The song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe was released as a single on October 12, 2001.

Key release facts

  • “I Can Only Imagine” was written by Bart Millard of the Christian band MercyMe and first appeared on their independent album The Worship Project in 1999.
  • It was then included on MercyMe’s major-label debut album Almost There , released in 2001.
  • The song was officially released to radio as the second single from Almost There on October 12, 2001, which is the date most sources cite as its main single release.

Extra context

  • The track later became a crossover hit in mainstream music charts in 2003, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
  • Over time, it has become one of the best-known contemporary Christian songs and has been certified multi-platinum for its sales.

TL;DR: “I Can Only Imagine” was first recorded for a 1999 indie album, but the widely recognized single release date is October 12, 2001.