Christian music
music expressing Christian life and faith
Christian music is an expansive and diverse realm where the sacred intertwines with the everyday. From soaring choral harmonies to intimate acoustic ballads, it captures a wide emotional spectrum—from exuberant joy to deep introspection. You'll often find a rich tapestry of sounds, blending contemporary rock with traditional hymns, and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with personal faith experiences. Think lively worship settings or quiet moments of reflection; this genre is all about connecting the listener to something greater.
Emerging in its more modern form in the mid-20th century, Christian music began as a counter-movement against secular pop and rock, aiming to spread messages of hope and redemption through art. It flourished in the 1970s with artists like Larry Norman, often referred to as the father of Christian rock, who challenged norms by infusing rock elements into his faith-based messages. In the 1990s, the genre peaked with bands like Jars of Clay and Switchfoot, who brought alternative influences to mainstream audiences while grappling with themes of spirituality in a complex world.
For someone new to Christian music, starting with Amy Grant’s "Lead Me On" offers a beautiful introduction to heartfelt storytelling and melodic richness. Try "Alive" by Natalie Grant for its powerful vocal delivery and uplifting message. Need something more edgy? Check out Switchfoot's "Learning to Breathe," which combines catchy hooks with spiritual reflection. For a taste of worship music, Chris Tomlin's "How Great Is Our God" remains a staple that will easily draw you in. And don’t overlook related genres like gospel or contemporary worship for even deeper layers of expression.
83 artists in the catalog.
Guides for Christian music artists
Top Christian music albums
See essentials
All Christian music artists
Rick Wakeman
ambient music, classical music
Ricky Skaggs
bluegrass music, country music
Elevation Worship
Hillsong Worship
Christian rock, contemporary worship music
Aled Jones
operatic pop
Mandisa
gospel music, rhythm and blues
Gaither Vocal Band
Tenth Avenue North
Göran Fristorp
Debby Boone
country music, folk music
Rend Collective Experiment
Jesús Adrián Romero
Five Iron Frenzy
punk rock, ska punk
David Phelps
Jason Crabb
Soraya Moraes
About Christian music
What is Christian music?
music expressing Christian life and faith
Where should I start with Christian music?
Start with "Time Machine" by Rick Wakeman. It captures what makes Christian music worth exploring.
What are the best Christian music albums?
The Christian music albums worth hearing first: "Time Machine" by Rick Wakeman, "Rhapsodies" by Rick Wakeman, "The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" by Rick Wakeman, "Silent Nights" by Rick Wakeman and "Night Airs" by Rick Wakeman.
How many Christian music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 83 Christian music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.