Christian and “traditional” pop music is seeing a strong resurgence on US charts, with several faith-based hits breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in years.
Analysts say the trend reflects a wider shift towards more conservative values in entertainment, as reported by The Christian Post.
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary”, described as “a folksy melodramatic ballad about faith and love”, is now the country’s No. 1 song and has spent 20 weeks on the chart.
His recent worship song “Bloodline” includes the line: “Don’t you forget, God’s not done with you yet… Oh, my brother, you don’t have to follow in your bloodline.”
Artists like Brandon Lake and Forrest Frank are also seeing mainstream success.
Frank, who was named New Artist of the Year at this year’s Dove Awards, said: “Jesus is my Saviour, and I'm alive when I worship Him… The fact that I get to wake up every day and worship Jesus and then just record it, and other people get to worship Jesus, too, it is so fulfilling and so life-giving, and I'm here to stay.”
Billboard reports that Christian music has had a 60 per cent global streaming growth in five years, calling it a “serious comeback”.
Shows like American Idol have featured more openly Christian contestants this year, with judge Luke Bryan saying Carrie Underwood’s faith has helped inspire the show’s gospel focus: “She’s never shied away from her spirituality and Christian beliefs… and the kids this year have showed up with more of that maybe than in years past.”
Grammy-winner Natalie Grant has encouraged new Christian artists to stay faithful: “Stay on the long road of obedience… None of us are built for the spotlight.”