The Music Comparison Chart

A listing of contemporary Christian musicians, their music, and what their music sounds like.

   The first edition of the following chart, which compares the music of contemporary Christian artists to that of secular performers, appeared in the September 1982 issue of Group Magazine. An updated version appeared in the June-August 1984 issue, and another appeared in J. Brent Bill's book, Rock, published by Revell in 1984.  

   At first such an idea for comparing secular and Christian music didn't set well with some industry people, who preferred to think that Christian music was unique in its style, and comparison to the world's music would only sully its reputation. Those with a more realistic view knew that much of the contemporary Christian music had inescapable secular parallels, since many of the singers and musicians grew up under the same musical influences as their secular counterparts. The lyric content, not the music style, was what made contemporary Christian music different. When it came to style, only a few Christian artists had what could be considered a truly ''unique'' sound.

   Many record-buying Christians, it turned out, wanted and needed such a chart. Anyone who had recently become a Christian or a Christian music fan could be easily overwhelmed by strange names on albums they had never heard of. Only through friends and (in some areas) the radio could they have any idea of which Christian artist performed what style of music. Sure it was Christian music, but was it rock? country? jazz?

   Shortly after the first somewhat rudimentary chart was published in 1982, letters for reprint permission began arriving weekly. They came especially from music ministers and youth leaders who

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saw the value in using the chart as an avenue to alternative music for their young people or adults, many of whom had never before taken interest in Christian music.

   For much the same reason, we are including the chart here. Contemporary Christian music has grown so much that no matter what the style of music, there is probably a Christian artist somewhere performing it. With quantity and quality constantly increasing, contemporary Christian music has become an excellent alternative.

   Keep in mind that the comparisons listed here are for music style only, obviously not for lifestyle. A comparison mentioning AC/DC does not imply that the Christian counterpart uses questionable lyrics or stage attitudes. Likewise, a reference to Culture Club does not infer that the Christian counterpart dresses in women's clothes or wears lipstick and eye shadow.

   This Music Comparison Chart is, unavoidably, somewhat arbitrary, partly because so many Christian musicians and singers continue to record a potpourri of styles, rather than settling in on one. Partly to blame is the tendency of the artists and record companies to attempt to get the greatest mileage out of the record by seeking a common denominator in their music: a type of identity crisis. On the other hand, many artists are constantly changing and progressing into new musical genres. One reader, for instance, might disagree that Daniel Amos sounds like ELO, because that reader has not heard the earlier Daniel Amos albums, on which they did. The comparisons deal with an interview of the artists' album catalog, not just the most recent record. The main thing to remember in using the chart is what it suggests: If you like (or liked) artist ''A'' in secular music, then there's a good chance you'll like some of the music of ''B'' in Christian music. It's a start, not a Bible.

   An asterisk (*) indicates that an artist had developed his or her own recognizable sound, often with no direct parallel among the better known secular artists. A double asterisk (**) indicates an artist whose recordings are on a secular label, which may be purchased through secular record stores as well as some Christian bookstores. A blank space indicates that no specific comparison has been determined.

   My sincerest thanks go out to the disc jockeys, writers, music fans, friends, and National Christian Youth Congress delegates who have all contributed to making the chart as comprehensive as it is. Also, thanks to Group magazine for their willingness to print the chart in the first (and second) place.

   Permission must be obtained from the publisher of this book

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for reproduction of this chart in any fashion. Suggestions, corrections, and additions are welcome at all times and may be sent to the author in care of the publisher for later consideration and possible incorporation.

    CHRISTIAN ARTIST                           SOUNDS LIKE . . .

   

After the Fire (ATF) **

          (Epic)

Psychedelic Furs, Human

League, Falco, The Fixx

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE

POP ROCK

Dennis Agajanian

(Light/ Sparrow)

Eddie Rabbit, Gordon

Lightfoot, Johnny Cash,Johnny Lee

ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK

                       

Andrus, Blackwood & Co.

(Greentree/Nissi)

*

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN

GOSPEL

Archers (Light/Songbird)

*

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, DISCO

SOUTHERN GOSPEL,

Steve Archer (Myrrh)

*

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Ariel (Reunion)

COMEDY, HUMOR

Arkangel (Star Song)

    King Crimson, Jethro Tull

CLASSIC ROCK, RENAISSANCE ROCK

                                 

Bob Ayala (Myrrh)

Harry Chapin, John Denver

POP ROCK, ACOUSTIC, FOLK ROCK

Philip Bailey (Myrrh)

JAZZ, REGGAE, FUNK, SOUL,

            SOUL GOSPEL

Geri Baird (New Born)

Pat Benatar

NEW WAVE

Brown Bannister (New Pax)

James Taylor

BALLAD

Barnabas (Tunesmith/Light)

Jefferson Starship

TECHNO-POP, HEAVY METAL,

HARD ROCK

David Baroni (Lifestream)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Barratt Band (Refuge)

Pretenders

NEW WAVE

Bob Bennett (Maranatha/ Priority)

Bruce Cockburn, Jackson Browne

POP ROCK, BALLAD,ACOUSTIC,

FOLK/ROCK

Peter Beveridge (Star Song)

Billy Joel

TECHNO-POP,HARD ROCK,POP ROCK

Debby Boone (Lamb & Lion)

*

POP ROCK,CLASSICAL,BALLAD

Stephanie Boosahda

(NewPax/ Milk & Honey)

POP ROCK,BALLAD,SOUL

Scott Wesley Brown (Sparrow)

Barry Manilow

POP ROCK,POP,CLASSICAL,BALLAD

Harry Browning & Laury Boone

(Lion & Lamb)

James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt

POP ROCK,BALLAD,COUNTRY ROCK

Brush Arbor (Myrrh)

Alabama

POP ROCK,COUNTRY ROCK,

FOLK/ROCK

T-Bone Burnett**

(Tacoma/Warner Bros.)

Bob Dylan, John Lennon,

Roger McGuinn

ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK

Wendell Burton (Lion & Lamb)

POP ROCK,BALLAD

Steve Camp (Myrrh/Sparrow)

Paul Young, Jackson Browne,

Kenny Loggins

TECHNO-POP, POP ROCK,REGGAE,

FOLK/ROCK,BALLAD

Michael Card (Milk & Honey)

Dan Fogelberg

 POP ROCK,FOLK/ROCK,BALLAD

Pete Carlson (DaySpring)

David Gates

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Carman (Priority/Myrrh)

*

POP ROCK, ROCKABILITY/NOSTALAGIC

ROCK,

Mel Carter (Onyx)

*

SOUL GOSPEL, BALLAD, POP

Rob Cassels (Sword/Morada)

Leon Russell, Marshall Tucker

SOUTHERN ROCK

Gary Chapman (Lion & Lion)

BALLAD

Steve & Annie Chapman (Star Song)

COUNTRY ROCK, COUNTRY, BALLAD

Chris Christian

(Myrrh/Home Sweet Home)

Paul Davis

POP ROCK, ACOUSTIC

Paul Clark (Seed/Myrrh)

Gino Vannelli

POP ROCK, JAZZ, FOLK/ROCK

Cynthia Clawson (Triangle/Priority)

*

POP ROCK, BALLAD, CLASSICAL, POP

Bruce Cockburn** (Millenium)

*

JAZZ, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC

Daniel Consiglio (Epoch/NALR)

*

POP ROCK, BLUES, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Continentals (Christian Artists)

*

BALLAD

Denny Correll (Myrrh)

David Clayton-Thomas, Ray Charles

POP ROCK, SOUL

Kemper Crabb (Star Song)

*

CLASSICAL ROCK, RENNAISANCE ROCK,

FOLK/ROCK

Billy Crockett (DaySpring)

Culture Club, Michael Jackson

POP ROCK, BALLAD,

Andrae Crouch (Light/Warner Bros.)

*

SOUL GOSPEL, SOUL, PUNK, DISCO

Cruse (Priority/Nissi)

*

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Cindy Cruse (Nissi)

Cindy Luper

POP ROCK, BALLAD

The Cruse Family

(DaySpring/Impact/Priority)

*

POP ROCK

Morgan Cryar (Star Song)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Rick Cua (Refuge)

The Outlaws, Robbie Dupree

HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK,

SOUTHERN ROCK

Andrew Culverwell (DaySpring)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Daniel Amos

(Solid Rock/NewPax/Alarma/Refuge)

The Tubes, Talking Heads, Devo, ELO, The Cars,

                          INXS

TECHNO-POP, PUNK, NEW-WAVE

HARD ROCK, COUNTRY ROCK

Daniel Band (Lamb & Lion/Refuge)

Rush, Triumph, Quite Riot, Ratt, Crocus

HEAVY METAL

David & The Giants (Priority/Myrrh)

Cheap Trick, Bruce Springsteen

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK

DeGarmo & Key (Lamb & Lion/Power)

Doobie Bros., Allma Bros., Michael McDonald,

Yes, The Cars, Hall & Oates

BLUES, SOUTHERN ROCK, POP ROCK,

HARD ROCK

Teri DeSario (DaySpring)

Sheena Easton, Quarterflash, Barbra Streisand,

Christine McVie

NEW WAVE,POP ROCK,BALLAD

Dion (DaySpring)

*

POP ROCK,BLUES, FOLK/ROCK

Dixie Melody Boys (Lifeline)

SOUTHERN GOSPEL COUNTRY ROCK,

COUNTRY, BALLAD

Jessy Dixon (Light/Power)

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL,

Phil Driscoll (Mighty Horn/Sparrow)

Joe Cocker, Ray Charles, Chuck Mangione

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK,

JAZZ, BALLAD

Roby Duke

(MCA Songbird/Good News)

Boz Scaggs, Christopher Cross, Kenny Loggins

POP ROCK

Bob Dylan** (Columbia)

*

HARD ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK, BLUES, SOUL GOSPEL, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC

Edin-Adahl (Refuge)

Asia

NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, REGGAE

David Edwards (Myrrh) Cars, Human League, Bruce Springsteen, Rick Springfield

NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK

Joe English (Refuge/Myrrh)

Gino Vannelli

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK

Eternity Express (Praise)

Blood, Sweat & Tears

POP ROCK

Evie (Word)

*

BALLAD

Farrell & Farrell (NewPax/Star Song)

TECHNO-POP, POP ROCK, FUNK, BALLAD

Fireworks (Myrrh/MCA)

Rick Springfield, Hall & Oates, Foreigner

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK,

First Strike (Exit)

Rush, Triumph

HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK

John Fisher (Light/Myrrh)

James Taylor, Billy Joel, Stephen Bishop

POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Followers of Christ (Onyx)

Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Al Jarreau

JAZZ, FUNK, SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

Found Free (Greentree/Sparkal)

POP ROCK, BLUES

Don Francisco (NewPax/Myrrh)

John Stewart

COUNTRY ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC

Tom Franzak (Myrrh)

Tom Petty, Billy Joel

POP ROCK

Rob Fraizer (Light)
The Front (Refuge)

Journey, Toto

POP ROCK

Dave Fullen (Purpose)

Michael McDonald

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Richie Furay (Myrrh)

Poco

POP ROCK, ACOUSTIC, FOLK/ROCK, COUNTRY ROCK

Glen Garrett (Greentree/Zoe)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Ken Gaub (Horizon)

COMEDY/HUMOR

Giant Killer (Star Song)

Duran Duran

NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK

Chuck Girard

(Good News/ Seven Thunders)

Neil Diamond, Bob Dylan

POP ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Glad (Greentree)

Association, Asia, Steely Dan

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, JAZZ

Christian Gonzales (Refuge)
Tanya Goodman (Canaan)

Emmylou Harris

SOUTHERN GOSPEL, COUNTRY ROCK

Thomas Goodlunas & Panacea (Exit)

Kansas, Moody Blues

HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK

Nancy Grandquist, (NewPax)

POP ROCK, SOUL GOSPEL, BALLAD

Amy Grant (Myrrh/A & M)

*

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD

Al Green (Myrrh)

*

SOUL GOSPEL

Keith Green (Sparrow/Pretty Good)

Elton John

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Steve Green (Sparrow)

*

CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD, CLASSICAL

Janny Grein (Sparrow)

Terri Gibbs, Juice Newton

FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC, BALLAD, COMEDY/HUMOR

Jan Groth (Refuge)

Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger

HARD ROCK,

Tami Gunden (Light)
Pam Mark Hall (Aslan/Star Song/Reunion)

Joni Mitchelle, Nicolette, Larson, Pat Benatar

POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Larnelle Harris (Word/Impact)

*

SOUL, BALLAD

Harvest (Milk & Honey)

Alabama

SOUTHERN GOSPEL, COUNTRY, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD, CLASSICAL

Edwin Hawkins (Lection/Myrrh/Birthright)

Brothers Johnson

FUNK, BLUES, SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

Tramaine Hawkins (Light)

Diana Ross

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

Walter Hawkins (Light)

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

Bryn Haworth (Star Song)

Nick Lowe, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK. ACOUSTIC

Mark Heard (Home Sweet Home/Myrrh)

Tom Petty, James Taylor, Lindsey Buckingham,

Fleetwood Mac

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK,

COUNTRY ROCK, COUNTRY, FOLK/ROCK,ACOUSTIC, BALLAD

Candy Hemphill (Impact)

HARD ROCK, COUNTRY ROCK, BALLAD

Kathy Herivel (Chalace)

POP ROCK, JAZZ, BALLAD

Benny Hester (Myrrh)

Seals & Crofts, Christopher Cross

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Dallas Holm & Praise (Impact)

*

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, SOUTHERN GOSPEL,

COUNTRY ROCK, COUNTRY, BALLAD

Honeytree (Myrrh/Sparrow)

Judy Collins

FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Tom Howard (New Pax)

Billy Joel, Elton John

POP ROCK, JAZZ, BALLAD

Imperials (Dayspring)

*

POP ROCK, FUNK, SOUL GOSPEL, SOUTHERN GOSPEL, BALLAD

Isaac Air Freight (A & S)

Firesign Theater, Monty Phyton

COMEDY/HUMOR

Ishmael United (Star Song)

Sex Pistols, Devo, The Clash

TECHNO-POP, PUNK

Gordon Jensen (Impact/DaySpring)

Kenny Rogers

POP, BALLAD, COUNTRY ROCK, COUNTRY

Jeremiah People (New Life)

Tom Lehrer

POP ROCK, BALLAD, COMEDY/HUMOR

Jerusalem (Lamb & Lion/Refuge)

Led Zeppelin, Golden Earring, Rush, Van Halen

HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK

Jeff Johnson (Ark)

Alan Parsons Project, Pink Floyd

CLASSICAL ROCK, RENAISSANCE ROCK, JAZZ, FOLK/ROCK

Kansas** (Kirshner)

*

HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK,

Phil Keaggy (Sparrow/Nissi)

Paul McCartney, Bruce Cockburn, Steve Morris

HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, JAZZ, ACOUSTIC, BALLAD

Tom Kendzia (Epoch/NALR)

Billy Joel

POP ROCK, JAZZ, BALLAD

Koinonia (Sparrow)

Pat Metheny, Spyro Gyra, Dave Grusin

REGGAE, FUNK, BLUES

Hank Laake (Tunesmith)

HARD ROCK

Lamb (Messianic/Sparrow)

POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK

Brent Lamb (Milk & Honey)

HARD ROCK, BALLAD

Robin Lane** (Warner Bros.)

Blondie, Pretenders

PUNK, HARD ROCK

The Latinos (Word)

POP ROCK, JAZZ, FUNK, SOUL

Lenny LeBlanc (Heartland)

HARD ROCK, BALLAD

Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart

(MCA/Songbird/Myrrh/CBS)

Doobie Bros., Allman Bros.

HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, FUNK, BLUES, BALLAD

Liberation Suite (Star Song/Myrrh)

Chicago, Saga

POP ROCK, JAZZ, BALLAD

Liberty (Sound Chaser)

POP ROCK

Lifesavors (A & S/Refuge)

NEW WAVE, POP ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK

Kerry Livgren**

(Kirshner/CBS)

Kansas, Journey, E, L&P

HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK,

Will McFarlane (Refuge)

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC,BALLAD

Malcolm and the Mirrors

Rick Springfield, The Tubes

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE

 Darrell Mansfield Band (Polydor/ A & S)

HEAVY METAL, BALLAD

Kenny Marks (Myrrh)

HARD ROCK, BALLAD

Randy Matthews (Spirit)

Joe Cocker, Leon Russell

HARD ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, BLUES

Barry McGuire (Sparrow)

*

FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Ken Medema (Word/Glory Sound)

Harry Chapin, Tom Sullivan

POP ROCK, BLUES, SOUL, BALLAD, POP

David Meece (Myrrh)

Barry Manilow, Andy Gibb, Jack Wagner

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD

John Mehler (A & S)

Kinks, The Babys, The Cars

NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, JAZZ

Mercy River Boys (Canaan)

Oak Ridge Boys

COUNTRY, SOUTHERN GOSPEL

Mighty Clouds of Joy

(Myrrh)

James Brown

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

Mickey & Becki Moore (Maiden)

Peter, Paul & Mary

COUNTRY ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Tim Miner (Nissi)

Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald

TECHNO-POP, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK, FUNK, BALLAD

Ron Moore (Airborn/Refuge)

Neil Young, John Mellancamp

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC

Maria Muldaur (Myrrh/ Takoma)

*

POP ROCK, JAZZ, BLUES, SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, FOLK/ROCK

Michael James Murphy (Milk & Honey)

HARD ROCK, BALLAD

Kenneth Nash (A & S)

REGGAE, CLASSICAL

New Gaither Vocal Band (DaySpring)

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN GOSPEL, BALLAD

Nicholas (Message)

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, BALLAD

Larry Norman (Solid Rock/Phydeaux)

Leo Sayer, Bob Dylan, Byrds, Beatles

HARD ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, BLUES, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Northbound (Exit)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Oasis

SOUTHERN GOSPEL, BALLAD

Michael & Stormie Omartian (Myrrh/Sparrow)

Doobie Bros., Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Billy Joel

TECHNO-POP, POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, JAZZ, BALLAD

Jamie Owens-Collins (Light/Sparrow/LiveOak)

Linda Ronstadt, Olivia Newton-John, Juice Newton

POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK

Twila Paris (Milk & Honey)

*

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Passage (Impact)

Brothers Johnson

SOUL,

Leon Patillo (Maranatha/Myrrh)

Sly & The Family Stone, Santana, Earth, Wind & Fire

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, BALLAD

Sandi Patti (Impact)

*

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD, CLASSICAL, POP

Gary S. Paxton (NewPax/Lifestream)

*

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK,FUNK, SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, SOUTHERN GOSPEL, COUNTRY ROCK, BALLAD

Petra (Myrrh/Star Song, A & M)

Journey, Foreigner, Boston, Supertramp, Kansas

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Leslie Phillips (Myrrh)

Motels, Quarterflash, Stevie Nicks

NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, BALLAD

Michele Pillar (Maranatha/ Sparrow)

Karla Bonoff, Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon,

Melissa Manchester

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Don Potter (Myrrh)

Bruce Cockburn, Kenny Rankin, Chuck Mangione

JAZZ, ACOUSTIC, BALLAD

Andy Pratt (Enzone)

Leo Slayer, Billy Joel, Joe Jackson

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK

Prodigal (Heartland)

Journey, Toto, Atlanta Rhythm Section

POP ROCK

Quickflight (Tunesmith/Star Song)

Gary Neuman, Soft Cell, ATF

TECHNO-POP, PUNK, NEW WAVE, POP ROCK

Ed Raetzloff (NewPax)

Commander Cody, Charlie Daniels, 38 Special

HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Reba Rambo (Greentree/Light)

Crystal Gayle, Liza Minnelli

POP ROCK, SOUL, BALLAD, POP

Ressurection Band

(Rez Band)

(Star Song/Light/Sparrow)

Rainbow, Rush, Jefferson Airplane, AC/DC, Triumph,

Iron Maiden, Twisted Sister

TECHNO-POP, HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK

Cliff Richard** (EMI)

*

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Cindy Richardson (Heartland)

BALLAD

Philip Sandifer (Urgent)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Connie Scott (Sparrow)

Laura Branigan, Donna Summer

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Seawind** (A & M/Horizon)

*

POP ROCK, JAZZ, FUNK

2nd Chapter of Acts (Myrrh/Sparrow/Live Oak)

*

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD

Semaja (Refuge)

Santana

POP ROCK, JAZZ

September (Sugar)

Sheena Easton

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK

Servant (Tunesmith/Rooftop/Myrrh)

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Go-Gos

TECHNO-POP, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK

Seventy-Sevens (Exit)

ATF; Talking Heads

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE

Tim Sheppard (Greentree)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Silverwind (Sparrow)

Abba, Olivia Newton-John

POP ROCK,CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD

Michael W. Smith (Reunion)

Jack Wagner

TECHNO-POP, POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK, BALLAD, CLASSICAL

Stephen Soles (Good News)

POP ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK,SOUL, BALLAD

Billy Sprague (Reunion)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Spurr & MacNeill (A & S)

POP ROCK, COUNTRY ROCK, BALLAD

Stalnecker

*

POP ROCK,

Candi Staton (Beracah)

*

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

Randy Stonehill (Solid Rock/Myrrh)

Elvis Costello, Rick Springfield, Jackson Browne,

Bruce Springsteen

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, ROCKABILLY/NOSTALAGIC ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD, COMEDY/HUMOR

Noel Paul Stookey (Neworld/NewPax)

Peter, Paul & Mary

POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Streetlight (Sparrow)

Stevie Nicks, Little River Band

COUNTRY ROCK, COUNTRY, BALLAD

Stryper (Enigma)

Motley Crue

HEAVY METAL

Sweet Comfort Band (Light)

Styx, Raydio, Toto

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, JAZZ, FUNK, BALLAD

Russ Taff (Myrrh) Michael McDonald, Doobie Bros., Hall & Oates

POP ROCK, BALLAD

John Michael Talbot (Birdwing/Sparrow)

*

RENAISSANCE ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC, BALLAD

Terry Talbot (Birdwing/Sparrow)

Eagles, Harry Chapin, Poco

POP ROCK, RENAISSANCE ROCK, BALLAD

Tamarack (MRC)

Seawind

POP ROCK, JAZZ

Steve Taylor (Sparrow)

Devo, Pretenders, Police, Elvis Costello

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE, POP ROCK

Terry Taylor (Refuge)

David Bowie

TECHNO-POP, POP ROCK

Pat Terry (Myrrh)

Jim Croce, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Beatles

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN ROCK, BLUES, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

B.J. Thomas (Myrrh/Songbird/Priority)

*

POP ROCK, SOUTHERN GOSPEL, COUNTRY ROCK,

Donn Thomas (Myrrh)

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, BALLAD

Kelly Nelon Thompson (Canaan)

POP ROCK, COUNTRY, BALLAD

Triloje (Light)

POP ROCK,

Kathy Troccoli (Reunion)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Truth (Truth/Impact)

POP ROCK

Undercover (A & S/MRC)

The Clash, B-52S, Police, Berlin

PUNK

U2** (Island)

*

PUNK, HEAVY METAL, HARD ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK,

Vector (Exit)

The Fixx

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE

James Vincent (Caribou/Sparrow/Priority)

George Benson

CLASSICAL ROCK, JAZZ, DISCO, FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC

Karen Voegtlin (Greentree/Light)

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Alwyn Wall (Star Song)

John Lennon, Beatles

HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK

Randall Waller (Tunesmith)

Rick Springfield

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Shiela Walsh (Sparrow)

Sheena Eston, Helen Reddy, Eurythmics

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE, HARD ROCK, POP ROCK, BALLAD

James Ward (Lamb & Lion)

Stephen Bishop, Boz Scaggs

POP ROCK, JAZZ, BALLAD

Matthew Ward (Sparrow)

Stevie Wonder

POP ROCK

Mike & Rose Warnke (Myrrh)

Rodney Dangerfield

COMEDY/HUMOR

The Watchmen (Lifestream)

POP ROCK, JAZZ, SOUTHERN GOSPEL, BALLAD

Ira Watson (Sozo)

Peaches & Herb, Earth, Wind & Fire

 JAZZ, FUNK, SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, BALLAD

Wayne Watson (Milk & Honey)

Dan Fogelberg

POP ROCK, FOLK/ROCK, BALLAD

Lisa Welchel (Nissi)

Madonna, Cindi Lauper

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE

Wendy & Mary (Birdwing)

*

FOLK/ROCK, ACOUSTIC, BALLAD

White Heart (Myrrh)

Toto

POP ROCK, CLASSICAL ROCK,

Malcolm Wild (A & S)

John Lennon, Beatles, Tom Petty

NEW WAVE

Fletch Wiley (Star Song)

Chuck Mangione

POP ROCK, JAZZ, DISCO, FUNK, SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL, ACOUSTIC

Kelly Willard (Maranatha)

Crystal Gayle

POP ROCK, BALLAD

Mark Williamson Band (Myrrh)
Marlow Scott Wilson (Refuge)

Cindi Lauper

TECHNO-POP, NEW WAVE, SOUL

Winans (Light)

SOUL, SOUL GOSPEL

John & Vicki Jo Witty (Word)

*

COMEDY/HUMOR

As found in Paul Baker's Contemporary Christian Music

* has own unique style;  **can be found in most pop record stores; blank: no specific comparison known