Two years ago, I wrote an article about all the unexpected collaborations between Christian and mainstream artists. At the time, these mainstream collaborations were a new thing in the Christian music industry--we had hardly seen any until around 2021.
Previously, there had been such a divide between "the sacred and secular." It was rare to see Christian artists step into the mainstream space and vice versa. But now, it's more common than ever to see artists like for KING + COUNTRY, Cory Asbury, Anne Wilson, and more collaborate with artists from different backgrounds and genres.
In my first article, I shared a quote from A.W. Tozer that bears repeating: "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."
Artists are breaking down the walls between these sacred and secular divides we've designed, and it's beautiful to see. These artists are joining their talents to create art. And I believe that art--art that is good and promotes human flourishing--is itself inherently Christian. Because of that, there should be no divides.
for KING + COUNTRY feat. Lee Brice, "Checking In"
Lately, there's been a surge in Christian artists collaborating with country musicians. So it wasn't much of a surprise when the Aussie brothers of for KING + COUNTRY collaborated with Lee Brice. Although "Checking In" wasn't featured in for KING + COUNTRY's latest feature film, Unsung Hero, it made the cut for the Unsung Hero (The Inspired by Soundtrack).
The heartfelt song beautifully intertwines the Aussie brother's vocals with Lee Brice's southern twang. Hearing for KING + COUNTRY sing along to a country tune brought back memories of that time Joel Smallbone portrayed a country singer alongside Billy Ray Cyrus. Anyone else remember that?
Forrest Frank feat. Connor Price, "Up"
Forrest Frank has become an unexpected internet sensation, and we recently shared an article about the success he's had. As an independent artist, he has been breaking some records. Within the first week of the release of his debut Christian album, it became #1 on iTunes in all genres. And to add fuel to the fire, he just released a new song with Tori Kelly--not to mention he already has 2.7 million followers on Instagram. Needless to say, Forrest is an artist to keep an eye on.
While Forrest has already collaborated with many popular artists, one of his most impressive collaborations was with hip-hop artist Connor Price. Together, they released "Up," which is now his #1 song on Spotify with over 44 million streams.
Forrest is an artist who's breaking down walls between Christian and mainstream music, and we're here for it. Who's to say what's next? At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if he teamed up with Taylor Swift. Just sayin'.
Switchfoot feat. Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, "Dare You To Move"
You know who collaborated with Taylor Swift back in the day? Switchfoot's lead vocalist, Jon Foreman. Well, kind of. On Taylor's 2011 Speak Now Tour, Jon sang "Meant To Live" with her in Phoenix. (There's video proof!) Regardless of the extent of their "collaboration," Switchfoot has never been a band to shy away from mainstream support. Apple Music describes them as "straddling the worlds of alternative rock and Christian music." They proved this last year when they released the deluxe edition of The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version).
Reimagining hit songs from their 2003 album, The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) features bands like Relient K, Colony House, Jonas Brothers, Dayglow, and more. Each band was tasked to put their unique spin on Switchfoot songs, with vocals and mastering done on their own. However, one of my favorite songs on the album happens to be the only song Jon's vocals are featured on; "Dare You To Move" featuring Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.
Rather than independently reimagining "Dare You To Move," Ryan Tedder got some help from Jon, and together, the two recreated one of Switchfoot's most iconic songs. Over the years, "Dare You To Move" has gotten various re-recordings to fit radio and new albums. But this version might be my favorite--Ryan and Jon's vocals work so well together, and it hits just as hard as it did when it first came out.
Ryan Stevenson feat. Deana Carter, "Rich"
Deana Carter rose to success in the late 90s, quickly becoming a country music star. However, it's been 11 years since the release of her last album. Although she's re-released some of her popular tracks, recording "Rich" with Ryan Stevenson marks the first time in a while that she's released new songs.
Ryan explained that after he wrote "Rich," he felt like it needed to be a duet. After asking God for a sign of who he should ask, he was invited to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. Deana was also part of the show that night, so it became clear he needed to ask her. The rest became history, leaving us with a timeless soon-to-be country classic.
NEEDTOBREATHE feat. Jordan Davis, "Among Friends"
While NEEDTOBREATHE tends to lean on the rock side of music, they've always had a bit of a country flare. Lately, they've been tapping even more into their South Carolina roots with features on CMT and their most recent collaboration with country superstar Jordan Davis.
Best known for his song "Buy Dirt," NEEDTOBREATHE recorded a version of Jordan's hit song while he recorded a version of NEEDTOBREATHE's song "Banks." They put the two songs together on a small EP called Among Friends. "Buy Dirt" has been one of my favorite country songs for a while, so hearing Bear Rinehart's emotive vocals on this track makes it even more special. Whether you're a Jordan Davis or NEEDTOBREATHE fan, these songs are worth a listen.
An article about mainstream collaborations would feel incomplete without mentioning a song featuring Dolly Parton. Although Dolly has focused her career on country music, I think she could be considered an honorary member of CCM at this point. The trend began when for KING + COUNTRY featured her on their song "God Only Knows" and continued with Zach Williams's "There Was Jesus" and Natalie Grant's "Step By Step." The legend is back alongside Blessing Offor on "Somebody's Child."
Speaking about the collaboration, Blessing said, "We're all 'somebody's child.' It's such a simple concept, but I hope it's the beginning of us all realizing that there's always a point of empathy, there's always common ground if we want to find it. And there's no better embodiment of finding common ground, finding relatability, than Dolly Parton. I'm so honored and humbled to have her on this project."
Anne Wilson feat. Lainey Wilson, "Praying Woman"
Anne Wilson and Lainey Wilson have something in common, but it's not just their last names. They're both dominating their respective genres. Anne Wilson took Christian music by storm in 2021 with the release of her hit song "My Jesus," while Lainey Wilson rose to success in 2019 when her music was featured in Yellowstone. Now, the two rising artists have come together for their song "Praying Woman."
Their country vocals tie together for a faith-based song about "the power of a praying woman." Their voices work so well together that I wouldn't be surprised if Anne and Lainey collaborate again as both continue to rise to success.
Hulvey feat. Ciara, "Altar (Remix)"
One of the biggest surprises this year in Christian music was Hulvey's collaboration with R&B superstar Ciara on a remix of "Altar." Although the song was only recently released, it's already seen huge success. In only two weeks, the remix garnered over 400k streams on Spotify alone.
"It was really important to me to be able to use my platform to share this song, because I believe songs like 'Altar' have the opportunity to inspire, instill hope in people, and spread love!" Ciara said in an exclusive article with PEOPLE Magazine. "This is honestly one [of] my favorite features I've ever been a part of!"
Cory Asbury feat. Dylan Scott, "Until We Meet Again"
This article is ending the same way it began--with another country music collaboration. Dylan Scott has quickly become a familiar name in Christian music circles since the release of his collaboration with Jason Crabb on "Good Morning Mercy." Now, he's back with a collaboration with Cory Asbury.
Cory is another artist who has always maintained a bit of country flare in his music. Although most of his tracks are radio-ready worship songs, others have been more country-centered lately. "Until We Meet Again," featuring Dylan Scott, is the perfect example of this. The heartfelt lyrics alongside Cory and Dylan's vocals make this an unforgettable song you'll want to have on repeat.
Grace Chaves is NRT's News Editor. She's been part of NewReleaseToday since 2019 and is continuing her journey by majoring in Multimedia Journalism at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.
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