| We all probably know a couple religious hymns, | | | | fabulous way for Christians to spread their faith |
| but today's fast-paced society is changing, and so | | | | to kids from the street and other youth looking |
| is the style of music we listen to. Christian music | | | | for a fresh music genre. |
| has developed tremendously over the last | | | | Gospel |
| century to represent the changing style of music | | | | If gospel music does not fill your sole with spirit, |
| that we enjoy. Contemporary music offers | | | | then I am not sure what can! Gospel music is |
| up-to-date music styles with the same traditional | | | | uplifting, inspiring, and fun to listen to. When most |
| Christian message within the lyrics. In fact, | | | | think of gospel music, churches in the south come |
| Contemporary Christian music is growing quickly in | | | | to mind. In fact, gospel music has been thought to |
| popularity, and so is the number of subgenres | | | | have started during times of slavery in the late |
| offered to those interested in listening. In this | | | | 1800s. The genre of gospel became more defined |
| article we discuss a few of the newer genres in | | | | and gained popularity in the first quarter of the |
| Christian music. | | | | twentieth century, and is now listened to |
| Contemporary | | | | worldwide. Gospel music is known for its strong |
| Contemporary music literally covers all genres of | | | | vocals surrounded by electric guitars, bass, and |
| new age Christian music, but is most commonly | | | | drums. Gospel music thrives today and is certainly |
| associated with a new movement of Christian | | | | considered a staple of Christian music. |
| music that has alternative rock, pop, and country | | | | Christian Rock |
| sounds. The contemporary movement began in | | | | Christian rock music covers a lot of ground with |
| the 1960s, with this type of music then referred | | | | many different subgenres contained within the |
| to as Jesus music. Some Christians dispute | | | | rock category. The "sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll" |
| whether or not the contemporary tones fit into | | | | explosion in the 1960s certainly made many |
| their religion, but contemporary is a popular genre | | | | Christians wary of jumping into the rock scene, |
| that gives Protestant listeners an alternative | | | | but by the early 1970s Christian rock bands began |
| faith-based style of music. The growth of | | | | to separate themselves from a demonic image, |
| contemporary styles has been strong since the | | | | and instead produced Christian lyrics with rock |
| mid 1990s, and newer artists and subgenres help | | | | tones. Today many bands are considered |
| to continue the expansion of Christian music. | | | | Christian rock artists, some more devoted to the |
| Hip Hop | | | | Christian title than others. Although some might |
| Christian hip hop, or gospel rap, is a unique genre | | | | not realize this, the band U2 was a catalyst for |
| of Christian music. Due to the often sinful nature | | | | Christian rock in the 1990s based on their |
| of mainstream rap lyrics, it has been a tough road | | | | enormous success beginning in the 1980s. |
| for Christian rap artists to gain popularity. | | | | This is hardly a complete list of Christian music |
| However, beginning in the 1990s Christian rap has | | | | genres, but sampling some of these genres will |
| become popular with the younger generation | | | | give you a good taste of the great listening |
| looking for an uplifting form of music that reflects | | | | Christian music offers. Finding your favorite genre |
| their urban lifestyle. The most popular innovators | | | | is important and will certainly enhance your |
| among Christian hip hop artists would likely be DC | | | | experience. Being able to listen to your favorite |
| Talk, who took the music scene by storm in the | | | | Christian bands at home or on the go is a relaxing |
| late 1980s before making a switch to a more pop | | | | way to worship throughout the day.article written |
| sound in the mid 1990s. Christian hip hop is a | | | | by Justin Palmer. |