We all have different musical tastes. Just as our relationship with Jesus is personal, so is our worship inspiration.
Worship is what you make it!
My favorite music genre is hard rock. Some may believe that hard rock or heavy metal cannot be classified as worship music but I disagree. Jesus created something for each of us.
Heavy metal is not the only music I like. I like many genres, and my worship playlist includes a broad mix of Christian songs that inspire me. The beauty of Christian music is there really is something for everyone. Worship music has expanded beyond the Hymnal book, although there is still amazing grace in those hymns (pun intended).
Bill and I discussed our favorite worship songs in our SAPPy thoughts icebreaker session. When I discussed Skillet’s Rebirthing as my favorite worship song, I could see it in Bill’s face that he didn’t consider Rebirthing to be a “worship song”. But as I stated in the video, worship is what you make it!
I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:2 (NKJV)
Skillet’s Rebirthing is my favorite worship song because it was the song that got me into Christian music. While I will always appreciate traditional songs like Amazing Grace and Old Rugged Cross, they are not songs that get me through everyday life. The lyrics are meaningful, but I don’t personally connect with the style of music. And God knows this which is why He gave me Skillet long before I committed my life to Christ.
Skillet’s music was so impactful (and still is) in my spiritual journey. Rebirthing reminds me of where I was and where I am today with Jesus, which is why it is still my favorite worship song. My today with Jesus is always better than where I was yesterday.
Worship music, whatever genre, should get you closer to God. When you worship, you are praising our Maker of heaven and earth. Singing expresses your love for Him. When you sing and worship, your Spirit overflows and rejoices in the Lord.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
1 Chronicles 16:23 (NKJV)
Whether you like country, pop, rock, rap, or traditional gospel worship music, there is something for you. Here are some examples of Christian artists by genre*:
- Hard Rock/Rock: Skillet, Red, Pillar, Fireflight, Stryper, We As Human, Newsboys
- Pop: Colton Dixon, Blanca, Tauren Wells, Brandon Lake, Jeremy Camp, Matt West, Chris Tomlin, Cory Asbury, for King & Country
- Acoustic/Indie/Folk: Lauren Daigle, Gaither Vocal Band, Larry Cordle
- Country: Zach Williams, Third Day/Max Powell, Carrie Underwood**, Reba McEntire**, Rhett Walker, Cain
- Contemporary: Leeland, Lincoln Brewster, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Big Daddy Weave
- Contemporary Worship: Elevation Church, Maverick City, Michael W Smith, Matt Redman
- Traditional Worship/Gospel/Soul: Jekalyn Carr, Kirk Franklin, Selah, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant, Marvin Sapp
- R&B/Rap/Hip Hop: KB, Lecrae, Toby Mac, Trip Lee, 116, Tedashii
- Latin: Evan Craft, Gateway Worship, Blanca, Tercer Cielo, Juan Luis Guerra, Jaci Velasquez
*some artists crossover to multiple genres, but they are listed here in one genre.
**These are considered secular artists but they have Christian albums.
If you have YouTube music, you can find the Surf 8 Christians Mix playlist to get you started with a variety of Christian songs. If you don’t have YouTube music, you can listen on our YouTube playlists.
Watch our YouTube Shorts video: Christian Music in All Genres