Best Christian rock bands of the 80s

The 80s were a transformative period for Christian music. We witnessed the rise of some talented artists who combined their faith with the power of rock and roll. We want to take you on a melodic journey back in time as we explore the vibrant music scene of the 1980s. Let us celebrate the groundbreaking music and take a closer look at the best Christian rock bands of the 80s.

The 1980s were a dynamic period for rock music listeners. We witnessed the emergence of various rock subgenres like progressive rock, progressive metal and punk rock, the rise of iconic bands, and the incorporation of new sounds and styles.

Whether you were a fan of glam metal, or any other rock subgenre, the 80s provided a diverse and captivating musical landscape that left a lasting impact on the world of rock music.

The best Christian rock bands of the 80s

Here are the best Christian rock bands of the 80s:

• Petra – “More Power to Ya” (1982)
• Stryper – “To Hell with the Devil” (1986)
• White Heart – “Freedom” (1989)
• Degarmo & Key – “Streetlight” (1986)
• Mylon & Broken Heart – “Crack the Sky” (1987)
• Barren Cross – “Rock for the King” (1986)
• Bloodgood – “Bloodgood” (1986)
• Whitecross – “Whitecross” (1987)
• Resurrection Band – “Between Heaven ‘n Hell” (1985)
• Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil – “I Predict 1990” (1987)

1. Petra – “More Power to Ya” (1982)

Petra, one of the pioneers of Christian rock, achieved great success in the 80s. “More Power to Ya” is regarded as a landmark album in their discography, featuring hits like “Praise Ye the Lord” and the title track. With its hard rock sound and faith-filled lyrics, the album solidified Petra’s status as a leading Christian rock band.

Here are some notable albums by Petra:

1. “Come and Join Us” (1977)
2. “Washes Whiter Than” (1979)
3. “Never Say Die” (1981)
4. “More Power to Ya” (1982)
5. “Not of this World” (1983)
6. “Beat the System” (1984)
7. “Captured in Time and Space” (1986, live album)
8. “On Fire!” (1988)
9. “Beyond Belief” (1990)
10. “Unseen Power” (1991)
11. “Wake-Up Call” (1993)
12. “No Doubt” (1995)
13. “God Fixation” (1998)
14. “Revival” (2001)
15. “Jekyll & Hyde” (2003)
16. “Farewell” (2005, live album)

2. Stryper – “To Hell with the Devil” (1986)

Stryper’s “To Hell with the Devil” became a monumental album in the Christian rock scene. This glam metal band from California gained international recognition with their signature yellow and black outfits and their powerful blend of heavy metal and faith-based lyrics. The album featured hits like “Calling on You” and the title track, earning them a dedicated fanbase.

These are the albums by Stryper:

1. “The Yellow and Black Attack” (1984)
2. “Soldiers Under Command” (1985)
3. “To Hell with the Devil” (1986)
4. “In God We Trust” (1988)
5. “Against the Law” (1990)
6. “Reborn” (2005)
7. “Murder by Pride” (2009)
8. “The Covering” (2011)
9. “Second Coming” (2013)
10. “Fallen” (2015)
11. “God Damn Evil” (2018)

3. White Heart – “Freedom” (1989)

White Heart was one of the best Christian rock bands of the 80s. It combined rock, pop, and progressive influences in their music, creating a unique sound that resonated with listeners. “Freedom,” their seventh studio album, showcased their exceptional musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. The album featured standout tracks like “Powerhouse” and “Bye Bye Babylon,” solidifying White Heart’s place as one of the best Christian rock bands of the era.

All albums by the christian rock band White Heart:

1. “White Heart” (1982)
2. “Vital Signs” (1984)
3. “Hotline” (1985)
4. “Don’t Wait for the Movie” (1986)
5. “Emergency Broadcast” (1987)
6. “Freedom” (1989)
7. “Powerhouse” (1990)
8. “Tales of Wonder” (1992)
9. “Highlands” (1993)
10. “Inside” (1995)
11. “Redemption” (1997)

4. Degarmo & Key – “Streetlight” (1986)

Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key, collectively known as Degarmo & Key, were a prominent Christian rock duo. “Streetlight” was a critical and commercial success, highlighting their energetic performances and powerful songwriting. The album featured hits like “Boycott Hell” and “Casual Christian,” demonstrating their ability to blend rock sensibilities with thought-provoking messages.

DeGarmo & Key, the renowned Christian rock duo, released a number of albums throughout their successful career. Here are the notable albums by DeGarmo & Key:

1. “This Time Thru” (1978)
2. “Straight On” (1979)
3. “This Ain’t Hollywood” (1980)
4. “No Turning Back” (1982)
5. “Communication” (1983)
6. “Mission of Mercy” (1984)
7. “Commander Sozo and the Charge of the Light Brigade” (1985)
8. “Streetlight” (1986)
9. “Rock Solid: Absolutely Live” (1988, live album)
10. “D&K” (1988)
11. “The Pledge” (1989)
12. “Go to the Top” (1991)
13. “The Very Best of DeGarmo & Key” (1993, compilation album)

5. Mylon & Broken Heart – “Crack the Sky” (1987)

Mylon LeFevre and his band Broken Heart created a fusion of rock, pop, and blues with their album “Crack the Sky.” Known for their energetic live performances, Mylon & Broken Heart crafted an album that resonated with audiences. Songs like “Crack the Sky” and “Trains Up in the Sky” showcased their dynamic sound and heartfelt lyrics.

Mylon & Broken Heart, the dynamic Christian rock band fronted by Mylon LeFevre, released several albums throughout their career. Here are the notable albums by Mylon & Broken Heart:

1. “Crack the Sky” (1987)
2. “Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing” (1988)
3. “Big World” (1990)
4. “Face the Music” (1991)
5. “Live Forever” (1993)
6. “A Decade of Love” (1993, compilation album)
7. “The Live Experience” (1995, live album)
8. “Revival in the Land” (1996)
9. “Forever Forgiveness” (1997)
10. “Live at Oak Tree: Special Edition” (1998, live album)
11. “Transparent” (1999)
12. “Live at Oak Tree” (2000, live album)
13. “The Best of Mylon & Broken Heart” (2005, compilation album)

6. Barren Cross – “Rock for the King” (1986)

Barren Cross was a Christian metal band known for their powerful sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Their debut album, “Rock for the King” (1986), showcased their heavy metal style combined with Christian themes. Songs like “Killers of the Unborn” and “King of Kings” resonated with fans of the genre.

Here are the notable albums by Barren Cross:

1. “Rock for the King” (1986)
2. “Atomic Arena” (1988)
3. “State of Control” (1989)
4. “Hotter Than Hell! Live” (1990, live album)
5. “Rattle Your Cage” (1994)
6. “Birth Pangs” (1994, compilation album)
7. “Atmosphere” (1999)
8. “King of Kings” (2013)

7. Bloodgood – “Bloodgood” (1986)

Bloodgood was a heavy metal band that gained popularity in the Christian rock scene of the 80s. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1986, featured a hard-hitting sound and lyrics focused on faith. Songs like “Battle of the Flesh” and “Demon on the Run” showcased their energetic and passionate approach to Christian metal.

These are the albums by Bloodgood:

1. “Bloodgood” (1986)
2. “Detonation” (1987)
3. “Rock in a Hard Place” (1988)
4. “Out of the Darkness” (1989)
5. “Alive in America: Live Volume One” (1990, live album)
6. “All Stand Together” (1991)
7. “Shakin’ the World: Live Volume Two” (1991, live album)
8. “The Collection” (1991, compilation album)
9. “To Germany with Love!” (1993, live album)
10. “Bloodgood Rock Theater” (1995, live album)
11. “Bloodgood Rock Theater 2” (1995, live album)
12. “To Germany with Love! – Extended” (2001, live album)
13. “Bloodgood Rock Theater 3” (2002, live album)
14. “Dangerously Close” (2013)
15. “Trenches of Rock: The Anthology” (2014, compilation album)

8. Whitecross – “Whitecross” (1987)

Whitecross was a Christian metal band known for their melodic hard rock sound. Their debut album, “Whitecross” (1987), garnered attention with its catchy hooks and faith-based lyrics. Tracks like “Who Will You Follow” and “Love on the Line” showcased their ability to deliver anthemic rock songs.

All albums by Whitecross:

1. “Whitecross” (1987)
2. “Hammer & Nail” (1988)
3. “Triumphant Return” (1989)
4. “In the Kingdom” (1991)
5. “High Gear” (1992)
6. “Unveiled” (1994)
7. “Flytrap” (1996)
8. “Equilibrium” (1995)
9. “Nineteen Eighty Seven” (2005, compilation album)
10. “To the Limit: The Best of Whitecross” (2005, compilation album)
11. “Down” (2005)
12. “Full Circle” (2006)
13. “Simple Man” (2014)
14. “1987 – The Great Whitecross Demo Sessions” (2018, compilation album)

9. Resurrection Band – “Between Heaven ‘n Hell” (1985)

Resurrection Band, also known as Rez Band, was a pioneering force in the Christian rock scene. Blending elements of rock, blues, and even punk, they delivered a unique sound and powerful live performances. Albums like “DMZ” (1982) and “Between Heaven ‘n Hell” (1985) showcased their raw energy and socially conscious lyrics.

Here are all abums by Resurrection Band:

1. “Music to Raise the Dead” (1974)
2. “All Your Life” (1975)
3. “A Waiting Love” (1978)
4. “Rainbow’s End” (1979)
5. “Colours” (1980)
6. “Mommy Don’t Love Daddy Anymore” (1981)
7. “Live Bootleg” (1984, live album)
8. “Between Heaven ‘n Hell” (1985)
9. “Silent Screams” (1988)
10. “Innocent Blood” (1989)
11. “Civil Rites” (1991)
12. “Rez: Compact Favorites” (1992, compilation album)
13. “Reach of Love” (1993)
14. “Lament” (1995)
15. “20 Years” (1997, compilation album)
16. “The Light Years” (2000, compilation album)

10. Steve Taylor & The Perfect Foil – “I Predict 1990” (1987)

Steve Taylor, a singer-songwriter and producer, made waves in the 80s with his witty and satirical lyrics combined with rock and new wave influences. “I Predict 1990” (1987) was his critically acclaimed album that challenged social and religious norms. Songs like “Since I Gave Up Hope I Feel a Lot Better” and “This Disco (Used to Be a Cute Cathedral)” showcased Taylor’s unique style and thought-provoking approach to Christian rock.

The 80s were a transformative era for Christian rock music, and these bands played a pivotal role in shaping the genre. Petra, Stryper, White Heart, Degarmo & Key, and Guardian all contributed unique sounds and powerful messages that resonated with audiences far beyond the confines of the Christian music scene.

What are your favorite Christian rock bands of the 80s? Did we miss a band? Let us know in the comments!