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