Christian Music Hits Dominate U.S. Charts

There’s something stirring in the heartbeat of American music; the charts are buzzing with Christian and “traditional” pop songs, and it feels like more than just a trend, it’s a cultural shift, a return to roots and values that resonate deeply.

Recent reports are pointing to a wave of conservative-leaning entertainment, and the music world is reflecting that in a big way.

Take Alex Warren’s “Ordinary,” a soulful, acoustic ballad on love and faith that’s ascended to No. 1 on the country chart, whilst it has stayed at 20 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 straight.

Alex, a devout Catholic, has also come out with “Bloodline,” a worship song with Jelly Roll that’s both real and raw. The words cut deep: “Don’t you forget, God’s not done with you yet/ When it feels like you’re losing the war in your head, just know this isn’t the end/ Oh, my brother, you don’t have to follow in your bloodline.”

And Alex isn’t alone, Christian and country artists are making waves like never before.

Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” sat on the Hot 100 for 19 weeks, and Forrest Frank’s “Your Way’s Better” charted for 10 weeks whilst also becoming a viral TikTok sensation.

Billboard noted these are the first faith-based hits to crack the Hot 100 in over 10 years—how’s that for a comeback?

Forrest Frank’s path is especially inspiring. Starting in 2017 as the secular surf-pop duo Surfaces, but today he is the top new artist on last year’s Billboard Christian charts, winning New Artist of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards and receiving a Grammy nomination.

“Jesus is my Savior, and I’m alive when I worship Him,” Frank told The Christian Post. “When I started making Christian music, going back to pop was… insincere.

Waking up every morning to praise Jesus and record it, being able to get others on board—that’s life-giving.”

The numbers are on its side: Billboard reported that CCM had its biggest year of streaming on Spotify in 2024, with a 60% worldwide rate of expansion over the past five years. They put it best themselves: “Christian music is making a serious comeback.”

On the country side, Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” broke streaming records in May and held the top album spot for five weeks, with multiple tracks in the Hot 100’s top 10. Artists like Thomas Rhett, Jelly Roll, and Shaboozey are also riding this wave of country-pop crossover success.

Pop music commentator Sam Murphy put it well, saying: American pop feels “safer, more traditional, and more conservative” these days, and the charts are proof.

Even American Idol is following suit with this season, contestants openly professed their Christianity, and third-place contestant Breanna Nix hit No. 1 on Apple’s Country chart with her “Higher” song. The show leaned in with an Easter three-hour special, “Songs of Faith,” which was filled with gospel and worship acts.

American Idol Judge Luke Bryan used Carrie Underwood as a reference point and explained how her unapologetic Christian beliefs have inspired contestants to include more faith in their songs. “She’s never been afraid to speak of her Christian faith,” he told Billboard. “The kids this season came with more of that, and it’s been nice to see.”

Grammy award-winning recording artist Natalie Grant told The Christian Post about staying humble as CCM continues to go mainstream. She also challenged young artists to take the “long road of obedience” and not give up, according to Galatians 6.

“Don’t take the shortcut,” she advised. “Remain plugged into church, your local church, and be around people who ask the tough questions. None of us are made for the spotlight.” Sound advice for anyone chasing a dream, don’t you think?

This is the moment of celebration for music that honors God and bringing it out of the four walls of the church and into the public square. A return to the kind of songs that lift us up, ground us, and remind us of what’s important is of absolute necessity.

This isn’t about record positions; it’s about stories, belief, and connection. And if the chart numbers are any indicator, people are ready for more of it!

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