We all probably know a couple of religious hymns, but today’s fast-paced society is changing, and so is the style of music we listen to. Christian music has developed tremendously over the last century to represent the changing style of music that we enjoy.
Contemporary music offers up-to-date music styles with the same traditional Christian message within the lyrics. In fact, Contemporary Christian music is growing quickly in popularity, and so is the number of sub-genres offered to those interested in listening.
This is also because the new generation of worshippers are hipster-cool, and radically free in spirit, so even the music has changed a bit to keep pace with the listeners, and to appeal to them. And though the music is an important part, most composers want the listeners to focus on the lyrics and get completely immersed in the story.
Here, are a few of the newer genres in 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 sub-genres 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.
Big Business
Even if you consider the business aspect of Christian Music, its actually quite big, considering its popularity & appeal with the younger crowd. No wonder that Hillsong’s band United were third on the ARIA charts some time back, and the band have enjoyed success in the US and abroad for years – selling out stadiums in places including the USA.
Popular Christian Music Artists
Most Christian Music Artists are popular and have a huge fan following as the popularity of Christian Music is on the rise. Most of them travel all over world doing live music shows, and also to promote christian festivals.
More and more people are getting interested in it after hearing it for a while. The major aim of Christian Music is to spread the love, peace and harmony all over the world.
There are some very good Christian Music artists who are featured on Christian Music websites. Artists like Natalie Grant and Michael W. Smith are world famous.
Christian Music Legend
She’s the most successful Christian music artist of all time. Checkout this conversation with Grammy winner & a Christian music legend “Amy Grant”. Read more here
Easy Access to Their Music
You can also join Christian Music forums and then discuss Christian Music with the other members. Registering on Christian Music forums is absolutely free. Christian Music feature a huge database of Christian Music audio songs and Christian Music videos which you can view and download for a nominal amount. You can also upload Christian Music on the website as well as long as they are sung by you.
Popular Christian Music Artists
You can also checkout Christian Music websites and join the huge list of Christian Music fans. Christian Music is heard by thousands of people all over the world; not only Christians have developed a liking to it but people from other cultures and religions also listen to it.
Christian Music Concerts
There are many Christian Music concerts happening in different parts of the world. You can visit any of the Christian Music sites and update your knowledge of the concerts. Who knows? The next major Christian Music concert might be happening in your city. Christian Music concerts are a great way to experience live the beauty of Christian Music. The thrill of hearing live to Christian Music artists is completely out of this world.
Popular Christian Rock Bands:
To Conclude
This is not really a complete list of all the Christian music genres, but more or less a sample of some of the more popular ones. Listening to more of these genres will give you a good idea of what Christian music has to offer. If you’re an aspiring performer, finding your favorite genre is important and will certainly enhance your experience. If you’re just an avid listener of music, listening to your favorite Christian bands at home or on the go is a relaxing way to worship throughout the day.
Christian Music has made immense contribution to world music and it’s here to stay as long as music is alive on earth. Blogs on this topic (such as ours) are a great way to share your knowledge on Christian Music and make other people aware of its true value. It’s usually very soft and soothing music, so you like to hear it. So what are you waiting for? Just get hold of some CDs/MP3s of Christian Music; it’s here to stay, always.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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