Christian / Gospel Artists & Styles
By Kim Jones, About.com Guide to Christian Music / Gospel
Christian Music / Gospel 101 - learning more about Christian artists, bands and styles of music.
- Christian Music / Gospel 101
- Adult Contemporary
- Gospel Rap
- Inspirational
- Metal / Hard Rock / Punk
- Modern Rock
- Music for Children and Youth
- Pop/Contemporary
- Praise & Worship
- Urban Gospel
- Christian Record Labels
- Popular Compilations
- Music Videos
- Behind the Music
Christian Music / Gospel 101
Before we dive into sub-genres, find out what makes Christian Music Christian.
- The Changing Face of Christian Music
- Christian / Gospel Music 101
- Christian Artists - A to Z
- What Makes a Song, CD or Band Christian?
- Christian Concerts - Who is on Tour Now?
Adult Contemporary
Sometimes called "Easy Listening," AC music generally appeals more to adults, ages 35 - 50.
Gospel Rap
Gospel rappers aka holy hip-hoppers ... they spit out rhymes like other rappers, but their words are deeper, more profound and definitely God-inspired.
- What is Gospel Rap music?
- Dove Award Rap Album & Song of the Year History
- Top 10 Christian / Gospel Rap Albums
- Rap / Hip-Hop Albums You May Not Know, But Should Know About
- Top Songs by tobyMac
- Bobby Bishop
Inspirational
As a style, Inspirational music really isn't a defined style that stands on its own. Inspo blends pop, contemporary, AC, hymns and even praise and worship, with or without the corporate worship elements and bands from several genres have released Inspirational songs or albums.
While all of that may lead to confusion with the definition, it certainly does give fans a lot of artists to choose from.
- What is Inspirational Music?
- Inspirational Starter Songs
- Dove Inspirational Album & Song of the Year History
- Franscesca Battistelli
- Hillsong
- Mandisa
- Matthew West
Metal / Hard Rock / Punk
Hard rock fans, be they Christian or not, tend to like more edge to their music.
- What is Christian Metal / Hard Rock?
- Dove Rock Album & Song of the Year History
- Top Christian Hard Rock Bands
- Bands With Similar Sounds to P.O.D.
- Bands With Similar Sounds to Hawk Nelson
- Falling Up
- Jonah33
- Kutless
- Stryper
- Hawk Nelson
- Kids in the Way
- Relient K
- Top Christian Punk Songs for the Summer of 2008
- More Christian Hard Rock & Punk Bands
Modern Rock
Using electric guitars, passionate vocals and drum kits beating out killer back-beats, Christian rock is a way to share the Message of Hope with people in churches who want more than traditional hymns and to those outside of the church that don't know Jesus.
- What is Modern Christian Rock?
- Dove Contemporary Rock Album & Song of the Year History
- Essential Christian Modern Rock and Alternative Bands
- Essential Christian Rock Albums
- Girl Rock! If you like BarlowGirl, You Should Check Out...
- Christian Rock Radio
Music for Children and Youth
While Sunday school has a great deal to do with our little ones learning the songs, another genre within Christian music that is especially for kids helps a great deal.
- Christian Music For Children
- Kids in Christian Music
- Top 10 VeggieTales Movies
- The Praise Baby Collection
- Precious Moments - 'Loving, Caring and Sharing'
- Precious Moments - 'Precious Lullabies'
- Jump5
- pureNRG - 'pureNRG'
- pureNRG - 'Here We Go Again'
- Jonas Brothers – 'It's About Time'
- Youth For Christ - 'Love Comes in All Colors'
- More Christian Bands For Kids
Pop/Contemporary
Using secular music terms, Christian pop/contemporary could easily be described as "Top 40." Pop music meets soft rock and voila! Pop/contemporary!
- What is Christian Pop/Contemporary Music?
- Dove Pop / Contemporary Album & Song of the Year History
- Songs of Summer 2009 (Playlist)
- Top 10 Christian Pop / Contemporary Albums
- Top Mark Schultz Songs
- Avalon
- Bebo Norman
- Casting Crowns
- Caedmon's Call
- Chris Rice
- Jaci Velasquez
- Jeremy Camp
- Matthew West
- MercyMe
- Natalie Grant
- Point of Grace
- Steven Curtis Chapman
- More Christian Pop Bands
Praise & Worship
Praise and Worship is music that is commonly found in contemporary churches of today. Short and easy to sing (and remember) choruses that repeat several times make the style perfect for corporate worship.
- What is Praise and Worship Music?
- Dove Praise & Worship Album & Worship Song of the Year History
- Top Chris Tomlin Worship Songs
- Top Songs from Hillsong
Urban Gospel
Much like Southern Gospel music, Urban Gospel hit the big time via quartets.
- What is Urban Gospel Music?
- Top Urban Gospel Albums
- Dove Awards Urban Album & Song of the Year History
- Dove Awards Traditional Gospel Album & Song of the Year History
- Dove Awards Contemporary Gospel Album & Song of the Year History
- WOW Gospel Series
Christian Record Labels
What are some of the record labels that are behind the Christian music you're hearing on the radio?
- Sparrow Records (Profile)
- Sparrow Records Signature Artists
- Essential Music from Sparrow Records
- Word Records (Profile)
- Word Records Signature Artists
- Essential Music from Word Records
- More Christian / Gospel Record Labels
Popular Compilations
When you want to sample music from several artists, compilations are definitely the way to go.
- 'WOW Gospel'
- 'WOW Worship,' 'WOW Hits' and 'WOW Hymns'
- The Music of the Dove Awards
- 'Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe'
- 'The Passion Of The Christ: Songs'
Music Videos
We love our Christian Music videos and TV - both online and off.
- Top 10 Music & Live Concert Videos
- Top 10 Veggie Tales Movies
- Top 10 Worship Videos
- Urban Gospel Video Directory
Behind the Music
Learn more about the stories behind the songs that we love.
