Give Thanks cover

Released 40 years ago

Give Thanks

Don Moen · 1986

38 min · 15 tracks · contemporary Christian music

A heartfelt collection of worship songs blending melodic simplicity with lyrical devotion, fostering a spirit of gratitude and reverence.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Give Thanks — The title track encapsulates the album's core theme of gratitude, featuring an uplifting melody that encourages congregational participation.
  • →
    I Will Celebrate — This track combines joyful lyrics with an infectious rhythm, making it a favorite among worshippers looking to express joy through song.
  • →
    I Am the God That Healeth Thee — A deeply moving piece that emphasizes faith and healing, showcasing Moen's ability to blend personal testimony with musical expression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

47 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album's melodic simplicity and lyrical focus make it a staple in worship settings, though its structure is conventional.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of simple, repetitive melodies that are easy to sing along with, making it suitable for congregational worship.
  • Most tracks utilize a straightforward verse-chorus structure, allowing for clear lyrical delivery and engagement.
  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response elements, inviting participation from listeners and enhancing the communal aspect of worship.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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 sing-alongs with community
  • short, joyful bursts of gratitude
  • celebratory moments of reflection
  • quick doses of heartfelt worship

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking complex musical narratives
  • prefer longer immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in late 1986, Give Thanks marked Don Moen's debut album, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music. At this point, Moen was transitioning from his role as a worship leader to becoming a recording artist, setting the foundation for his future influence in the genre.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Give Thanks

    The conclusion shifts from personal reflection to a communal declaration of thankfulness, inviting listeners to join in unity.

    This transition fosters a sense of collective worship, emphasizing community in gratitude rather than individual sentiment.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Give Thanks 3:33
  • 2 Let the Redeemed 1:03
  • 3 Ah, Lord God 1:40
  • 4 What a Mighty God We Serve 1:40
  • 5 I Will Celebrate 1:55
  • 6 Jehovah-Jireh 2:30
  • 7 I Am the God That Healeth Thee 4:06
  • 8 I Will Bless the Lord 2:34
  • 9 My Soul Follows Hard After Thee 1:49
  • 10 Lord, I'm Gonna Love You 2:04
  • 11 Like a Shepherd 4:20
  • 12 Blessed Be the Name of the Lord 1:48
  • 13 Worthy, You Are Worthy 3:33
  • 14 You Are My God 3:53
  • 15 Give Thanks (reprise) 1:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata