Tree 63 was one of the most influential Christian Rock bands in their home country, South Africa. They has also received plaudits overseas and in the United States, in particular.
Tree 63 released numerous solid albums and singles that found airplay on both Christian and contemporary radio stations. In my book, they are one of the best SA Christian rock groups in history. The next couple of songs on this countdown are a fantastic indication of why I say so. Tree 63 consisted of John Ellis (vocals, guitar), Darryl Swart (drums) and Daniel Ornellas (bass).
Honourable mentions: “All Over The World”, “Sunday”, “Amazing Grace”, “I Stand For You”, “It’s All About to Change” and “The Storm”.
5. Look What You’ve Done For Me
The opening guitar riff creates the platform for John Ellis’s voice to shine through in the opening verse as he sings: “Look what You’ve done for me, Your blood has set me free, yeah, yeah. Jesus, my Lord, look what You’ve done for me,” in a love song to the Lord. The song focuses on what the singer can do for his creator instead of wanting things from God. This faithful servant’s call is a fantastic track with another solid chorus that focuses on freedom, joy and praise. The song also has a great flow to it at a musical level, with a short guitar solo spicing things up a bit in the bridge. Swart’s drumming is also on point with a few fast fills to add variety.

4. Can I Hear Your Face?
This is one of the classic Tree 63 songs with its upbeat rhythm and interesting lyrics that focus on Ellis’s desire to get to know Jesus in a more personal, intimate way. The opening bass line from Ornellas, coupled with driving drums from Swart, creates the perfect platform for Ellis to strut his stuff on vocals. “Can I see Your face? Nothing’s standing in Your way. Can I see Your face?” he sings out his deepest desires with absolute conviction. The song has a real sing-along quality and a funky guitar riff in the chorus with effects in the bridge that add a unique element. This simple song is really effective in its delivery and a real crowd favourite.

3. No Words
The guitar intro on “No Words” is still one of my favourites to date with its spacey, simple sound creating a soothing mood from the get-go. Ellis’s lyrics are amazing as he explains that he cannot express the glory and greatness of God’s love in words.
“There are no words that I could say, there is no music I could play, there is no song I could sing to tell of all the love that you bring,” he sings in a massive chorus that, in my opinion, is one of the band’s best.
“You’re waiting for me to break the silence, you’re listening even when You already know,” sings Ellis to explain the all-knowing presence of God in his life. A truly fantastic song and one of the band’s most popular tracks.

2. Joy
If you ever need a happy song, then this track is for you. The opening guitar riff is instantly recognisable with its rhythmic strumming that will get you out of your seat. Ellis shines with his lyrics on this track’s “I’m no superman, I’m no hero, I’m just a man in Your eyes. But through Your son, I’ll overcome the father of all lies.”
“Let me be a shining light for You, let me be a joy to You always,” he sings in one of the most recognisable choruses.
The track has a great vibe that will have you singing along to every word in no time.

1. Treasure
This is my favourite Tree 63 number for many reasons. Firstly, its lyrical content is exemplary with its focus on keeping your heart and focus on God’s love; the greatest treasure is to know God and be known by Him.
Secondly, the song has a wonderful old-school sounding riff and a fantastic rhythm. Ellis also proves his worth as the lyricist and vocalist with his soothing voice taking the song to new levels. The lyrics: “Show me how Your kingdom comes.
My heart is where my treasure lies. My great reward is in Your eyes. My every breath belongs to You. You are my treasure.” The guitar solo in the bridge is one of my favourite parts.