Top 10 Best Modern Christian Music Artists

Christian music has come a long way from what it used to be. These days, it's not just choir robes and organs. You've got beats that belong on mainstream radio, voices that hit like a freight train, and lyrics that speak real truth into everyday life.

From stadium-packing worship leaders to faith-driven rappers and rock bands, today's Christian artists are blending styles, breaking barriers, and putting out some seriously good music.

The Top Ten

TobyMac

Kevin McKeehan, better known by his stage name TobyMac, is a Christian hip-hop recording artist, music producer, songwriter, and author. He first gained fame as a member of the Christian vocal trio DC Talk. Following the group's hiatus, he launched a successful solo career with the release of his album... read more

TobyMac is a musical genius who ascribes all of his successes to God and His Holy Spirit. When on stage, he is the director, MC, rapper, vocalist, dancer, and minister.
His blend of funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, rock, dance, and pop music is as masterful as it gets. He keeps contemporary Christian music cool to young and younger.

Extremely versatile as an artist, Toby's heart for God shines through in his songs. Unlike some artists, there's no getting around the fact that he serves God.
Not only that, but he produces really good music and is constantly looking to grow with new styles and not remain stagnant.
Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin's music is full of worship and praise to Jesus. Chris himself has remained extremely humble despite his worldwide recognition. He is truly a wonderful example of Proverbs 29:23: "A man's pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor." (NKJV)
He is definitely my favorite Christian artist, not just because of his great music but because he is an extremely genuine and humble person who strives to spread the love of Jesus to others.

I don't think I have heard a song by Chris Tomlin that I haven't liked. I love listening to his music and the words to his songs. His songs all sound different. He's just one talented artist.
God gave him a gift, and he is using it. I had my sister (who doesn't listen to Christian music) listen to one of his songs, and now she is hooked.
Lecrae

Lecrae Devaughn Moore, mononymously known as Lecrae, is an American Christian hip hop artist, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is also the co-founder of Reach Records. Lecrae has won multiple Grammy Awards and is known for albums such as Anomaly and Church Clothes.

Lecrae's songs can easily equal or even beat songs by secular music's top artists. Because I am a die-hard rap fan, there is no question in my mind that Lecrae is not only the best Christian artist but the best artist there is today. With his powerful lyrics and strong, energetic beats, Lecrae should definitely be at the top of this list.

Lecrae has excelled in not only bringing his music into the mainstream but also bringing many other artists with him, i.e., Andy Mineo, Britt Nicole, Trip Lee, and Capital Kings. All worked with Lecrae and had their fan bases expanded tremendously because of it.
Also, three of his last four albums hit #1 on iTunes, and the one that didn't hit #2 but was released for free download at the same time and still sold enough to reach #2.
Skillet

Skillet is an American Christian rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1996. The band has released multiple albums and is known for its energetic live performances and crossover success in both Christian and mainstream rock markets. Skillet's lineup has included founding members John Cooper and... read more

There is no competition. No one else on this chart has hit the billboards like Skillet, placing number one in hard rock and number two overall in the secular Billboard 200!

Without Skillet, I wouldn't be saved. It's easy to mistake them for a secular band, and when you find out they're Christian, it blows your mind and you see a new perspective on everything.

Skillet is the best band of all time! No comparison to any other band. This is definitely the best! And to tell you the truth, I never really liked "God" music, but this band got me into it.
Jeremy Camp

Jeremy Camp is incredible! His songs are the perfect mix of Christian, rock, and pop. I especially love "The Way," "There Will Be a Day," and "Overcome." Jeremy Camp is the best singer.

Love his voice and songs. He also has an amazing testimony. Definitely one of my favorite artists.

Beautiful voice and doesn't shy away from singing to Jesus. He also has an awesome testimony.
Owl City

Owl City is an American synthpop and electronica project created in 2007 in Owatonna, Minnesota. It is the most successful of several music projects by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Adam Young. Owl City gained widespread fame with the 2009 hit single Fireflies, which topped the Billboard... read more

In terms of being Christian, Owl City is my no. 1. Sure, it is deep and emotional, but it is not in conflict with scripture, and it does not have a self-praising problem like "Oh what a song to sing" in Chris Tomlin's "Nobody Loves Me Like You Love Me Jesus," etc.

A very humble singer, I guess. Too expressive in his music, especially when it comes to singing praise to God! He should be in the top 20, I suggest.

A slower kind of music, but I listen to it just as much as rapping music.
Newsboys

So close between this and MercyMe, but the tipping point goes to Newsboys' vast number of hits. God's Not Dead, Live With Abandon, He Reigns, and my personal favorite, Your Love Never Fails, just to name a few.

In Christ Alone is an amazing song. They are really, really great. I love the Newsboys. Their songs are astoundingly moving. They easily deserve to be in the top three.

Newsboys are such a great band. They live and breathe God's love, and it definitely is shown through their music.
Britt Nicole

Brittany Nicole Waddell, better known by her stage name Britt Nicole, is an American vocalist, songwriter, and recording artist. She is known for her work in Christian pop music and received widespread recognition for her 2007 album Say It. Her song Gold achieved mainstream success and charted on the... read more

This girl has been my favorite for a long time!
She is amazing! Perfect role model, beautiful voice, encouraging songs, passionate about Jesus... I mean, what is there not to like about her!?
Love you, Britt!

When She Cries relates to me. I don't have it on Amazon Music because I'm depressed, and that song makes me feel worse. But Work of Art, Gold, Headphones, and Be the Change make me feel better! I also like Can You Hold Me.

I love Britt Nicole! She has inspired me so much and many others going through hard times. I love her and want to meet her!
Casting Crowns

Casting Crowns is a contemporary Christian and Christian rock band formed in 1999 by youth pastor Mark Hall. Hall serves as the band's lead vocalist. The group was originally created as part of a youth ministry at First Baptist Church in downtown Daytona Beach, Florida.

They are the best! They sing from their hearts! I love how they reach out to everyone. God bless you all, Casting Crowns!

I am consistently amazed at the quality of Casting Crowns' lyrics. They are so glorifying to God!

Because his songs make me feel alive and he is a good singer.
May God bless them!
Hillsong Young & Free

Young & Free brings a modern beat with a powerful message in all their music, from car jams that remind you of God's love to worship songs. They do it all. They are also phenomenal live!

"Let Go," "Peace," "Falling Into You," "Alive," and "This Is Living" are just some of the amazing tracks that this group has to offer.

Hillsong is one of the biggest Christian bands known worldwide! #hillsongyandf

The Newcomers

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David Phelps

David Norris Phelps is an American Christian music vocalist, songwriter, and vocal arranger. He is best known for singing tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band. Phelps is widely respected for his vocal range and has also released several solo albums showcasing his talents.

Certainly one of the greatest voices I have ever heard. Praise be from an old fellow tenor - not as talented as David but still full of love. To sing spiritually is a blessing. Praise be to God, and keep spreading the message of God's love through song.
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NF

Nathan "Nate" John Feuerstein, known by his stage name NF, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Gladwin, Michigan. He is known for his emotionally intense lyrics and a cinematic production style. NF has released several albums, including Mansion, Therapy Session, Perception, The Search... read more

NF is a musical philosopher. Everyone can understand and relate to his lyrics. To me, every word he says is a punchline.
His music helped build my self-esteem.

He is definitely beyond spiritually gifted. He. Is. Amazing. We need more music like his, real and raw stuff we all go through in life.

NF is the most inspirational singer/rapper, not just in Christian music, but in all music! Go check him out!

The Contenders

MercyMe

These men have such a glorious way of sharing God's word with all who hear their profound music! I truly admire how dedicated all of these men are in walking in Christ's footsteps.

I've been a fan of MercyMe for more than a decade (longer than any other band), and they never stop making fascinating, thought-provoking Christian classics!

They wrote and performed the #1 song of the decade, Word of God Speak. They perform powerful, great, amazing songs.
Matthew West

Matthew West changes people's lives all over the world, and I am one of those people. He is my favorite singer, and I vote for him to be in the top ten.
I love Matthew West!

This man's music started me following the Lord. I was scanning the radio stations one day and heard his song. Next thing you know, that was at least 13 years ago.

Matthew deserves to be at the top! His lyrics changed my life, and I'm not the only one.
Group 1 Crew

Words expressed from the hearts of broken souls, words from the streets, words from the Lord, Jesus Christ. Beautiful composition, soulful lyrics, deep rap. The only best urban group.

They have beautiful texts. They are my favorite!

They are so good! I love the songs!
Kutless

Kutless is a Christian rock band from Portland, Oregon, formed in 1999. Since their formation, they have released multiple studio albums and one live album titled Live from Portland. Their music blends elements of alternative rock, worship, and post-grunge, appealing to both Christian and mainstream... read more

Kutless is by far the best Christian band! Their music is incredible!
Red

Red is an American Christian alternative metal and alternative rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. The band was formed in 2002 by brothers Anthony Armstrong, who plays guitar, and Randy Armstrong, who plays bass, along with lead vocalist Michael Barnes. Their music blends orchestral elements with hard... read more

Wow! Just wow! I can't believe Red is at number 8. They should be in the top 3. Before you vote for Skillet or TobyMac, go listen to these songs by Red: Breathe Into Me, Ordinary World, Mystery of You, Never Be the Same, Not Alone, Feed the Machine, and Faceless.
Rapture Ruckus
Jamie Grace

I am a Jamie Grace fan, and I would love to see her in concert. God is her lover, and I wish that God was everyone's lover. I love "Fighter," "With You," "Just a Friend," "Holding On (Isa. 41:10)," "God Girl," "You Lead," "Show Jesus," "Happy Song (based on Psalms 30:5)," "Party Like a Princess," "Come to Me (based on Matthew 11:28)," "One Song at a Time," "1945," "Not Alone (reminds me of Romans 8:18)," "Every Bit of Lovely," and, of course, I could not forget "Beautiful Day."
"Beautiful Day" is an awesome song because it reminds us that God has given us all beautiful days. I also like "Hold Me" featuring TobyMac and "Into Jesus." "Hey you, I'm into Jesus" - Jamie Grace. I love Jamie Grace so much. The Lord has blessed her with a lot of talent, and I am glad that she used her talent to glorify God.
Colton Dixon

Colton Dixon is an American Christian singer-songwriter and musician from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He gained national attention after finishing in seventh place on the eleventh season of American Idol in 2012. Since then, he has released several successful albums and is known for his faith-based music... read more

I've never been much of a Christian music lover, but the first time I heard Colton Dixon's More of You, Less of Me and Fool's Gold, I was instantly hooked. His albums have quite a secular sound, and his songs are very spiritual and thought-provoking.
I own both of his albums, A Messenger and Anchor, and listen to them all the time! If you've never listened to his music, do it - you won't regret it!

My daughter, Leah, is fifteen and loves his music. She is hoping for a Pittsburgh concert at some point. It is awesome to see your teen desire to listen to music with lyrics that edify and speak of life. Colton and his wife are positive role models that a generation can look up to. Thank you.
Jesus Culture

I only listen to praise and worship music, so I enjoy Jesus Culture. Great worship music that I totally blast in my car. One of my favorite artists to listen to.

They have really beautiful songs like "You Won't Relent" - it's simply amazing; "Light of Your Face," "Holy," and so many more.

They have great worship music that so many people can enjoy!
Phil Wickham

I think Phil Wickham should be at the top. He is awesome! He really is a man of his word too. He doesn't just sing Christian music and then stay put.

He has one of the best voices. Man, he can sing!
for KING & COUNTRY

"Proof of Your Love" gave me my favorite scripture quote:
1st Corinthians 13:1-3: "If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's word with power, revealing all of his mysteries and making everything as plain as day, and if I have the faith to say to a mountain 'jump' and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give all I own to the poor or even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, no matter what I believe, no matter what I do, I'm bankrupt without love."

These guys deserve to be first. They're the best group of all time. Their lyrics are amazing, their music is awesome, and their concerts are mind-blowing.
Their song "Priceless" has to be one of the best songs of all time, and the message they're trying to share through it is very admirable.
Natalie Grant

Inspirational, versatile singer that stirs the soul and, as a singer, has been my introduction to Christian music. Now I'm hooked.

She has one of the most amazing and versatile voices I've ever heard.
Flyleaf

Flyleaf is an American rock band formed in Bell County, Texas, in 2002. The band has charted in the mainstream rock, Christian rock, and Christian metal genres.
Lacey Sturm served as the band's lead vocalist from 2002 until her departure in 2012 due to creative differences. Kristen May replaced... read more
Switchfoot

Switchfoot is an American alternative rock band from San Diego, California. The band was formed in 1996 and performs as a quintet. Known for hit singles like Meant to Live and Dare You to Move, Switchfoot has released multiple albums and has a strong following in both Christian and mainstream rock circles... read more

NUMBER 1. Hands down. Fantastic musicians, incredible lyrics, inspiring, challenging, deep, and powerful. They have been my favourite band my entire life, and they don't get old. They don't compromise creativity or follow cliche Christian trends. Each album is different. Going to Bro-Am this year, and I'm stoked.

MUST be FIRST, definitely! Tremendous music! They can't be compared to any other band. They're perfect! My favourite songs are Awakening, Dark Horses, Afterlife, and Your Love Is a Song.

Switchfoot is one of the very few Christian bands that aren't corny, and I really, really love their music.
Icon for Hire

Icon for Hire is an American rock band from Decatur, Illinois, formed in 2007. The band's current members are singer Ariel Bloomer and lead guitarist Shawn Jump. They began their career by independently releasing two EPs before signing with Tooth & Nail Records.... read more