(TGC) I used to be skeptical of Christian music. To some degree I still am, but in recent years I’ve become less curmudgeonly—and more optimistic—about the state of music that might be categorized as “Christian.”
Things shifted when I stopped thinking of “Christian music” mostly in terms of the “industry” (CCM) largely based in Nashville. To be sure, much good still comes out of Nashville! But increasingly the boundaries of quality Christian music are broader—both geographically and stylistically. It’s the more unexpected, daring, authentically soul-stirring stuff that interests me most. And there is a lot of it being released right now.
It’s hard to keep up with music today. There’s so much. It’s so accessible. That’s why curators and lists are helpful. We need to help each other sift through the glut for the gems. It’s in that spirit that I put together this year-end recap of Christian music released in 2021.