The Most Beautiful Hymn, Ranked

Choose the hymn you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:18
Hymns hold a unique place in cultural and spiritual life, often stirring deep emotions and memories. Across various traditions and communities, these musical pieces are celebrated for their beauty and their ability to uplift the spirit. By ranking hymns, we are able to see which tunes resonate most with listeners, providing insights into the universal themes and melodies that appeal across different backgrounds. This ranking system allows users like you to cast votes for the hymns you find most beautiful, thus helping to shape a collective preference. Your participation ensures that the list remains current and reflective of the widest possible range of experiences and sentiments. It is not only about preference but also about sharing the impact and the stories that these hymns carry with them.

What Is the Most Beautiful Hymn?

  1. 1
    63
    votes
    Amazing Grace
    John Newton · Public domain
    This hymn is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and powerful hymns ever written. Its timeless message of redemption and forgiveness has resonated with people around the world for centuries.
    Amazing Grace is a timeless Gospel song that has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful message of redemption and grace. It is considered one of the most beautiful and beloved hymns in the Christian tradition. The song's lyrics express gratitude for God's mercy and forgiveness, and its haunting melody evokes a sense of solace and peace.
    • Lyrics: The song's lyrics are deeply reflective and explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of God's grace.
    • Melody: The melody of Amazing Grace is simple yet profound, with a gentle and contemplative quality that resonates with listeners.
    • Popularity: Amazing Grace is widely recognized and cherished by people of diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs, making it one of the most universally loved Gospel songs.
    • Historical Significance: The song played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, serving as an anthem of hope and freedom for enslaved African Americans.
    • Authenticity: The emotional honesty and personal testimonial nature of the lyrics have contributed to the enduring popularity and impact of Amazing Grace.
    Amazing Grace in other rankings
  2. 2
    43
    votes
    This hymn is a classic expression of praise and worship, celebrating the majesty of God's creation and the wonder of His love. Its soaring melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite of believers everywhere.
    How Great Thou Art is a powerful and beloved hymn that expresses awe and reverence towards God's majesty and creation. It is a widely recognized Gospel song that has touched the hearts of millions.
    • Genre: Gospel
    • Released: 1885 (in Swedish), 1949 (English translation)
    • Length: Around 4 minutes
    • Language: Originally in Swedish, also available in various translations
    • Melody: Traditional Swedish folk melody
    How Great Thou Art in other rankings
  3. 3
    41
    votes
    This hymn is a testament to the faith and resilience of its author, Horatio Spafford, who wrote it after losing his family in a tragic accident. Despite his grief, Spafford found comfort in the knowledge that God was with him, and his words continue to inspire and comfort people today.
    It Is Well With My Soul in other rankings
  4. 4
    31
    votes

    Holy, Holy, Holy

    Reginald Heber
    This hymn is a beautiful tribute to the majesty and holiness of God. Its simple yet powerful lyrics and stirring melody make it a favorite of many worshipers.
    Holy, Holy, Holy is a widely recognized Christian hymn known for its powerful and majestic lyrics, as well as its beautiful melody. It is often sung during worship services and is considered one of the most beloved hymns in the Christian music tradition.
    • Genre: Christian hymn
    • Lyrics: Poetic and reverent
    • Melody: Majestic and uplifting
    • Meter: 4/4
    • Key: E flat major
    Holy, Holy, Holy in other rankings
  5. 5
    24
    votes
    This hymn is a prayer for God's guidance and protection, and a reminder that He is our ultimate source of security and strength. Its haunting melody and poetic lyrics make it a beloved favorite of many.
    Be Thou My Vision in other rankings
  6. 6
    18
    votes

    In Christ Alone

    Stuart Townend and Keith Getty
    This hymn is a declaration of the power and sufficiency of Christ, and a reminder that our salvation is found in Him alone. Its stirring melody and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite of many worshipers.
    In Christ Alone is a powerful Christian hymn that proclaims the central theme of salvation through Jesus Christ. It holds a timeless message of faith and hope.
    • Genre: Christian hymn
    • Lyrics: Stuart Townend
    • Music: Keith Getty
    • Year of Creation: 2001
    • First Published: 2002
  7. 7
    16
    votes
    This hymn is a celebration of God's steadfast love and faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Its comforting words and beautiful melody have made it a beloved favorite of many.
    Great Is Thy Faithfulness is a well-known Christian hymn that expresses gratitude and trust in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It is considered one of the most beautiful hymns ever written, resonating with believers worldwide.
    • Year of Composition: 1923
    • Genre: Hymn
    • Key: F Major
    • Meter: 12.9.12.12.9.12
    • Lyricist: Thomas O. Chisholm
    Great Is Thy Faithfulness in other rankings
  8. 8
    10
    votes
    This hymn is a joyful celebration of the kingship and sovereignty of Christ. Its majestic melody and triumphant lyrics make it a favorite of many worshipers.
    Crown Him With Many Crowns is a hymn that celebrates the exaltation of Jesus Christ as the King of kings and Lord of lords. It emphasizes his sovereignty, majesty, and victory. This hymn is considered one of the most beautiful and majestic hymns ever written.
    • Hymn Type: Christian hymn
    • Meter: 4.4.4.4. with refrain
    • Key: E-flat major
    • Language: English
    • Genre: Sacred music
  9. 9
    16
    votes

    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

    Anonymous (Medieval Latin)
    This hymn is a beautiful expression of longing and hope, as we await the coming of Christ. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a beloved favorite of many.
    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a hymn that dates back to the 8th or 9th century and is based on the 7 Great O Antiphons. It is a reverent and hauntingly beautiful Advent hymn that is often sung during the Christmas season.
    • Genre: Hymn
    • Language: Medieval Latin (originally)
    • Composer: Unknown (traditional melody)
    • Lyricist: Anonymous (translated by John Mason Neale)
    • Time period: 8th or 9th century (original melody)
    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel in other rankings
  10. 10
    16
    votes
    This hymn is a powerful declaration of the greatness and majesty of Christ. Its stirring melody and triumphant lyrics make it a favorite of many worshipers.
    All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name is a hymn that exalts the power and authority of Jesus. It is a timeless Christian hymn that celebrates the reign and supremacy of Jesus Christ in the hearts of believers.
    • Composer: Oliver Holden
    • Year of composition: 1779
    • Meter: 8.6.8.6 (C.M.)
    • Tune: CORONATION
    • Genre: Hymn
    All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name in other rankings

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Ranking factors for beautiful hymn

  1. Melody
    A beautiful hymn should have a memorable and appealing melody that touches the heart and encourages congregational participation.
  2. Lyrics
    The lyrics should be meaningful, inspiring, and convey a strong spiritual message. They should be well-crafted with strong imagery, consistent rhyme and meter, and flow seamlessly with the melody.
  3. Theological content
    The hymn should accurately reflect and teach biblical truths and communicate essential Christian beliefs.
  4. Emotional impact
    A beautiful hymn should evoke a strong emotional response, such as a sense of awe, reverence, comfort, or hope.
  5. Singability
    The hymn should be accessible and easy to sing by a congregation, with a suitable vocal range, simple rhythm, and clear phrasing.
  6. Timelessness
    A truly beautiful hymn should be able to transcend time and relevance to various generations and cultures.
  7. Harmony and musical arrangement
    The harmony and arrangement should support and enhance the melody, contributing to the overall beauty of the hymn.
  8. Versatility
    A beautiful hymn should be suitable for various liturgical settings and occasions, including weddings, funerals, or regular worship services.
  9. Compatibility with core values
    The hymn should be compatible with the core values and doctrines of the faith tradition it belongs to.
  10. Personal impact and resonance
    Finally, individuals each have their own personal experiences and connections with hymns, making certain hymns beautiful and meaningful to them on a deeply personal level.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful hymn. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hymn is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 8882 views
  • 197 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hymn once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hymn is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful hymn

Hymns have been a part of religious worship for centuries, with their melodies and lyrics providing a way for congregations to express their faith and devotion. Over time, many hymns have become beloved classics, cherished for their beauty and meaning. From traditional hymns sung in churches to contemporary Christian music played on the radio, there are countless examples of hymns that have touched the hearts of listeners worldwide. In this article, we will explore some of the most beautiful hymns of all time and what makes them so special.

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