Top Christian Rock Bands

Abandon

The Texas rockers known as Abandon formed after brothers Josh and Justin Engler moved from their home state of Indiana during high school and met cousins Dave and Stevan Vela at church. The group played worship together but soon felt a calling to write original music and put more purpose into their performances. Their new sound caught the attention of EMI CMG Director of A&R Chris York, who signed Abandon to Forefront Records after hearing them playing next door to the restaurant he was eating dinner in.

Abandon Members

• Josh Engler - vocals
• Justin Engler - guitar
• Dave Vela - drums
• Stevan Vela - guitar
• Bryan Fowler - bass

Abandon Starter Songs

• "Talk to Me" (Purchase/Download)
• "Your Love Goes On" (Purchase/Download)

Abandon Music Videos

• "Feel It In Your Heart"
• "Hold On"

Audio Adrenaline

After 15-years of sold out concerts, three million albums sold, 18 No. 1 radio hits and several GRAMMY and Dove award nominations and wins, Audio Adrenaline retired in 2007 due to lead singer Mark Stuart's vocal problems. However, in 2012, Will McGinniss reformed the group with a new line-up and a new lead singer - none other than Kevin Max of dcTalk fame. Kevin stayed at the helm of the group until 2014 and was then replaced by Adam Agee (Stellar Kart). Under Adam's leadership, a whole new face of AudioA came to the forefront with a whole new line-up. 

Audio Adrenaline Members

• Adam Agee – lead vocals
• Dave Stovall – bass guitar, vocals
• Brandon Bagby – guitar, vocals
• Jack Campbell – drums

Audio Adrenaline Starter Songs

• "Goodbye" (Purchase/Download)
• "Hands And Feet" (Purchase/Download)
• "Get Down" (Purchase/Download)
• "King" (Purchase/Download)
• "Pierced" (Purchase/Download)

Audio Adrenaline Music Videos

• "Get Down"
• "Hands And Feet"
• "Ocean Floor"
• "Some Kind Of Zombie"

Building 429

Just like their name, which comes from Ephesians 4:29 (Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. - AMP), the members of Building 429 are all about building people up with their music. After over a decade of music, that's a lot of building.

Building 429 Members

• Jason Roy - vocals, guitar, keys
• Michael Anderson - drums
• Jesse Garcia - guitar, keys
• Aaron Branch - bass

Building 429 Starter Songs

• "End Of Me" (Purchase/Download)
• "Bring Me Back" (Purchase/Download)
• "Searching For A Savior" (Purchase/Download)
• "Shoulder" (Purchase/Download)

Building 429 Music Videos

• "Always"
• "Listen To The Sound"
• "Right Beside You "
• "Where I Belong"

Falling Up

Based out of Albany, OR, Falling Up came about while the guys were still in high school. As providence would have it, they were friends with the members of Kutless and it was actually Kutless who pitched them to BEC Recordings owner, Brandon Ebel, who eventually went on to sign them in the summer of 2003.

They debuted on February 24, 2004, with Crashings. The release sold over 3,000 units in its first week. Since then, the band has released six more CDs. In 2015, the band will release their final album.

Falling Up Members

• Jessy C. Ribordy - Vocals, Keys, Guitar
• Jeremy Miller - Bass, Keys
• Josh Shroy - Drums
• Nick Lambert - Guitar

Falling Up Starter Songs

• "Contact" (Purchase/Download)
• "Goddess Of The Dayspring, Am I" (Purchase/Download)
• "Bittersweet" (Purchase/Download)

Falling Up Music Videos

• "Broken Heart"
• "Escalates"
• "Hotel Aquarium"

Family Force 5

For almost 20 years, the Old's brothers and their friends have been rockin' fans. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, the 5-piece band delivers their own brand of "crunk rock" to Christian and mainstream listeners all over the world.

Family Force 5 Members

• Jacob Olds (Crouton) - Drums & Vocals
• Joshua Olds (Fatty) - Bass & Vocals
• Derek Mount (Chap Stique) - Guitar
• Nathan Currin (Nadaddy) - Keys

Family Force 5 Music Videos

• "BZRK"
• "Chainsaw"
• "Cray Button"
• "Get On Outta Here"
• "Never Let Me Go"
• "Sweep The Leg"
• "Wobble"
• "Zombie"

Hawk Nelson

After growing up listening to bands like TFK, MXPX, and Slick Shoes, the members of Hawk Nelson took their lifelong love of pop/punk music on the road after forming in 2003. Tooth & Nail Records snatched them up in 2004 and they haven't looked back since.

Hawk Nelson Members

• Jonathon Steingard - lead vocals/guitar (took over lead vocals when Jason Dunn left in May 2012)
• Daniel Biro - bass
• Justin Benner - drums

Hawk Nelson Starter Songs

• "Everything You Ever Wanted" (Purchase/Download)
• "Bring 'Em Out" (Purchase/Download)
• "Done Holding On" (Purchase/Download)

Hawk Nelson Music Videos

• "California"
• "Crazy Love"
• "Every Little Thing"
• "Letters to the President"
• "Live Life Loud"
• "Words"

Jars of Clay

The members of the Grammy Award-winning Jars of Clay met at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois in the early 1990s. Four years later, after winning a GMA contest, they left school and took up music full time, eventually signing with Essential Records. The relationship with the label lasted until 2007 when they formed their own label, Gray Matters and partnered with Nettwerk Music Group.

Jars of Clay Members

• Dan Haseltine - vocals/percussion
• Charlie Lowell - keys
• Stephen Mason - guitar/bass
• Matthew Odmark - guitar

Jars of Clay Starter Songs

• "Dead Man (Carry Me)" (Purchase/Download)
• "Work" (Purchase/Download)
• "God Will Lift Up Your Head" (Purchase/Download)

Jars of Clay Music Videos

• "Flood"
• "Good Monsters"
• "Love Came Down At Christmas"
• "Work"

Kutless

With over two million records sold and hundreds of shows played in several countries to over 1.6 million fans so far, Kutless proves beyond doubt that you can mix Christian rock with worship and be successful.

Kutless Starter Songs:

• "Somewhere In The Sky" (Purchase/Download)
• "Smile" (Acoustic) (Purchase/Download)
• "Somewhere In The Sky" (Acoustic) (Purchase/Download)

Kutless Music Videos

• "Carry Me To The Cross"
• "Run"
• "Shut Me Out"
• "What Faith Can Do"

NEEDTOBREATHE

Hailing from a small town in South Carolina, brothers Bo and Bear grew up sons of an Assembly of God pastor and a piano teacher, putting God and music at the forefront of their lives. With twp lifelong friends, they formed NeedToBreathe in 1999. After playing regionally for a few years, they caught the attention of Atlantic Records, getting signed in 2006. Their first Dove win was in 2009.

NEEDTOBREATHE Members

• Bear Rinehart – lead vocals, guitar, keys
• Bo Rinehart – lead guitar, banjo, synthesizer, backing vocals
• Seth Bolt – bass, mandolin, backing vocals
• Joe Stillwell – drums, backing vocals

NEEDTOBREATHE Starter Songs

• "Garden" (Purchase/Download)
• "Go Tell It On The Mountain" (Purchase/Download)
• "Lay 'Em Down" (Purchase/Download)

NEEDTOBREATHE Music Videos

• "Girl Named Tennessee"
• "Something Beautiful"
• "Washed By The Water"

Newsboys

The News was formed in Australia in 1985 by Sean Taylor, John James, Peter Furler, and George Perdikis. After signing with Refuge Communications and coming to the United States in late 1987, they changed their name to Newsboys to avoid conflict with Huey Lewis and the News.

Three albums and line-up changes later, the band finally gained notice in the Christian music scene and went on to become one of the best-selling Christian music artists of the past 20 years.

Newsboys Members

• Michael Tait - vocals
• Duncan Phillips - drums
• Jeff Frankenstein - keys/bass
• Jody Davis - guitar

Newsboys Starter Songs

• "Beautiful Sound" (Remix version) (Purchase/Download)
• "Blessed Be Your Name" (Purchase/Download)
• "Breathe" (Purchase/Download)

Newsboys Music Videos

• "Born Again" 
• "God's Not Dead"
• "Miracles"
• "Shine"
• "Something Beautiful"
• "That's How You Change The World"
• "We Believe"

Relient K

Since 1998, the Canton, Ohio rockers know as Relient K have been performing on both Christian and mainstream stages all over the world, selling over 2 million albums and hitting RIAA Gold.

Relient K Members

• Matthew Thiessen - vocals
• Matthew Hoopes - guitar
• Dave Douglas - drums

Relient K Starter Songs

• "Curl Up And Die" (Purchase/Download)
• "Pressing On" (Purchase/Download)
• "Everything Will Be" (Purchase/Download)

Relient K Music Videos

• "Be My Escape"
• "The Best Thing"
• "Who I Am Hates Who I've Been"

Remedy Drive

The four-piece rock band from Lincoln, Nebraska was formed by brothers - David, Philip, Pau and Daniel Zach. They starting playing in college and performed more than 200 shows as indies. Their 2005 indie release, Rip Open the Skies, sold more than 20,000 copies, getting the attention of Word. They were signed in April of 2008. Three years later, David announced that his brothers were leaving the band to spend more time at home.

Remedy Drive Members

• David Zach - vocals, keys, guitar
• Corey Horn - bass
• Dave Mohr - guitar
• Timmy Jones - drums

Remedy Drive Starter Songs

• "Guide You Home" (Purchase/Download)
• "What Happens (At The End)" (Purchase/Download)
• "Daylight" (Purchase/Download)

Remedy Drive Music Videos

• "Daylight"

Sanctus Real

The Ohio-based quartet hit the ground running after three indie releases by beating out 75 other hopefuls to win a Best Band contest sponsored by a top commercial radio station. They took it to the national scene by going to GMA Week in Nashville and handing out CDs to everyone in the industry they could find. Sparrow Records picked them up and their national debut hit stores in 2002.

Sanctus Real Members

• Matt Hammitt - vocals, guitar
• Chris Rohman - guitar
• Pete Prevost – guitar
• Dan Gartley – bass
• Mark Graalman – drums

Sanctus Real Starter Songs

• "Better Than This" (Purchase/Download)
• "Closer" (Purchase/Download)
• "Everything About You" (Purchase/Download)
• "The Face Of Love" (Purchase/Download)
• "Audience of One" (Purchase/Download)

Sanctus Real Music Videos

• "Forgiven"
• "I'm Not Alright"
• "Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly)"

Satellites & Sirens

When Geoff Hunker moved to Nashville and started working with a producer, he knew it was time to form a band so off to Craigslist he went! Out of all of the responses, one musician (a drummer) really stood out both as a musician and as a friend. Even better, he had friends who played guitar and bass. The four clicked and Satellites & Sirens was born. The band signed with Word Records in 2009 and saw their full-length debut hit stores in 2010.

Satellites & Sirens Members

• Geoff Hunker - lead vocals
• Jonathan Dimmel - drums
• David Troyer - guitar
• Brandon Owens - bass/synth

Satellites & Sirens Starter Songs

• "All The Same" (Purchase/Download)
• "Hello, Don't Go" (Purchase/Download)
• "Anchor" (Purchase/Download)

Satellites & Sirens Music Videos

• "Anchor"
• "Awkward"
• "Breaking The Noise"
• "Come On"
• "Let It Go"
• "Make A Mess"
• "Take Me Back"
• "Take My Hand"

Switchfoot

Switchfoot, known originally as Chin Up, was formed in 1996 in San Diego, CA. They signed with Charlie Peacock's label (re:think) a year later. A move to Columbia Records in 2003 set them up for mainstream distribution and they have successfully navigated both Christian and secular markets since. Eight Dove Awards later, they are living proof that it can be done without compromising your faith.

Switchfoot Members

• Jon Foreman - vocals, guitar
• Tim Foreman - bass
• Chad Butler - drums
• Jerome Fontamillas - keys, backup guitar
• Andrew Shirley - guitar

Switchfoot Starter Songs

• "Adding To The Noise" (Purchase/Download)
• "Awakening" (Purchase/Download)
• "Concrete Girl" (Purchase/Download)
• "The Economy Of Mercy" (Purchase/Download)

Switchfoot Music Videos

• "Always"
• "Dare You To Move"
• "Happy Is a Yuppie Word"
• "Mess Of Me"
• "The Blues"
• "The Original"
• "We Are One Tonight"

The Fray

This Denver-based band formed in 2002 after former Faith Christian Academy schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King ran into each other at a music store. Jam sessions expanded into a full band and airplay on Denver's KTCL radio station helped garner attention from Sony/Epic Records who signed them in 2004.

Not marketed as a "Christian band," the members all feel like God called them to the secular arena to speak a language everyone (not just church members) can understand.

The Fray Members

• Isaac Slade - vocals/piano
• Ben Wysocki - drums
• Joe King - guitar
• Dave Welsh - guitar

The Fray Starter Songs

• "Love Don't Die" (Purchase/Download)
• "You Found Me" (Purchase/Download)
• "How To Save A Life" (Purchase/Download)

The Fray Music Videos

• "How to Save a Life"
• "Never Say Never"
• "Over My Head (Cable Car)"
• "You Found Me"

Third Day

When Mac Powell and Mark Lee started Third Day back in 1991 (Tai Anderson and David Carr joined in 93), they were right of out college and still holding down day jobs. They had a van, a dream and a passion for music. Chances are pretty good that they had no idea that Billboard magazine would eventually call them "not only one of the best Christian bands of the '90s but one of the best rock bands, period."

Third Day Members

• Mac Powell - vocals
• Mark Lee - guitar
• David Carr - drums
• Tai Anderson - bass

Third Day Starter Songs

• "The Victory" (Purchase/Download)
• "Tunnel" (Purchase/Download)
• "Have Mercy" (Purchase/Download)
• "Revelation" (Live version) (Purchase/Download)
• "Agnus Dei/Worthy" (Purchase/Download)
• "Believe" (Purchase/Download)

Third Day Music Videos

• "Children Of God"
• "Cry Out To Jesus"
• "Lift Up Your Face"
• "Revelation"
• "You Make Me Mad"
• "Your Love Oh Lord"

Todd Agnew

Todd Agnew didn't set out to be a "rock star" when he saved up and booked time at Ardent studios. He just wanted to record some material that was different than what he had been doing in church, but God had other plans. Dana Key heard him and fell in love with his music and his voice because it demanded his attention. Four albums later Todd is still demanding attention and he's not a bit afraid to ask the tough questions or admit that he doesn't have all of the answers (but he knows the one who does!)

Todd Agnew Starter Songs

• "Least of These" (Purchase/Download)
• "Lovers In Our Heads" (Purchase/Download)
• "Still Has A Hold" (Purchase/Download)

BarlowGirl - Gone But Not Forgotten

Christian Music's biggest breakthrough band and the best-selling new artist of 2004 is made up of three sisters from Elgin, Illinois. The Barlows live, work, worship and make incredible music together.

For two years the Barlow sisters acted as the backup band for their dad and traveled the country. They decided to form their own band and were picked up by Fervent Records in October of 2003. Rebecca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow have come a long way since then and continue to rock us with their passion for Christ.

BarlowGirl Members

• Rebecca - guitar, background vocals
• Alyssa - bass, keyboards, vocals
• Lauren - drums, vocals

BarlowGirl Starter Songs

• "I Believe In Love" (Purchase/Download)
• "Million Voices" (Purchase/Download)

BarlowGirl Music Videos

• "Beautiful Ending"
• "Grey"
• "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)"
• "I Need You to Love Me"
• "Sing Me a Love Song"

DecembeRadio - Gone But Not Forgotten

At the age of 12, Brian Bunn and Josh Reedy started playing music together. After high school, they met guitarist Eric Miker and grew a little more. Boone Daughdrill rounded out the group when he came in to play drums for a set of shows and they clicked so well, they decided to keep him. Bursting into the music scene as Slanted Records' flagship band in 2006, DecembeRadio's debut album got a Grammy nod and won them a Dove. They haven't slowed down since.

DecembeRadio Members

• Josh Reedy - vocals/bass
• Brian Bunn - lead guitar
• Eric Miker - guitar
• Boone Daughdrill (left in October 2010) - drums

DecembeRadio Starter Songs

• "Be Alright" (Purchase/Download)
• "Better Man" (Purchase/Download)
• "Live And Breathe" (Purchase/Download)

DecembeRadio Music Videos

• "Gasoline"
• "Look For Me"