Jan 22 2009
Best Contemporary Christian Music Being Played
Contemporary Christian Music Genres Are Aplenty
Christian music has taken off in the last decade or so, and it is fun to explore the many different genres that are offered.
Christian music has been enjoyed for centuries by those interested in an alternative to secular music. Christian music is mostly written to express one’s belief in their religious lifestyle, and offers listeners a chance for learning, worship and an overall listening experience in accordance to their Christian beliefs. Christian music has become very popular throughout the years and can now be classified into a number of different categories. We will examine some of the more popular genres of today’s Christian music.
Contemporary
Contemporary music literally covers all genres of new age Christian music, but is most commonly associated with a new movement of Christian music that has alternative rock, pop, and country sounds. The contemporary movement began in the 1960s, with this type of music then referred to as Jesus music. Some Christians dispute whether or not the contemporary tones fit into their religion, but contemporary is a popular genre that gives Protestant listeners an alternative faith-based style of music. The growth of contemporary styles has been strong since the mid 1990s, and newer artists and subgenres help to continue the expansion of Christian music.
Hip Hop
Christian hip hop, or gospel rap, is a unique genre of Christian music. Due to the often sinful nature of mainstream rap lyrics, it has been a tough road for Christian rap artists to gain popularity. However, beginning in the 1990s Christian rap has become popular with the younger generation looking for an uplifting form of music that reflects their urban lifestyle. The most popular innovators among Christian hip hop artists would likely be DC Talk, who took the music scene by storm in the late 1980s before making a switch to a more pop sound in the mid 1990s. Christian hip hop is a fabulous way for Christians to spread their faith to kids from the street and other youth looking for a fresh music genre.
Gospel
If gospel music does not fill your sole with spirit, then I am not sure what can! Gospel music is uplifting, inspiring, and fun to listen to. When most think of gospel music, churches in the south come to mind. In fact, gospel music has been thought to have started during times of slavery in the late 1800s. The genre of gospel became more defined and gained popularity in the first quarter of the twentieth century, and is now listened to worldwide. Gospel music is known for its strong vocals surrounded by electric guitars, bass, and drums. Gospel music thrives today and is certainly considered a staple of Christian music.
Christian Rock
Christian rock music covers a lot of ground with many different subgenres contained within the rock category. The "sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll" explosion in the 1960s certainly made many Christians wary of jumping into the rock scene, but by the early 1970s Christian rock bands began to separate themselves from a demonic image, and instead produced Christian lyrics with rock tones. Today many bands are considered Christian rock artists, some more devoted to the Christian title than others. Although some might not realize this, the band U2 was a catalyst for Christian rock in the 1990s based on their enormous success beginning in the 1980s.
The amount of Christian music produced today is unbelievable and this list represents a very small portion of the genres available. If you are new to Christian music, sample a few bands from each genre to find a style that fits your liking. Christian music is a great alternative to secular music and just could be your new favorite style to listen to.
Justin Palmer runs the online store for C28.com where you can find bold Christian shirts, t-shirts, clothing, music and more for guys, gals, and kids. The C28 Christian music store has the hottest selection of today’s Christian music CDs in rock, pop, hardcore, and upcoming new Christian music bands. Listen to samples and see other’s ratings.
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By rob tendick |
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One response so far
IMO the top 10 christian albums for 2008 has a wide variety of genre’s…almost every style you mention in your post. From the soul of Marvin Sapp to the WOW’s which have every flavor imaginable – Charlie Daniels, Rascal Flatts and more. There are also some ‘aggressive’ rock tunes; lots of traditional southern blue guitar (which is my preference in music). There is a list and links for “listen before you buy” at http://www.Top10ChristianAlbums.com. Enjoy reading your post, keep ‘em comin!