Contemporary Christian music (CCM) is a genre of modern popular music that is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christian faith and stylistically rooted in Christian music. It is also known as Christian pop or inspirational music. CCM has representation on several music charts, including Billboards Christian Albums, Christian Songs, Hot Christian AC (Adult Contemporary), Christian CHR, Soft AC/Inspirational, and Christian Digital Songs as well as the UKs Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart. Top-selling CCM artists will also appear on the Billboard 200. In the iTunes Store, the genre is represented as part of the Christian and gospel genre while the Google Play Music system labels it as Christian/Gospel.
CCM has certain themes and messages behind the songs and their lyrics, including praise and worship, faith, encouragement, and prayer. These songs also focus on themes of devotion, inspiration, redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. Many people listen to contemporary Christian music for comfort through tough times. The lyrics and messages conveyed in CCM songs have had varied, positive Christian messages over the decades.
CCM has an interesting history, dating back to the turbulent 1960s. In the beginning, the idea of CCM was to incorporate newer instruments and musical styles into worship services, including electric guitars and drums. The most obvious characteristic of CCM is the themes that are explored through the lyrics, such as patience, love, worship, and the power of God. The delivery of those messages is done through a few means, including vocals and repetition in the lyrics for the music.
In summary, CCM is a genre of modern popular music that is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christian faith and stylistically rooted in Christian music. It has certain themes and messages behind the songs and their lyrics, including praise and worship, faith, encouragement, and prayer. CCM has an interesting history, dating back to the turbulent 1960s, and has characteristics such as the exploration of themes through lyrics and the use of repetition in the music.
