Christian Music used to be something that you only found in church and it came straight from the hymnals. However, in the late '60s/early '70s, the "Jesus Movement" brought the music out into the world and Christian music began to become an industry within itself. Pioneers like Marsha Stevens, Chuck Girard and Larry Norman took the music that spoke of Jesus and merged it with the times.
We've come a long way since. Now Christian music is found in so many different styles it is the only genre of music that is defined by its lyrical content.
Adult Contemporary
Provident
Adult Contemporary Christian Music offers a pop flair, but is delivered in a softer, lighter style. However, since the modern pop elements are still there -- sometimes interspersed with folk sounds, which are back in favor with college-aged listeners -- Adult Contemporary isn't restricted to just the older folks.
Essential Adult Contemporary Artists
- Steve Green
- Bob Carlisle
- Michael W. Smith
- Steven Curtis Chapman
Bluegrass
Daywind Records
Christian Bluegrass is intricate and technically difficult, belying the stereotype of "mountain music" as being slow and simple. Some of the best pickers I've ever heard were bluegrass musicians.
Essential Bluegrass Artists
- Alison Krauss & Union Station
- The Easter Brothers
- The Lewis Family
Country Music
Courtesy of Blue Hat Records
Country music, lyrically, is about real life. And for many, real life includes heartbreak, as well as the faith that gets them through it. Yes, country music's sub-genres "honky tonk" and "outlaw country" are more about drinking and thumbing your nose at the "establishment," but today's country music is less outlaw and more Godlaw.
Essential Country Artists
- Randy Travis
- Charlie Daniels
- Alan Jackson
Gospel Rap
Forefront Records
Artists using a rap style to share their faith reach places that other styles could never enter. Unlike secular rap, which frequently glorifies sex, drinking, violence and drugs, Holy Hip Hop focuses on The One who can deliver you from those things.
Essential Gospel Rap Artists
Inspirational Music
Curb Records
Inspo blends pop, contemporary, AC, hymns, and even praise and worship, without the corporate worship elements. Artists from several of the Christian music styles have recorded inspirational albums, making the inspo genre full of variety.
Essential Inspirational Artists
- Amy Grant
- Sandi Patty
- Selah
Instrumental
Courtesy of: Street Level Artists Agency
Many people have asked how instrumental music can be labeled as Christian, since the basis for the entire Christian music genre is the lyrics. The answer to that question, at least my answer, is to look beyond the music into the heart of the musician.
Essential Instrumental Artists
- "America's Piano Showman" - Dino
- Phil Keaggy
- Doug Doppler
Metal / Hard Rock
Courtesy of William Morris Agency
From the underground days of the Resurrection Band of the late 1970s to the 1980s when Stryper put Christian Metal on the map, the genre has twisted, turned and grown. With several styles of metal, such as melodic metal, classic metal, speed metal, thrash metal and screamo available to metal-heads, it is absolutely possible to find a metal band that fits your taste and glorifies your Savior.
Essential Metal / Hard Rock Artists
- P.O.D.
- Dizmas
- Stryper
Modern / Alternative Christian Rock
Essential Records
Christian rock, much like its secular counterpart, has several sub-styles within the genre. Modern rock, alternative rock, indie rock, punk and southern rock are all well represented, bringing much to like to the masses. Using electric guitars, passionate vocals and drum kits beating out killer back beats, Christian rock was a way to share the Message of Hope to people in churches who wanted more than traditional hymns and to those outside of the church that didn't know Jesus.
Essential Modern / Alternative Christian Rock Artists
Music Geared Towards Children
Courtesy of EMI
Artists like Carman, Sandi Patty and Steve Green are more Adult Contemporary, but they have released projects specifically for kids. Then you have music that is 100% kid-friendly, like songs from the popular Veggie Tales, The Cedarmont Kids and Brentwood Kids. And let's not forget the "tweens." Jump5 was the first band that came out specifically aimed at the pre-teen group. Since they disbanded, PureNRG and The Rubyz have worked hard to fill the gap.
Essential Youth Artists
Pop/Contemporary
INO Records
Using secular music terms, Christian pop/contemporary could easily be described as "Top 40." Pop music meets soft rock and voila! -- Pop/Contemporary!
Essential Pop/Contemporary Artists
