7 Christian Bands That Have Gone Mainstream

There have been many Christian bands that have gone mainstream or had hits that topped the Billboard charts. Bands like Owl City and Flyleaf haven’t focus strictly on reaching a Christian audience, but many of the lyrics are focused on God. Amy Grant is one of the original Christian artists who crossed over to a different genre.

Here are seven Christian bands that have gone mainstream.

7. Flyleaf

Lacey Sturm and James Culpepper started playing together and released their first album Flyleaf in 2005. They are not a strictly Christian band, but many of their songs include lyrics about God. They appeal to many genres, including hard rock, Christian pop and Christian metal. In 2009, Flyleaf won a BMI award for “Pop Song Award” for “All Around Me”. Current band members include Kristen May, Sameer Bhattacharya, Pat Seals, James Culpepper and Jared Hartmann.

6. Skillet

The band Skillet is hugely popular in the Christian music world and many of their songs have topped mainstream music charts. John Cooper started the band with former member Ken Steorts and their first album Skillet was released in 1996. Skillet has been nominated for many GMA Dove Awards, a Grammy Award, Billboard Music Award and many others. They have won GMA Dove Awards in 2008 for “Rock Song of the Year” for “Comatose” and 2012 for “Rock Song of the Year” for “Sick of It”. Jen Ledger won the Drummies! Award in 2012 for “Rising Star” and Rise won the Loudwire Music Award for “Album of the Year”, “Rock Album of 2013” and “Best Album” for Rise.

5. Owl City

Adam Young started Owl City and jumped into the mainstream music industry quickly. He didn’t start out exclusively focusing on Christian music, but he has stated that his lyrics are inspired by God. His songs have strongly impacted many people, including a testimony from a girl who decided not to commit suicide. The song “Galaxies” is about finding victory through Christ. Young is interesting because although he is aware of what people think of him being a Christian, he doesn’t get wrapped up in it and moves over so God can move in.

4. The Fray

Although The Fray has never professed to be strictly a Christian band, their music has topped hits on Christian and mainstream charts. Their first album How to Save a Life was released in 2005 and the song “How to Save a Life” won digital album of the year by Billboard Music Awards in 2006. Isaac Slade, Joe King and Ben Wysocki originally formed the band while attending Faith Christian Academy. David Welsh and Wysocki played together in a worship band at church. 

3. Switchfoot

Switchfoot first became successful in the Christian rock world with albums including New Way to Be Human and Learning to Breathe. Four of their songs were included in the 2002 movie A Walk to Remember, including “Only Hope”. They began restructuring the band and moved to Atlanta Records to help move into the mainstream music industry. In 2010 their album Hello Hurricane won a Grammy Award for “Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album”. Some no longer consider Switchfoot as a Christian artist since they do not play exclusively Christian concerts, but they have been able to reach a huge audience by changing their focus. Members Jon Foreman, Chad Butler, Jerome Fontamillas, Tim Foreman and Drew Shirley support many causes, including ONE Campaign, Invisible Children and To Write Love on Her Arms.

2. P.O.D. (Payable on Death)

P.O.D. began as a Christian metal band and they became hugely popular with their album Satellite. Their music was quickly picked up in the mainstream music world with MTV rating their single “Alive” as one of top videos played. P.O.D. has reflected on what’s happening in culture, such as the Youth of the Nation album following the shootings at Granite Hills High School, Santana High School and Columbine High School. In 2011 P.O.D. headlined Spring Jam Fest. P.O.D. has continued to sing Christian-based lyrics in many of their songs and a widespread audience loves their unique metal style.

1. Amy Grant

Before Amy Grant became a legend in country music, she was a Christian music star who began in 1977. Hits included “El Shaddai,” “Sing Your Praise to the Lord,” “Angels” and “Old Man’s Rubble.” Grant won Grammy Awards for “Best Gospel Performance” five years in a row. She also won numerous GMA Dove “Awards for Artist of the Year”, “Recorded Music Packaging”, “Country Song of the Year” and in many other categories. In 1985 Grant released the album Unguarded to break into country music. Amy Grant has continued to sing about her relationship with God on her albums. Her last album How Mercy Looks from Here was released in 2013.

I like many Christian artists, but there are also various mainstream songs and bands I like.  What other Christian bands successful in hard rock, metal, country and other mainstream genres?

Article by Elise Cleary

I am a Christian writer and editor that lives in northern Michigan and thoroughly enjoy music, movies, TV shows, books and other entertainment with a Christian focus. My favorite song is "Oceans" by Hillsong United because it reminds me that has big plans for me and everyone else who puts their trust in Him. There are many movies that have impacted my life, but a few include God's Not Dead, The Shunning and Letters to God. I also write for www.faithandentertainment.com and love connecting with readers, so please don't hesitate to contact me! When I'm not writing I enjoy watching movies and laughing with my busy toddler and husband.