Abrahamic / Middle Eastern Christianity Who Sings "I Can Only Imagine?" Share Flipboard Email Print Christianity Christian Entertainment Christianity Origins The Bible The New Testament The Old Testament Practical Tools for Christians Christian Life For Teens Christian Prayers Weddings Inspirational Bible Devotions Denominations of Christianity Funerals and Memorial Services Christian Holidays Key Terms in Christianity Catholicism Latter Day Saints View More By Kim Jones Christian Music Expert Kim Jones is an ordained pastor and a co-founder of Road to Revelation, a Christian rock band. our editorial process Kim Jones Updated November 19, 2017 Bart Millard from MercyMe wrote "I Can Only Imagine" after the death of his father as a way to help himself heal. It was released in 2001 on Almost There and it wasn't long before mainstream radio was playing it all across the US. Over the next three years several other artists released their own versions of the song. The run didn't end there though. Since 2001, the song has become a favorite for Christian artists from all different genres. Some of the more popular releases are ... MercyMe - 'Almost There' - 2001 MercyMe - Almost There. INO Records Although several other artists released MercyMe's song, in this case, the original has remained the best. Bart Millard's delivery touches your heart just as much as the events leading up to the writing of the song touched his. Lyrics - Tab More About MercyMe: MercyMe BiographyMercyMe Profile Rita Springer - 'Effortless' - 2002 Rita Springer - Effortless. E1 Music With a folk/worship sound, Rita's version is the most different from all of the rest. Ivan Parker - 'Just Imagine' - 2003 Ivan Parker - Just Imagine. Horizon Records Ivan Parker delivers as he always does ... heartfelt, easy to listen to and with a traditional, southern gospel flavor. John Tesh - 'Red Rocks Platinum' - 2005 John Tesh - Red Rocks Platinum. Spring Hill Recorded at the Red Rocks concert, this song was also featured on the Worship at Red Rocks DVD from 2004. Wynonna - 'Her Story: Scenes From a Lifetime' - 2005 Wynonna - Her Story: Scenes From A Lifetime. Curb Records Wynonna opens this song talking about her father and how, while she hasn't met him, she knows that they will meet in Heaven. Beautifully done! Tim Hughes - 'Anthem Of The Free: Soul Survivor Live 2003' Anthem Of The Free: Soul Survivor Live 2003. Survivor Records Recorded live at Soul Survivor, Tim Hughes was joined by Matt Redman, Vicky Beeching and Soul Survivor for this album. Tim's honesty and awe in his delivery takes this song to a whole 'nuther level. Amy Grant - 'Legacy... Hymns & Faith' - 2002 Amy Grant - Legacy...Hymns & Faith. Courtesy of: Word Amy Grant strips the song down to the roots, yet the power of her voice definitely makes up the difference. More About Amy Grant: Amy Grant Profile Marie Osmond - 'I Can Do This' - 2010 Marie Osmond - I Can Do This. Osmond Entertainment Found on I Can Do This, an album dedicated to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with all of the proceeds going to the charity that she co-founded, Marie's cover of the MercyMe song is heartfelt and delicate. Seventh Day Slumber - 'Take Everything' - 2009 Seventh Day Slumber - Take Everything. BEC Recordings Found on Take Everything, Seventh Day Slumber gives the song a rock edge without losing the sentiment. Jeff Carson - 'God Bless The USA - Best Of America, Vol. 3' - 2003 God Bless The USA - Best Of America, Vol. 3. Curb Records With a smooth country delivery, Jeff's version sounds quite close to Bart's. Darla Day - 'These Are The Days' - 2003 Darla Day - These Are the Days. Darla Day Darla Day has the voice of an angel and she gives her version a little bit of country. LaShell Griffin - 'Free' - 2004 LaShell Griffin - Free. Sony Urban/Epic LaShell, the The Oprah Winfrey Show Pop Star Challenge winner, gave a Gospel make over to the song with a piano-driven sound.