Christian and “traditional” pop music is seeing a strong resurgence on U.S. charts, with several faith-based hits breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in years.
Analysts say the trend reflects a broader shift toward more conservative values in entertainment, according to The Christian Post.
Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” described as “a folksy, melodramatic ballad about faith and love,” is currently the nation’s No. 1 song and has spent 20 weeks on the chart.
His recent worship track “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 experiencing mainstream success.
Frank, who was named New Artist of the Year at this year’s Dove Awards, said: “Jesus is my Savior, 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 seen a 60 percent global streaming growth over the past five years, calling it a “serious comeback.”
Shows like American Idol have featured more openly Christian contestants this year, with judge Luke Bryan noting that Carrie Underwood’s faith has helped inspire the show’s gospel influence: “She’s never shied away from her spirituality and Christian beliefs… and the kids this year have shown up with more of that, maybe more than in years past.”
Grammy-winner Natalie Grant has encouraged new Christian artists to stay faithful to their calling: “Stay on the long road of obedience… None of us are built for the spotlight.”