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.
If you are new to the genre', this is a list of essential albums that will help start off any collection.
1. Decemberadio - 'Satisfied' (2008)
Slanted
The Dove Rock Album of the Year for 2009 certainly lives up to its name with twelve songs all geared toward leaving listeners, well ... Satisfied! Amazing guitars, powerful vocals and plenty of punch, whether the band is rocking your socks off or serenading you with a ballad, DecembeRadio does it with plenty of style.
Essential Songs from Satisfied:
- "Satisfy Me" (Purchase/Download)
- "Gasoline" (Purchase/Download)
- "Love Can" (Purchase/Download)
More Decemberadio
2. Superchick - 'Rock What You Got' (2008)
Inpop Records
Nobody does "grrl power" and "rock-a-tronic" like Superchick and Rock What You Got brings it in a way that is both flashy and fearless. Perfectly blending the rock guitars with the electronic looping and the plucky vocals, Superchick does indeed rock what they've got! It was no big surprise when the album got a GRAMMY nod for 2009 Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album.
Essential Songs from Rock What You Got:
- "Rock What You Got" (Purchase/Download)
- "Hey Hey" (Purchase/Download)
- "Cross The Line" (Purchase/Download)
More Superchick
3. Third Day - 'Revelation' (2008)
Essential
We saw a softer, gentler side of Third Day with Wherever You Are, but don't expect a repeat with Revelation. The southern rock sound is back with a passion that can't be beat and yes, they did a few ballads that will touch your heart to the core. It's no surprise that this gem won the Dove Awards Pop Contemporary Album of the Year in 2009.
Essential Songs from Revelation:
- "This Is Who I Am" (Purchase/Download)
- "Run To You" (Purchase/Download)
- "Take It All" (Purchase/Download)
More Third Day
4. BarlowGirl - 'How Can We Be Silent' (2007)
Fervent Records
How Can We Be Silent takes the listener on a musical journey with a consistent theme of faith. Each song reminds you that your beliefs and your Savior are worth standing up for and even fighting for.
Essential Songs from How Can We Be Silent:
- "Million Voices" (Purchase/Download)
- "One More Round" (Purchase/Download)
- "The Guy Song" (Purchase/Download)
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5. Kids In The Way - 'A Love Hate Masquerade' (2007)
Flicker Records
A Love Hate Masquerade showcases all of the new KITW sensations (bassist Wille Bostic (formerly of Sky Harbor) joining the line-up, vocalist David Pelsue leaving the screaming behind and their sound growing from screamo to hard rock) in a wonderful way. This is one of those albums that will get your attention and hold it ... for a good long while.
Essential Songs from A Love Hate Masquerade:
- "We Kill At Twilight" (Purchase/Download)
- "Your Demon" (Purchase/Download)
- "Farewell" (Purchase/Download)
More Kids In The Way
6. NEEDTOBREATHE - 'The Heat' (2007)
Atlantic Records
From the melodic worship ballads to the all-out rockers, The Heat is filled with a fire that belies the young age of the band. Songs that make you sit up, take notice and then really listen to the lyrics are always winners in my book and this disc is full of them.
Essential Songs from The Heat:
- "Streets Of Gold" (Purchase/Download)
- "Moving On" (Purchase/Download)
- "More Time" (Purchase/Download)
More NEEDTOBREATHE
7. DecembeRadio - 'DecembeRadio' (2006)
Courtesy of: Slanted Records
The Dove Rock Album of the Year for 2007 successfully mixed classic rock, old school metal, southern rock, blues and a tinge of pop to make DecembeRadio "The Band" of 2006. Their self-titled debut lacks nothing and offers a little something for everyone.
Essential Songs from DecembeRadio:
- "Least Of These" (Purchase/Download)
- "Drifter" (Purchase/Download)
- "Live And Breathe" (Purchase/Download)
More Decemberadio
8. Red - 'End Of Silence' (2006)
Courtesy of: Provident
End Of Silence is so good that it delivered the Dove Rock Song of the Year in 2007 and again in 2009 ... an unheard of feat for a debut album.
Essential Songs from End Of Silence:
- "Lost" (Purchase/Download)
- "Let Go" (Purchase/Download)
- "Hide" (Purchase/Download)
More Red
9. Skillet - 'Comatose' (2006)
Courtesy of: Lava/Atlantic and Ardent/SRE
The album that gave us the Dove Rock Song of the Year in 2008 was undeniably the best in the Skillet catalog. Hard-driving and passionate while still being lush and lyrically meaty, this release will wake up even the sleepiest of believers.
Essential Songs from Comatose:
- "Looking For Angels" (Purchase/Download)
- "Rebirthing" (Purchase/Download)
- "Falling Inside The Black" (Purchase/Download)
More Skillet
10. Audio Adrenaline - 'Until My Heart Caves In' (2005)
Courtesy of: EMI
Raw and unprocessed is a good way to describe this album. Guitarist Tyler Burkum's vocals are silky smooth and when you combine them with Mark Stuart's raspy sound you get a sound unlike any other on the market. The GRAMMY 2006 Best Rock Gospel Album will be a winner for a long time to come.
Essential Songs from Until My Heart Caves In:
- "Undefeated" (Purchase/Download)
- "Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher And Higher" (Purchase/Download)
- "Clap Your Hands" (Purchase/Download)
More Audio Adrenaline
