Lately, we've seen a lot of artists shying away from creating more radio-ready Christian pop songs and have witnessed them turning instead to their southern roots. While not all of these artists are making the type of country songs that would land them a spot on CMT, they're still creating music with the southern twang that makes the country genre what it is.
From Anne Wilson to Cory Asbury, our team is highlighting some of our favorite artists who are embracing their southern roots.
Anne Wilson
Anne Wilson burst onto the Christian music scene in 2021 with her debut single "My Jesus," which made waves at Christian radio and followed with her debut able of the same title, earning her GMA Dove Award wins and GRAMMY nominations. To quote a track from her sophomore album, REBEL (which happens to be one of my personal favorite albums of this year), Anne is "made by God and Country."
Anne's roots in faith, Country music, and her Southern upbringing run deep. It's no surprise that her music is the perfect marriage of contemporary Christian and country music. Wilson, who is managed by Contemporary Christian artist Matthew West, announced her record deal with mainstream country music label UMG Nashville in 2023, expanding her ability to reach more people with her message and take new creative steps in her artistry. The choice was inspired by comments she'd heard from some of her fans saying they loved and connected with her music even though they may not share her faith or typically listen to Christian music. As a fan of both Christian and country music, I can say that Anne Wilson is the perfect artist to reach into both spheres, and she does it so well. I know her future is bright.
- Jasmin Patterson
Luke Bower
I first heard Luke Bower's debut EP, Man On Fire, shortly after beginning my second semester of college. My first semester was one of the most challenging seasons of my life, so re-entering college life after winter break felt incredibly daunting. I felt a loneliness I didn't know how to describe--but Luke Bower's EP seemed to describe it for me.
"I want my music to be different and raw, that can touch the heart," Luke shared. "I want to make stuff that can resonate with souls." With songs of deep honesty describing how lonely and challenging being a "man [or woman] on fire" can be, Luke's music quickly resonated with my own soul and gave me inspiration to share the light of Christ even in the darkness.
Although not necessarily a "country" artist in the traditional sense, Luke's songs carry with them the same vulnerable lyrics and southern twang that all country music possesses. (Plus, he's from Texas--I think that alone makes you a little bit country.) In a way, Luke reminds me of a Christian version of Noah Kahan. Luke's music rides along the lines of folk, country, and rock, all while intertwining these genres with captivating poetic lyrics. Luke has quickly become one of my favorite artists, and I'm excited to see what's ahead for him.
- Grace Chaves
Zach Williams
The central theme of Zach Williams' song catalog is the better life found in Jesus, which is beautifully portrayed in his latest full-length album, A Hundred Highways. The album has a country-Christian vibe and includes "Jesus' Fault" with Walker Hayes. I am moved by the exhortation in the bridge of the lead single, "Heart of God," where he sings, "He's not sitting there shaking His head/Writing you off, leaving you lost/He's not sitting there shaking his head/He went to that cross/He went to that cross." Amen to that.
- Kevin Davis
Cory Asbury
After writing one of the most popular worship songs of this decade with "Reckless Love," contemporary artist Cory Asbury has left the Bethel Music label and moved to BEC Recordings (home of artists David Dunn, The Young Escape, and Tasha Layton, among others) where he's releasing his third full-length studio album, Pioneer. Drawing influence from Nashville's country music scene, the new album explores a side of Asbury we have yet to hear while maintaining honest and cutting lyrics that speak to the fragility of the human experience.
Asbury co-wrote with several Nashville hitmakers, including Lori McKenna (Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift), Shane Stevens (Lady A, Walker Hayes), Tom Douglas (Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert), and Paul Mabury (Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin) to create an album that truly showcases his heart as an artist. That country influence paid off as we get a new side of Cory that we haven't heard before yet are very familiar with--honest and transparent lyrics, alongside moments of instrumental reflection, and ultimately touches the soul and reminds us of God's abundant, reckless love for us.
- Kevin McNeese
Ben Fuller
Originally from Southern Vermont, Ben Fuller grew up on his family's dairy farm working alongside his father where he would pass the time by singing to old classic country tunes. Sometime between working on the farm and his time in college, Ben picked up a guitar and started singing, and moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a country singer in late 2018.
Ben's first release, "Who I Am," was an instant hit, as it had a lot of appeal for both country and CCM fans alike. Last fall, his self-titled album emerged with many songs having country undertones like "Grace of God," "Man on Fire," "If I Got Jesus," "Chasing Rebels," "Proud," "Testimony," "He Found Me," "Other Plans," and "He Got a Hold of Me," which features popular country artist Jo Dee Messina. It continues with Ben's latest song "Don't Let Me Forget."
With incredible lyrical range and energy, Ben is just as good during live performances as he is on any of his recorded songs. What I love most about Ben is that he is sincere, credible, powerful, and has a huge heart for God and people. Whether or not he knows it, he has kicked the doors wide open for many other Christian country artists to walk through.
- Tommy G.
Brennley Brown
Committed to her craft since she was only nine years old, audiences may already be familiar with Brennley Brown from her tenure on season 12 of NBC's "The Voice." Making it to the top five when she was 14, People Magazine hailed her as a standout performer and Blake Shelton shared she was an "inspiration for young people."
Now residing in Nashville, she signed with Provident Entertainment/Sony Music, her label home that shares in her sincere love of Jesus, her gift for creating songs with a hopeful message, and an authentic intention to bring a pure, honest spirit to a wide audience.
- Merge PR
Charly Beathard
Joining the movement of Christian artists with country influence, Charly Beathard is an exceptional upcoming artist. She released her first song, "Hallelujah Anyway," in October 2023 with Gotee Records and has since released three more. Her songs find a balance between contemporary hits, country, and worship.
Paired with her beautiful voice, Charly's music has a captivating sound with lyrics that express her genuine passion for Jesus and an unshakeable trust in Him. Since I first discovered her music, I've been able to share her songs with several friends who love country music and have now been impacted by these moving songs.
- Bradden Ford
Emily Faith
We often forget that Christian contemporary and country music are rooted in Nashville, Tennessee, the rhythmic capital of the U.S. So, it's no surprise that artists like Emily Faith merge the two to make an excellent melodic sound. Emily grew up listening to country music, reflected in her music. Her faith in Christ is well represented as well. Take her latest single, "Parking Lots," for example. At her country's best, she praises the Lord: "He makes miracles out of what you've got."
Emily uses a parking lot metaphor to describe that the Lord is everywhere and that he makes holy ground anywhere. She continues: "God's not only with you in a church somewhere/He is near you hearing every dashboard prayer/He's not asking for what you don't have." Lyrically, "Parking Lots" differs from many of today's contemporary Christian or country songs. Great job, Emily.
- Paul Phillips
Assembled from the four corners of North America and many other corners in between, the NRTeam comprises staffers whose energy is equally dispersed towards loving and writing about the music they love.
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