CCM's Top 100
Since its emergence in the late ‘60s as a distinct genre, Christian music has grown dramatically in both influence and economic impact within the recording industry, achieving sales of more than 610 million units. Distinguished by its message rather than its sound, it’s a genre that embraces rock, rap, reggae, hip-hop, pop, country, Latin, metal, folk, and Celtic styling and many other styles of music.
Consider its impact:
- Sales for 2004 are projected at $1 billion. (GMA)
- Gospel sales, representing 7% of all albums sold in 2003, outsold Soundtracks (4.97%), Latin (4.18%), and the combined totals of Jazz and Classical (3.51% and 2.87 respectively). (Nielsen SoundScan)
- For every 10 Country albums sold in the U.S., there are 7 Gospel albums sold. (Nielsen SoundScan)
- Gospel album sales have grown 10% from 42,000,000 units in 1998 to over 47,000,000 units in 2003 while overall music sales experienced a 10% decline over the same period. (Nielsen SoundScan)
- Contemporary Christian music has launched an ever-growing roster of acclaimed artists including Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Kirk Franklin, P.O.D., Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Sixpence None the Richer, MercyMe, Smokie Norful, Stacie Orrico, Switchfoot and more.
“Christian music has become one of the fastest growing genres on today's contemporary music landscape because of the competitive level of artistry and the diversity of styles represented. From rap to rock to country, Christian artists serve up something to satisfy every musical taste, but what most attracts consumers is the hope in the lyrics. It's like a soothing balm to a hurting world,” said Deborah Evans Price, associate editor of Billboard Magazine.
For 26 years, CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) Magazine has provided readers a front-row seat to watch this genre grow. In more than 300 issues, CCM has chronicled the careers of every artist who has made an indelible impression on the industry and on the world. It has charted more albums, reported more events, and pictorially captured more moments than any other publication.
Who better then, to compile a list of the top CCM songs of all time … at least until right now.
So, from among the many thousands of songs recorded and covered in CCM Magazine, CCM’s Top 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music has emerged. A review of radio charts. A quantitative analysis of sales figures. A campaign to gain the expert input of more than 30 industry leaders. And a web-based voting process for fans. All played a part in compiling this one-of-a kind list. Though not necessarily the “biggest” songs of all time in terms of chart ranking or sales performance, these influential songs are touchstones upon which the genre has flourished and diversified.
The result of months of research, this project uniquely focuses on the heart of Christian music—that delicate combination of words, music, artist, and production which results in something unforgettable…even life-changing.
All songs possess an indefinable, yet irrefutable power. They touch us in ways that are nearly impossible to express. They connect with our deepest desires, greatest fears, and most wonderful dreams. Christian music can be unique, speaking to the soul, stirring passions for something bigger, something deeper. CCM’s Top 100 Songs are the best of these.
Some of these 100 songs were recorded by the pioneers of the genre 30 years ago. Others are recent smashes that have had major impact in the general market. Some are the simplest of ballads while others pulsate with the roar of rock anthems. All combine to weave the rich tapestry of the genre. And, every song testifies to the unique impact Contemporary Christian music on hearts and souls. |
