Lately, there's been a huge uprise in Christian musicians collaborating with artists in the mainstream rock, pop, and country genres. Music is the universal language, and artists have been working together to deliver words and melodies that are inspiring people all over the world.
There have been unexpected collaborations between Christian pop veteran TobyMac and rock icon Sheryl Crow, Christian rockers NEEDTOBREATHE and country star Carrie Underwood, as well as pop star Justin Bieber and gospel artist Chandler Moore. And there are others.
In our world, there's a lot of hate and division. But these artists are proving that unity is possible. No matter their background or religious views, these artists are working together to create beautiful and uplifting music. To quote the famous author and pastor A.W. Tozer, "It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular; it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart, and he can thereafter do no common act." Today, we're going to take a look at eight songs that are breaking down the walls between the sacred and the secular.
Tauren Wells and H.E.R., "Hold Us Together"
In March 2021, contemporary artist Tauren Wells and R&B artist H.E.R. collaborated on the hit single, "Hold Us Together." The duo also collaborated on a creative music video that has garnered over four million views on YouTube. The song is an assuring reminder that God is always with us, and He's the one holding us together.
Although Tauren Wells typically releases pop-inspired songs, "Hold Us Together" could easily be used as a worship song. Tauren's collaboration with H.E.R. was one of the biggest collabs of 2021.
"You're the keeper, protector/It is You that holds us together/When everything else fails us/It is You that holds us together."
Riley Clemmons and Lauren Alaina, "Over And Over"
Young artist Riley Clemmons is known for her impeccable vocals and pop songs, and Lauren Alaina is a huge influence in the country genre. Together, they released a beautiful new version of Riley's hit song, "Over And Over." Their voices blend so well together, giving the song a harmonious feel.
This isn't the first time Lauren has collaborated with a Christian artist. In May 2020, Lauren was featured on contemporary icon Steven Curtis Chapman's COVID-19 pandemic-inspired song, "Together (We'll Get Through This)," alongside country artist Brad Paisley and gospel artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard. There's something special about artists coming together to create music, and Lauren Alaina has been right in the middle of that.
"But somehow You choose me over and over again, over and over again/You keep running to me/No matter where I am, over and over again."
Lauren Daigle and AHI, "Hold On To Me"
In 2021, Christian pop superstar Lauren Daigle released a beautiful duet with Canadian singer/songwriter AHI. They recorded a new rendition of Lauren's song "Hold On To Me," a hit that is still making a huge impact on Christian radio. I wasn't familiar with AHI until he collaborated with Lauren. But his deep vocals add quality to an already well-done song.
Besides her work with AHI, Lauren also recently collaborated with producer/singer Petey Martin on the song, "Come Back Home." I love seeing Lauren branch out and work with artists of various genres. "Hold On To Me" and "Come Back Home" are great examples of her creative abilities.
"Hold on to me when it's too dark to see You/When I am sure I have reached the end/Hold on to me when I forget I need You/When I let go, hold me again."
Justin Bieber, Chandler Moore, and Tori Kelly, "Where Do I Fit In"
Pop icon Justin Bieber is very outspoken about his faith--even more so recently. Last year, the artist released his Easter EP, Freedom. The six-track release offers an inside look at Justin's belief in Jesus and the freedom that he's found in Him. For the EP, Justin collaborated with many artists: gospel artist Chandler Moore and pop artist Tori Kelly, to name a few. With the two previously mentioned artists, Justin released the stirring ballad, "Where Do I Fit In." The song captures the deep love our maker, Jesus Christ, freely gives us, and the song features a spoken word by famous pastor Judah Smith. I hope that this song from Justin Bieber is the first of many new collaborations with other Christian musicians.
"When I'm all alone, and fear is all I see/Sitting in the silence with these insecurities/It's then You remind me You're holding me tight/And You love me completely/You're always by my side, and You say to me, it'll be alright."
Zach Williams and Dolly Parton, "There Was Jesus"
Country veteran Dolly Parton has certainly been making her way into a lot of songs in the Christian genre lately. She was featured on the pop band for KING & COUNTRY's smash hit, "God Only Knows," and more recently, contemporary artist Zach Williams' hit, "There Was Jesus." Some songs need some talented female vocals, and Dolly Parton provided those vocals for "There Was Jesus." Dolly has been making music for over 60 years and has frequently shared how important her faith is to her. This historic collaboration will be remembered for years to come.
"Every minute, every moment/Where I've been and where I'm going/Even when I didn't know it or couldn't see it/There was Jesus."
Lecrae and John Legend, "Drown"
Is it weird to say R&B superstar John Legend is a "legend"? Oh well, I'm saying it anyway. John Legend is, indeed, a legend. So it was pretty exciting when Christian hip-hop superstar Lecrae dropped the hit single, "Drown," featuring John Legend. I'm not a big fan of hip-hop music, but "Drown" is one of my favorite songs in this genre. The song is a catchy mix of pop and hip-hop, and John's voice lends itself so well. I guess you could say that this collaboration was legendary. Okay, I'll stop.
"Tell me that you'll never let me down/Down/'Cause you're my final breath before I drown/Drown."
NEEDTOBREATHE and Carrie Underwood, "I Wanna Remember"
There are some moments in life that we want to stay in forever. Maybe for you, it's a vacation you took or a memory you have from when you were young. When things get tough, you look back at that short moment and get transported to a time when things were simpler. Somehow, NEEDTOBREATHE and Carrie Underwood captured that emotion in a song. Last year, they released their collaborative song, "I Wanna Remember."
Carrie is a force in the country music world, and NEEDTOBREATHE shares a similar country sound. Together, they released a beautiful and reflective song. They were even featured on the CMT Music Awards; check out their performance here.
"I wanna memorize you, wanna stay here forever/'Cause I/I take a picture in my mind, so we're always together/'Cause I wanna remember."
TobyMac and Sheryl Crow, "Promised Land"
Christian pop icon TobyMac's collaboration with rocker Sheryl Crow was unexpected. But their rendition of TobyMac's "Promised Land" is already taking Christian radio by storm. Toby released the original version in September 2021, and to kick off 2022, he released this new version featuring Sheryl Crow.
Sheryl has been making music for years songs have been featured on both TV shows and movies. This collaboration was an amazing one to see. I look forward to hearing other new collaborations between Christian and mainstream artists in 2022.
"Through all these seasons, I'm still believin'/You're my promised land/In all my grievin' I'm still believin'/You're my promised land."
Grace Chaves has been a fan of all things Christian music since 2016. She is NRT's news editor, and one of NRT's youngest writers. Homeschooled, Grace is an author, loves Jesus, concerts, and road trips.
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