Country music singer Blake Shelton has been busy promoting his latest single, Saviour's Shadow, to Christian radio. The 39-year-old, who has experienced some troubling times in his personal life, said that the idea for the song came to him in a dream. Shelton isn't the first country music star to incorporate Christian themes into his music, and he won't be the last. The genre has historically had a huge Christian audience because of its connection with America's southern states. And even as it has evolved and expanded, Christian values can still be heard in the songs that make it into the country music charts today.
Take a look back at some of the songs which have helped to highlight country music's Christian connection.
Blake Shelton - Saviour's Shadow
Shelton sings: "And standing in my saviour's shadow, grace will lead to where I'm free. I take his hand, we walk together, his light shines on me" in the first verse of Saviour's Shadow. While the song might not be his first foray into faith-inspired music, by his own admission, it seems to be his most successful. He tweeted: "In all the years I've been doing this I've never experienced this kind of reaction from a song. So proud."
Carrie Underwood - Jesus Take the Wheel
Carrie Underwood has been vocal about her faith sing getting her big break on American Idol in 2005. Jesus Take the Wheel remains one of the most successful, unapologetically Christian-themed songs of recent times. With lyrics like: "She bowed her head to pray. She said: 'I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life. I know I've got to change'", it's just one example of how she puts the Christian back in country music.
Vince Gill - Go Rest High on That Mountain
Vince Gill started writing this song following the death of fellow country performer Keith Whitley. The lyrics feature imagery of heaven. It didn't just secure him the Country Music Association's song of the year award in 1996, but resulted in him taking home two Grammys.
Reba McEntire - Pray for Peace
Country music stalwart Reba McEntire has sold more than 56 million albums throughout her career. She's been open about her faith and said that it guides everything she does. Well, it definitely had an impact on her 2015 release titled Pray for Peace. The initial refrain which repeats the three words of the title resembles the format of many modern worship songs.
Keith Urban - But for the Grace of God
The other half of Hollywood giant Nicole Kidman got his first No. 1 single on the Billboard magazine hot Country Singles & Tracks thanks to this song in which he confesses that he would be a lost man if it weren't for God's grace. Incidentally Reba McEntire, when released her Pray for Peace song, Keith and family showed their support by making a home video of themselves praying.
Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton - When I get where I'm going
Dolly Parton is undeniably one of the most well-known country musicians. She teamed up with Brad Paisley to provide additional vocals for this hit single. Paisley was no stranger to exploring faith related themes in his music prior to When I Get Where I'm Going, but this was the first one with such themes to be released as a single.
George Strait - I Saw God Today
George Strait has had more number one singles than any other country music musician. In 2008 he topped the charts with I Saw God Today. The single in which Strait sings: "I've been to church, I've read the book, I know he's there, but I don't look near as often as I should," wasn't just a fan favourite, it also proved popular among critics and was named single of the year at the Country Music Association Awards.
