Switchfoot leads Christian album sales

Christian/Gospel artists sold 43.4 million albums last year, down slightly from 43.7 million in 2003, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Switchfoot’s “The Beautiful Letdown” was the genre’s No. 1 selling album, while Casting Crowns self-titled album was No. 3, and MercyMe’s “Almost There” and “Undone” were No. 4 and 6, respectively.

Also in the Top 10 were Clay Aiken’s “Merry Christmas with Love” at No. 2, “Passion of the Christ” soundtrack at No. 5, “WoW Hits 2005” at No. 7, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” at No. 8, Third Day’s “Wire” at No. 9 and WoW Gospel 2004 at No. 10.

“Black gospel and praise & worship continue to be powerful categories of Christian music, but there has definitely been a measurable shift toward rock, alternative, hip-hop, urban and other styles of music particularly popular with younger consumers,” said John Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association. “This is a great sign that a new generation of music fans has discovered these and other artists.”
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On the Net:
Gospel Music Association: http://www.gospelmusic.org/