Finding the right vibe for your morning commute or that long Sunday drive isn't always about the newest pop hit. Sometimes, you just need something that hits the soul a little differently. If you’ve spent any time on Channel 65, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The SiriusXM The Message song list isn't just a random shuffle of "church music." It’s a carefully curated rotation of contemporary Christian hits that basically acts as the heartbeat for millions of listeners looking for a little hope between the news cycles and traffic reports.
But here’s the thing: most people think the playlist is just a static loop of the same five artists. Honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While you're definitely going to hear the heavy hitters like Chris Tomlin or MercyMe, the channel has been leaning hard into some surprising crossovers lately.
What’s Actually Playing on The Message Right Now?
If you tuned in this morning, you probably heard Megan Woods or Lauren Daigle. The current SiriusXM The Message song list is a mix of high-production pop, stripped-back worship, and even some tracks that blur the lines with country.
Take a look at what’s been dominating the airwaves recently. These aren't just "filler" tracks; they are the songs getting the most "spins" (radio-speak for how often they play) because listeners are constantly requesting them:
- Megan Woods – "I Believe You" (This one has been massive lately.)
- Lauren Daigle – "Let It Be A Hallelujah"
- for KING & COUNTRY – "WORLD ON FIRE" (Usually featuring Taylor Hill.)
- Big Daddy Weave – "I’ve Just Seen Too Much"
- Chris Tomlin – "How Good It Is"
- Crowder – "STILL"
- Matthew West – "Don’t Stop Praying"
It's a weirdly perfect blend. You've got the cinematic, almost theatrical sound of for KING & COUNTRY sitting right next to the gritty, folk-influenced vocals of Crowder. It shouldn't work, but it does.
The Shift to Unexpected Collabs
One thing you've likely noticed if you're a frequent listener is the rise of the "mega-collab." The Message has been leaning into tracks that feature artists you might recognize from the Billboard secular charts. For instance, Brandon Lake’s "Hard Fought Hallelujah" featuring Jelly Roll has been getting some serious love. Then there's the MercyMe and Walker Hayes track "Oh Death."
These aren't just gimmicks. They represent a shift in the genre where the "message" is reaching people who might never step foot in a traditional church but find themselves captivated by the honesty in the lyrics.
How the Song List Gets Made (The Science of the Rotation)
Ever wonder why you hear that one specific Phil Wickham song every time you go to the grocery store? It’s not a conspiracy. Like most SiriusXM channels, The Message uses a "hot AC" (Adult Contemporary) rotation style.
The programmers—people like Doug Hannah and Ashley Till—look at what’s trending on the charts, but they also pay close attention to listener feedback and "The Climb," which is their weekly count-up show. Unlike a traditional countdown that goes 20 to 1, they count up to the pinnacle. It’s a small detail, but it fits the "uplifting" brand they’ve built.
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The Core Artists You Can’t Ignore
You can't talk about this channel without mentioning the "Big Three" of the modern era. These artists are the foundation of the SiriusXM The Message song list:
- Elevation Worship & Brandon Lake: Whether it's "Praise" or "I Know A Name," Brandon Lake is arguably the biggest voice on the channel right now. His energy is infectious, and he brings a rock-star vibe to worship.
- MercyMe: They are the veterans. From "I Can Only Imagine" (which still gets played as a "gold" track) to their newest album Wonder & Awe, Bart Millard’s voice is synonymous with the station.
- TobyMac: He’s the bridge between the old-school DC Talk days and the modern pop-synth sound. Tracks like "Heaven On My Mind" (with Forrest Frank) are staples for the younger demographic.
Is it Only "New" Music?
Kinda. But not really. While the primary focus is definitely on current hits, The Message does a great job of threading in "recurrents"—songs that were huge a year or two ago—and "golds"—classic tracks from the 2000s and 2010s.
You might hear a 2014 throwback like Plumb’s "Need You Now" or something from Casting Crowns' early catalog. It keeps the long-term subscribers happy while making room for new faces like Seph Schlueter or Emerson Day.
The weekends change the game entirely. "Sunday Praise" with Tom Carter shifts the focus away from the pop-heavy weekday list toward pure congregational worship. This is where you'll hear the longer, 6-minute versions of songs from Hillsong United, Passion, and Maverick City Music. It's meant to be a soundtrack for people getting ready for service or those who can't make it to a physical building.
The Human Element: More Than Just a Playlist
What keeps people from just switching over to a Spotify playlist? Honestly, it's the hosts. Olivia Lane, who hosts the morning show, has a pretty wild story—moving from a country music career and identifying as an atheist to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Christian radio.
When she talks about the SiriusXM The Message song list, she’s not just reading titles off a screen. She’s sharing how a specific lyric helped her through a tough week. That's the secret sauce. You're not just listening to a computer algorithm; you're listening to people who actually believe in what they're playing.
Why Channel 63 Moved to Channel 65
If you’re a long-time listener, you might have been confused back in 2024 when the channel numbers shifted. Chris Stapleton Radio took over Channel 63, which pushed The Message to Channel 65. It didn't change the music, but it did ruffle some feathers for folks who had their car presets burned into their brains for a decade.
Actionable Tips for Discovery
If you love the music on The Message but want to dig deeper, here is how you can make the most of your subscription:
- Use the "Newest Songs" Filter: On the SiriusXM app, you can actually see the most recently added tracks. This is the best way to find artists before they blow up.
- Check out "The Climb": Listen on Saturdays at 4 PM ET or Sundays at 12 PM ET. It’s the fastest way to catch the top 20 songs of the week without having to listen for 48 hours straight.
- On-Demand Sessions: Don't sleep on the "Delivered Live" sessions. You can hear acoustic versions of the songs on the list, which often sound way better than the studio recordings.
The SiriusXM The Message song list is constantly evolving. It’s a living document of where faith and culture intersect in 2026. Whether you're there for the high-energy pop of TobyMac or the quiet reflection of a Sunday morning worship set, there's always something new hitting the rotation. Keep your ears open for those rising artists—they're usually the ones with the most powerful stories to tell.