Essential Christian Modern Rock and Alternative Bands

The Ohio-based quartet hit the ground running after three indie releases by beating out 75 other hopefuls to win a Best Band contest sponsored by a top commercial radio statio. They took it to the national scene by going to GMA Week in Nashville and handing out CDs to everyone in the industry they could find. Sparrow Records picked them up and their national debut hit stores in 2002.

Sanctus Real Members

• Matt Hammitt - vocals, guitar
• Chris Rohman - guitar
• Pete Prevost – guitar
• Dan Gartley – bass
• Mark Graalman – drums

Sanctus Real Starter Songs

• "The Face Of Love" (Purchase/Download)
• "We Need Each Other" (Purchase/Download)
• "Closer" (Purchase/Download)
• "Everything About You" (Purchase/Download)
• "Say It Loud" (Purchase/Download)

Switchfoot, known originally as Chin Up, was formed in 1996 in San Diego, CA. They signed with Charlie Peacock's label (re:think) a year later. A move to Columbia Records in 2003 set them up for mainstream distribution and they have successfully navigated both Christian and secular markets since. Eight Dove Awards later, they are living proof that it can be done without compromising your faith.

Switchfoot Members

• Jon Foreman - vocals, guitar
• Tim Foreman - bass
• Chad Butler - drums
• Jerome Fontamillas - keys, backup guitar
• Andrew Shirley - guitar

Switchfoot Starter Songs

• "Oh! Gravity" (Purchase/Download)
• "Mess Of Me" (Purchase/Download)
• "Amy's Song" (Purchase/Download)
• "Adding To The Noise" (Purchase/Download)

This Denver-based band formed in 2002 after former Faith Christian Academy schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King ran into each other at a music store. Jam sessions expanded into a full band and airplay on Denver's KTCL radio station helped garner attention from Sony/Epic Records who signed them in 2004.

Not marketed as a "Christian band," the members all feel like God called them to the secular arena to speak a language everyone (not just church members) can understand.

The Fray Members

• Isaac Slade - vocals/piano
• Ben Wysocki - drums
• Joe King - guitar
• Dave Welsh - guitar

The Fray Starter Songs

• "Look After You" (Purchase/Download)
• "You Found Me" (Purchase/Download)
• "How To Save A Life" (Purchase/Download)

When Mac Powell and Mark Lee started Third Day back in 1991 (Tai Anderson and David Carr joined in 93), they were right of out college and still holding down day jobs. They had a van, a dream and a passion for music. Chances are pretty good that they no had idea that Billboard magazine would eventually call them "not only one of the best Christian bands of the '90s but one of the best rock bands, period."

Third Day Members

• Mac Powell - vocals
• Mark Lee - guitar
• David Carr - drums
• Tai Anderson - bass

Third Day Starter Songs

• "Born Again" (Purchase/Download)
• "Call My Name" (Purchase/Download)
• "Run To You" (Purchase/Download)
• "Give Love" (Purchase/Download)
• "When The Rain Comes" (Purchase/Download)
• "Communion" (Purchase/Download)

Todd Agnew didn't set out to be a "rock star" when he saved up and booked time at Ardent studios. He just wanted to record some material that was different than what he had been doing in church, but God had other plans. Dana Key heard him and fell in love with his music and his voice because it demanded his attention. Four albums later Todd is still demanding attention and he's not a bit afraid to ask the tough questions or admit that he doesn't have all of the answers (but he knows the one who does!)

Todd Agnew Starter Songs

• "Least of These" (Purchase/Download)
• "Lovers In Our Heads" (Purchase/Download)
• "Still Has A Hold" (Purchase/Download)