
Life Light Up (2009)
Nockels's debut Contemporary Christian music album was released June 2nd, 2009 by Sparrow/sixsteps when she was 35 years old. With a run time of 50:11, the album had one single released: No Not One (2009). This album definitely had that late '00s CCM vibe present throughout, which I loved because that's around the time I started listening to CCM outside of church. Nockels's vocals are great, and the songs are a good mix of soft and sweet mixed with fun and exciting. Here's my Top 3 for this debut:
Track 1: No Not One (written by C. Nockels, B. Heath)
I wasn't super sure about this song when it first started, but it really grew on me by the end. I've heard a lot of CCM songs with similar vibes from this same time period, but the song didn't feel tired or like a carbon copy of anything else. It's upbeat, uplifting, and a great start to this album.
No better word than from Your lips, no perfect life than what You lived/No greater gift, no not one/No brighter star has ever shined, no better hope for all mankind/No higher mind, no not one/And no one has ever known/This kind of love You’ve shown/There has never been a greater love/Than Your Son, no, not one/And there will never be a name above/No, not one/And with His life, You have forgiven us/Hope has come, hope has come/And there will never be a greater love/No, not one
Track 3: Choose (written by C. Nockels)
This is more the sound I associate with Nockels as a vocalist: slower tempo, sweeping melodies, and almost lullaby sounding. The message of this song stays with me more than the music, which is saying something for me. It's a beautiful song that encapsulates how it feels to choose Jesus every day as a believer.
Let me be in love with what You love/Let me be most satisfied in You/Forsaking what this world has offered me/I choose to be in love with You/I will choose to been love with You/In love with You/And let me know the peace that’s mine in You/Let me know the joy my heart can sing/For I have nothing, Lord, apart from You/I choose to call on Christ in me/I will choose to call on Christ in me/For in the fullness of who You are/I can rest in this place/And giving over this, my journey, Lord/I see nothing but Your face Track 9: Marvelous Light (written by C. Hall)
This song has been special to me for a long, long time, since I got to see the original artist and songwriter Charlie Hall perform it live at a DiscipleNow conference when I was fourteen years old. Getting to hear a female led cover of this worship classic made my heart so happy, and it stayed true to the original while still being its own thing. This is such a great song all around, and I can't recommend it enough.
I once was fatherless, a stranger with no hope/Your kindness wakened me, awakened me from my sleep/Your love, it beckons deeply, a call to come and die/By grace, now I will come and take this life, take Your life/Sin has lost its power, death has lost its sting/From the grave, You’ve risen victoriously/Into marvelous light, I’m running/Out of darkness, out of shame/By the cross, You are the truth/You are the life, You are the way
Into the Glorious (2012)
Nockels's sophomore Contemporary Christian music album was released April 3rd, 2012 by sixsteps/Sparrow/EMI CMG when she was 38 years old. With a run time of 53:44, the album had two singles released: Waiting Here for You (2011) and Ever Lifting (2012). This album felt a bit more like what I've come to expect as a "traditional" sound for Nockels. It's not quite as uptempo as Life Light Up, but it's still uplifting, sweet, and full of praise. My Top 3 is as follows:
Track 1: Ever Lifting (written by C. Nockels, N. Nockels, C. Tomlin)
I thought this was a much stronger album starter than No Not One immediately upon hearing it. Knowing Christy and Nathan's roots in Texas and Oklahoma, I really dug the banjo intro and thought it set a really fun tone for the rest of the album. It's joyful and exciting without being overwhelming.
Up on the heights, oh, oh, You let me go, oh, oh/You make my heart to rise from the depths below/You hold me up, oh, oh, so I can see, oh, oh/You’re ever lifting me, You’re ever lifting me/You’re lifting my head so I know You’re near me, You’re lifting my head so I see You clearly/Where I belong, You are where I belong/I’m lifting my voice just to sing a new song, I’m lifting my hand just to show You I know/Where I belong, You’re where I belong/You are ever lifting me/You are ever lifting me
Track 6: Waiting Here for You (written by J. Reeves, C. Tomlin, M. Smith)
I've been a big fan of this song for years, ever since I got the opportunity to lead it in my home church. This song is just beautiful, and I really like the contrast of the more acoustic feel here than on the live recording she did with Passion. It's full of hope, adoration, and praise for the Father.
If faith can move the mountains/Let the mountains move/We come with expectation/Waiting here for You/Waiting here for You/You’re the Lord of all creation/And still You know my heart/The author of salvation/You’ve loved us from the start/Waiting here for You with my hands/Lifted high in praise/And it’s You we adore/We’re singing hallelujah
Track 12: How I Love You (written by C. Nockels, C. Tomlin)
I've always been a champion for back half track list songs, and yet this one still snuck up on me. A good closer for an album is, I think, of equal importance to a good opener, and this song truly fits that bill. It's a humble, sweet little song filled with love and longing for a connection and relationship with the Lord.
I am leaning on You, Jesus/With all my longing laid before You now/And all I’ve needed is You, Jesus/And all my wanting, You satisfied somehow/There is no higher worth in all the earth/But to love You, how I love You/No greater call, no life at all/But to love You, how I love You
Let It Be Jesus (Live) (2015)
Nockels's third worship/Contemporary Christian music and first live album was released April 28th, 2015 by sixsteps when she was 41 years old. With a run time of 60:32, the album didn't release any singles, but the most downloaded songs on Apple Music include Everything Is Mine In You, The Wondrous Cross, and Let It Be Jesus. I love live worship albums; the energy on live recordings for worship just hits different than a studio recording does. The songs seamlessly flow together as one cohesive worship set, and Jesus's light shines through every note Nockels sings. Here's my Top 3:
Track 3: Everything Is Mine In You (Live) (written by C. Nockels, E. Holcomb)
I heard this song a few months ago on Nockels's podcast Glorious In The Mundane (on an episode several years old because I cannot jump into a podcast when there's a backlog). The lyrics are a refreshing reminder that every good and perfect thing in our lives is a gift from the Lord because of how He loves His children. He really is all we need, and there is such joy in that.
Everything is mine in You, even when my heart is breaking/Everything is mine in You, even when my hands are empty/Everything is mine in You/Oh, in You/Cause You are Master over all and You say You are my inheritance and/In You, I have everything I need, oh/And You are seated in the heavenlies and You say forever You're my hiding place and/In You, I have everything I need
Track 4: The Wondrous Cross (Live) (written by C. Nockels, N. Nockels, J. Mhondera, J. Pike, W. Weeks, M. Moody)
This song reminds me a lot of the hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, which I love. It's a beautiful reflection of what the Cross is to us - a symbol of hope and sacrifice. This would be a great addition indeed to an Easter setlist.
There is a love so sure, nothing it can't enure/There is a life it brings/I once was dead within, hollowed by all my sin/Lost and so led astray, but Your love reached all the way/Your love reached all the way/Oh, the wondrous Cross where the Prince of Glory died/Oh, the glorious Cross where Your mercy bled for us/You overcame the grave, waking to a world You saved/Oh, the wondrous Cross
Track 7: Jesus, Rock of Ages (Live) (written by C. Nockels, N. Nockels)
This is another song that calls back to a classic hymn, this time in the form of Rock of Ages. The way Nockels sings about the love and presence of our Father is so pure and earnest. It's a song of rest and security, perfect for a time when we could all really, really use those feelings in our own lives.
I am not alone, there’s a stone I’m built on/There’s a love that will never let me go/He hears my every cry, He knows how to understand me/He is my one defense, day and night/I rest my soul on the Rock of the ages/And my feet stand firm on a sure foundation/All my hope in this salvation/Jesus, Jesus, Rock of ages
Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved (2017)
Nockels's fourth Christian album was released September 29th, 2017 by Keeper's Branch/The Fuel when she was 43 years old. With a run time of around 61:00, the album didn't release any singles, but the most downloaded songs on Apple Music include His Banner Over Me, River of Grace, Head to Toe (The Armor of God Song), and La La Lu. This album hit me hard emotionally when listening to it, not only reflecting on how the words wash over me as a daughter of the King but also imagining my daughter listening to these songs as she grows up. This is a perfect album for relaxation, peace, and even helping fall asleep. Here's my Top 3 for this one:
Track 6: How Could I Ask for More (written by C. Morgan)
This song was so beautiful to me, invoking both nostalgic memories of growing up and imagining future days of making new memories with my own little family. It kind of gives similar vibes to Taylor Swift's The Best Day, which is an all-time fave of mine. The thankfulness and praise in this song may be quiet, but it's still powerful.
There’s nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon/Waking to the sunlight being cradled by the moon/Catching fireflies at night, building castles in the sand/Kissing Mama’s face goodnight and holding Daddy’s hand/Thank you, Lord/How could I ask for more
Track 7: Keep the Light On (written by C. Nockels, N. Nockels)
This one gave me Taylor Swift vibes as well, this time in the form of her song Never Grow Up. It's a sweet reminder that no matter what age we are or stage of life we find ourselves in, we don't need to fear the dark because God is the light. We can sit in the quiet in peace knowing we are not alone.
The moon is sitting in his favorite moment, the stars are by his side/But I can tell it’s gonna take you a minute before you sleep tonight/And I know that you might feel alone in the quiet of the night/And how you long to keep the light on/Remember, His word is a lamp and a light to your path/And Jesus promised to be with you where you are, where you are/And you don’t have to be afraid of the dark anymore/Because His truth will keep the light on in your heart/Yes, His truth will keep the light on
Track 13: La La Lu (arranged by I. Watts)
This one is super special to me because my own mom has used this as a lullaby since I was born. Originally featured in the 1955 Disney classic Lady and the Tramp, it's a simple lullaby but infinitely lovely. The lyrics are the very definition of soft and cuddly, and the tune is perfect to calm a baby right to sleep.
La la lu, la la lu, oh, my little star sweeper/I’ll sweep the stardust for you/La la lu, la la lu, little soft, fluffy sleeper/Here comes a pink cloud for you/La la lu, la la lu, little wandering angel/Fold up your wings, close your eyes/La la lu, la la lu, and may love be your keeper/La la lu, la la lu, la la lu
This is the Hour (2023)
Nockels's fifth and most recent Christian album was released February 24th, 2023 by Keeper's Branch when she was 49 years old. With a run time of around 69:00, the album didn't release any singles, but the most downloaded songs on Apple Music include This is the Hour Overture, As For Me (Psalm 2), Come Magnify, and Where Would I Be?. This album is still pretty fresh for me after revisiting it for my 2023 Favorites post, but I have to say this may be my favorite album of hers I checked out this week. It feels very homey and comfortable, and Nockels feels like she's singing straight from her heart. Here's my Top 3 for this one:
Track 2: As For Me (Psalm 2) (written by C. Nockels, N. Nockels)
If you've followed this blog for a while, you know I'm an absolute sucker for worship songs that pull directly from Psalms, my favorite book of the Bible. Musically, I love the guitar on this track as much as I love the simple but effective vocal melody. For reference, check out Psalm 2:4-6 (NLT) where David writes about the enemies of the Lord: "But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury. For the Lord declares, 'I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain."
Everything that can be shaken is shaking/Everything that can be sifted is sifting/All the kingdoms of this world are unraveling/And if you listen, you can hear the nations raging/But the Word of the Lord has spoken that there’s a God in the heavens/Reigning over all, rejoicing as He says/As for Me, I’ve set my King/On Zion, on Zion/As for Me, I’ve set my King/On Zion, on Zion
Track 6: Valor (written by C. Nockels)
Nockels actually released this song and a few others last January on an EP called Valor, and I loved it the minute I heard it the first time. It's a triumphant declaration that even when we feel weak, we can call on the strength of the Lord to rejuvenate us. The enemy will always be out to get us, but we have the strongest armor and the greatest Warrior of all time on our side.
I’m staring in the face of all that my story holds in its wake/Every gain and every loss and pain that feels like an ocean that I still need to cross/My heart is heavy, I’m weary to the bone/And the voice of fear, it just keeps hunting me down just to hold me under, but/Oh, oh, it’s me, I’m still here standing/Oh, oh, in a strength that’s not my own/And oh, oh, I don’t face this hour alone/‘Cause Jesus, Your cross, Your death, Your resurrection/Life in me, You’ll alway be my valor
Track 12: Keep On (arranged by C. Nockels, N. Nockels)
This one is just as encouraging to me as Valor, but in a much quieter way. I love the guitar on this song as well, especially over the lyrics cheering us on to keep on shining God's light into the dark world. The road we walk as believers was never supposed to be easy, but the reward will be well and truly worth it.
Is it just me, or does everything feel different/Like it’s darker somehow, like the light has had its moment/But like any good story, there’s a moment when the light reveals where it’s always been/And the days we spent believing suddenly matter/So keep on shining and doing good, even when it’s the hardest thing you’ve done/Even when no one’s looking, there’s a promise, if you don’t give up, the time will come/When your fields will ripen with the morning sun and the harvest that you reap will carry you/So keep on shining, yeah/Yes, keep on shining, ooh
Well, there we have it - I hope you found some peaceful music to guide you through your upcoming week. Happy listening, and see ya'll next week!
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