Is Burning Lights a good place to start with Chris Tomlin?

Yes, Burning Lights is recommended as a starting point for new Chris Tomlin listeners. An uplifting blend of contemporary worship and anthemic melodies that invites communal celebration and personal reflection. Burning Lights marks Chris Tomlin's seventh studio album, following his successful project, And If Our God Is for Us (2010). By this time, Tomlin had already established himself as a leading figure in modern worship music, known for his ability to craft songs that resonate with large congregations. This album further solidified his influence within the Christian music scene.

Who is Burning Lights for?

Burning Lights works well if you're into uplifting anthems for group worship, steady pacing for reflective moments and vibrant atmosphere of hope.

How many songs are on Burning Lights?

Burning Lights has 12 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Burning Lights

Chris Tomlin · 2013

49 min · 12 tracks · Christian rock

An uplifting blend of contemporary worship and anthemic melodies that invites communal celebration and personal reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Awake My Soul Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) — This track encapsulates themes of divine protection and strength, combining powerful lyrics with an anthemic chorus that has become a favorite in worship settings.
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Lay Me Down — A poignant declaration of surrender, this song resonates with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics and engaging melody, making it a staple in worship services.
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God’s Great Dance Floor — Infused with joy and celebration, this upbeat track invites listeners into a participatory experience, reflecting the communal aspect of worship music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album effectively combines energetic worship with reflective moments, appealing to both communal and personal experiences.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high energy level with anthemic choruses, while the latter half introduces more reflective and slower-paced songs.
Several tracks feature call-and-response structures, encouraging listener participation typical of worship settings.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

uplifting anthems for group worship
steady pacing for reflective moments
vibrant atmosphere of hope
mid-tempo energy for participation

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, intense tracks
seek minimalist, quiet soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200, expanding Tomlin's recognition.
Themes: communal worship· divine protection· joyful surrender
Career context: Burning Lights marks Chris Tomlin's seventh studio album, following his successful project, And If Our God Is for Us (2010). By this time, Tomlin had already established himself as a leading figure in modern worship music, known for his ability to craft songs that resonate with large congregations. This album further solidified his influence within the Christian music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Matt Maher· David Crowder Band· Hillsong United