10 Worship Songs We Should Stop Singing

10. Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman

This one’s currently 16th on the CCLI list, and at more than a decade old, has become something of a classic to the worship industry. But let’s consider it more closely. The heavy syncopation with 16th note phrase entrances, wide range, and high tessitura of the refrain make this song nearly impossible for a congregation to sing well. Listen to a live recording and you’ll hear both male and female congregants jumping between octaves, unable to keep up with the extremes.

Theologically, it sounds nice, but there’s very little content about the character of God or the beauty of the gospel. And the lyrics of the bridge (“You give and take away…”) are problematic. Read more here from fellow Patheos blogger and esteemed scholar Ben Witherington III on why this is poor theology.