Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music (CCM), also known as Christian pop, and occasionally inspirational music, is a genre of modern popular music, and an aspect of Christian media, which is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christian faith and stylistically rooted in Christian music. Originating in the United States, it was formed by those affected by the 1960s Jesus movement revival who began to express themselves in other styles of popular music, beyond the church music of hymns, gospel and Southern gospel music that was prevalent in the church at the time. Initially referred to as Jesus music, today, the term is typically used to refer to pop, but also includes rock, alternative rock, hip hop, metal, contemporary worship, punk, hardcore punk, Latin, electronic dance music, R&B-influenced gospel, and country styles.
Contemporary Christian music
Late 1960s, United States
It has representation on several music charts, including Billboard's Christian Albums, Christian Songs, Hot Christian AC (Adult Contemporary), Christian CHR, Soft AC/Inspirational, and Christian Digital Songs as well as the UK's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart. Top-selling CCM artists will also appear on the Billboard 200. In the iTunes Store, the genre is represented as part of the Christian and gospel genre[notes 1] while the Google Play Music system labels it as Christian/Gospel.[1]
Modern CCM[edit]
Contemporary Christian music has influences from folk, gospel, pop and rock music.[29] Genres of music such as soft rock, folk rock, alternative, hip-hop, etc. have played a large influence on CCM.[37]
Charismatic churches have had a large influence on contemporary Christian music and are one of the largest producers of CCM. Hillsong Church is one of the many prominent CCM artists.[38] Contemporary Christian music has also expanded into many subgenres.[29] Christian punk, Christian hardcore, Christian metal and Christian hip hop, although not normally considered CCM, can also come under the genre's umbrella.[12] Contemporary worship music is also incorporated in modern CCM. Contemporary worship is both recorded and performed during church services.
In the 2000s, contemporary worship music with a distinctly theological focus has emerged, primarily in the Baptist, Reformed and more traditional non-denominational branches of Protestant Christianity.[39][40] Artists include well-known groups such as Shane & Shane and Hillsong United and modern hymn-writers, Keith & Kristyn Getty[41] as well as others like Sovereign Grace Music,[42] Matt Boswell and Aaron Keyes. The format is gaining traction in many churches[43] and other areas in culture[44] as well as being heard in CCM collections & musical algorithms on several internet streaming services.
