RELIGIOUS

Encouraging a positive atmosphere, self-love, and growth, Religious (Christian, that is) music, for a long time, has been known to cause an “uplifting of the spirit” for anyone, whether the person is religious or not. There are a couple different sub-genres or branches of religious music (Contemporary Christian, Christian Rock, Gospel, etc), so it is difficult to describe it as a whole genre. Though contemporary religious music may find its roots in early Gregorian chant, Gospel music can be said to have sprouted from or be partners along with Rhythm&Blues sound (thus creating much controversy among traditional religious followers).

Contemporary
Contemporary Christian music currently represented by artists such as Avalon, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Amy Grant, and Jars of Clay, is “lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith.” This branch of Christian music became popular after a 1970’s “Jesus Movement” revival, and its sound sprouted from that of rock and roll. It's appeal is more to a white majority, and the elderly. This music, personally, owns most of its potency within its lyrics. In order for me to be touched by Contemporary Christian music, the words have to be unique, original, and own a connection to me - provide some type of relation to the words. I have noticed that it is not so much the vocalists sound that causing a church crowd to "jump for joy" but rather the words.

Gospel
Gospel music, "Written to express either personal or communal belief regarding Christian life (wikipedia)," can provide an alternative to mainstream secular music" Its most powerful instrument is found in the vocals. The stronger the vocals, the more intense the music is. Not many words have to go in to the song - a simple "Yeeeeeeessss, yeeeeeeees, yeeeees," as in Shekinah Glory's Say Yes can move an audience, if the vocals command them too.

The Devil's Doing?
Many traditionalists do not agree with the modern day gospel music, claiming that it is derived from the secular music -mostly R&B and HipHop. Gospel artists have argued that they are simply trying to reach out and connect with the younger generations who enjoy the beats and rhythms of the secular sound. However, traditionalists argue that the devil does not belong in the church. Modern-day gospel artists have worked together with many secular artists. Kirk Franklin is considered to be the leader of the urban contemporary gospel choirs and the initiator of the convergence of secular artist in gospel music. On some of Franklin's albums you find the voices of Cheryl James (from Salt-n-Pepa), R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Stevey Wonder, Jill Scott, BoyzIIMen, and a few others. Gospel artist J.Moss has sung with Neo-Soul/R&B artist Anthony Hamilton and Mary Mary has recently released a song called "Superfriend" with rapper David Banner. There are blogs all over the web relating their concerns with religious musical crossovers and what it means to be a true Christian.
In Craig Lewis' "Exodus to Egypt" video, he describes how many people walked out on Patti LaBelle's performance at a Gospel awards show, due to her past performance, her musical genre, and (if I'm correct) the way she dressed. Lewis apologized the organization for placing her in a situation that could have been avoided had they realized that they should not use a secular artist to minister through Christian music at their show.