The Gospel-Genre Personality Test: What Your Music Taste Reveals About You

Maybe - just maybe - you can judge a book by its cover...or at least judge someone by their go-to music genre. Think about it: your favourite type of music might be dropping serious clues about your personality. We’re not psychologists or anything, but stick with us as we break it down.

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC {CCM}

A modern blend of pop, hip hop and country vibes, all wrapped in faith-filled lyrics that express devotion, inspiration, redemption, praise and worship. More than just a genre, it’s a soundtrack for your spiritual journey. 

If CCM is your go-to, chances are you possess these personality traits: 

• Optimistic and Uplifting: Drawn to music that brings peace and encouragement in tough times.

• Emotionally introspective: You connect deeply to honest lyrics about faith and life.

• Community driven: You value music that can be shared in communal settings like worship or Christian events. 

• Authentic and honest: You appreciate the truth and honesty in the stories behind lyrics. 

• Emotionally Expressive: You seek release, healing, and hope through heartfelt melodies.

Artists you may like: Brandon Lake, Ben Fuller, CalledOut Music, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Mary Mary, Cece Winans, Phil Wickham

URBAN GOSPEL (GOSPEL R&B)

A vibrant fusion of soulful vocals, rich harmonies, smooth, and groove-filled beats. Rooted in the depths of  African-American spiritual and cultural heritage, this genre pulses with themes of hope, empowerment and unwavering faith - all wrapped in R&B flair. 

If urban gospel is your vibe, here’s what that might say about you: 

• Big on vocal power: You love powerful vocals that give you chills.

• Culturally connected: You value deep roots of gospel music and recognise the legacy behind lyrics. 

• Emotionally Intelligent: You connect deeply with songs that mirror your faith journey.

• Vibe-Focused: You thrive in intimate spaces where music feels personal, raw and spiritually moving. Basically, you’re all about feeling the music, its mood and its message. 

Artists you may like: Mary Mary, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tye Tribbett, Lucinda Moore, Gray Mayes, Nu Era, Sunny Hawkins, Brent Jones. 

GOSPEL JAZZ

Where smooth meets sacred. Gospel Jazz brings you silky sax solos, mellow vibes, and deep spiritual reflection. It’s the perfect genre for worshipping with a side of class and deep reflection. Gospel jazz is more of a mood, a mindset and a movement.  

Lovers of gospel jazz often display these personality traits : 

• Sophisticated and taste-driven: You appreciate music that’s refined, smooth, and well-produced. You love to explore beats beyond the basic and don’t settle. 

• Open-minded and creative: You view the world differently with music that breaks the mould. 

• Individualistic and independent: You prefer to connect with God in their own rhythm and space. 

• Chill yet complex: You are chill on the outside, and layered within

Artists you may like: RORE, Aretha Franklin, Ben Tankard, Quincy Jones, Lizz Wright, Fred Hammond, Edwin Hawkins, Shirley Caesar, Mahalia Jackson. 

CHRISTIAN LOFI

Peaceful beats. Soft worship melodies. Scripture-inspired soundscapes.

Christian Lofi is like a gentle stream—perfect for journaling, studying, or simply soaking in God's presence. It combines mellow hip-hop rhythms with subtle instrumentals, all rooted in a serene, God-centered vibe.

If this is your go-to sound, then you're probably:

• Emotionally self-aware: Deeply reflective and tuned in to your inner world.

• Mindful and intentional: You treasure stillness, spiritual depth, and quiet moments with God.

• Peace-driven: You’re always seeking calm in the chaos.

• Soft-hearted and compassionate: You love gently, speak thoughtfully, and move with care.

Artists you may like:  Montpellier Fish, Saint James, Eikon, Tofu Beats. 

CHRISTIAN RAP/HIP-HOP

This is high life, but from a God-centered point of view. Think hard-hitting beats, lyrical intensity, booming drums, and real, unfiltered bars, yet every line secured and anchored in faith. It’s a sound that recaps real-life struggles, street wisdom, and inner battles while celebrating redemption, grace, and purpose in Jesus.

If you vibe with this kind of intensity, chances are you are:

• Passionate and intense: You feel deeply and live loudly.

• Resilient: You've been through the fire and came out stronger - with Jesus.

• Unapologetically real: You speak truth, even when it’s tough.

• Street-smart and Spirit-led: You navigate life with both wisdom and bold faith.

Artists you may like: : Lecrae, KB, Andy Mineo, Aaron Cole, Limoblaze, KobbySlam, Guvna B, Trip Lee.

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL

This is the heart and soul of many African-American churches, filled with powerful vocals, choirs that shake the room, organ runs, hand-claps, and that classic call-and-response energy. More than music, traditional gospel offers a spiritual experience through music that delivers deep theological truths with raw emotions. This genre is more of ministry, memories and powerful connections to roots. 

If traditional gospel is your go-to genre, chances are you’re: 

• Conservative and value-driven: respect the roots, love culture, and appreciate music that speaks.

• Rooted in Tradition: You are loyal to the traditional heritage and legacy of songs passed down through generations. 

• Reverent: Worship is sacred, and you don’t take it lightly

• Resilient: You’ve walked through storms, and your music reflects that hope.  

Artists you may like: Gaither, Donnie McClurkin, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, The Worship Initiative, Lee Williams, Shane & Shane, Marvin Sapp, Lara George, Nathaniel Bassey, Luther Magaby. 

AFRO-GOSPEL

This Afrobeat-powered genre is taking over West Africa and the diaspora.  A high-energy fusion of culture, rhythm, and faith - Afro-gospel is joy in motion; dripping with culture, faith and flavour. 

Afro-gospel lovers are usually:

• Spiritually passionate but culturally modern: Faith-filled and culturally fluent.

• Energetic & Joyful: Always bringing the praise party.

• Tech-Savvy & Trendy: Plugged in, stylish, and community-driven.

• Purposeful & Pan-African: Proud of your roots, focused on impact.

• Open-Minded but faith anchored

Afro-gospel isn’t just a sound but a movement - a whole vibe of praise, power and pan-African energy. 

Artists you may like: Limoblaze, Marizu, Greatman Takit, Kambua, Sonnie Badu, Anendlessocean, Tim Godfrey. 

COUNTRY GOSPEL

Where twang meets testimony. With acoustic strings and heartfelt lyrics, this genre tells honest stories of faith, family, and redemption. Instruments like  banjos and guitars are used to express heartfelt lyrics that portray personal testimonies. It is honest, warm and rooted in authentic spiritual experiences. 

Fans in tune with this genre have personality traits that probably checks out this way: 

• Down-to-Earth: Real, simple raw, and rooted.

• Patriotic, Rooted & Loyal: You cherish home, faith, and family.

• A Bit Nostalgic: You love songs that take you back.

• Emotionally Genuine: You feel every word.

• Family-oriented. 

Country music lovers are all about connecting stories and feelings with songs that speak straight to their hearts. 

Artists you may like: Anne Wilson, Woody Wright, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Jonny Cash, Steven Curtis Chapman, The Whites, The Statler Brothers, Ed Russ. 

SOUTHERN GOSPEL

Born in the American South, this genre is all about harmony. It is know for its quartet-style harmonies (lead, tenor, baritone, bass) and timeless sounds, backed by piano, strings, and sometimes orchestral touches. It’s rich in tradition with powerful foundations in Christian faith.

If you’re into Southern Gospel, your personality likely includes:

• Devout: Your faith is front and centre.

• Emotionally Open: Music that moves the heart is your favourite kind.

• Warm & Sincere: You love music that feels like home.

• Traditional at Heart: You’re loyal to the classics and what they represent.

• Sentimental and supportive. 

Southern Gospel music feels like faith, home, heartfelt memories all rolled into one.

Artists you may like: The Oak Ridge Boys, Gaither Vocal Band, Guy Penrod, The Blackwood Brothers, Booth Brothers, Jason Crabb, The Issacs, The Collingsworth Family, The Perrys, The Hoopers. 

CHRISTIAN CHANTS

This is a sacred form of prayerful meditation, structured to quiet the mind and awaken the soul. Typically sung a cappella or with minimal instrumentation, they carry a reverent tone that invites stillness and communion with God. These chants are often used in reflective moments, drawing the heart into God’s presence through simplicity and sacred tradition. If this genre resonates with you, you're likely:

• Rooted in tradition: You value spiritual heritage and honour sacred spaces.

• Spiritually grounded: You carry wisdom, maturity, and quiet strength.

• Reflective and reverent: You thrive in stillness and find God in silence.

• Patient and faithful: You trust in God’s perfect timing, even in the waiting.

Artists you may like: : Richard Souther, Tenebrae, Lawrence Oyor, Gregorian, The Monks of Norcia, Larry Long, Victoria Orenze, Kitty Cleveland. 

The Bottom Line

Let's face it, your favorite gospel genre isn’t just about the vocals, beats or vibe - it’s a reflection of you. The lyrics you gravitate toward, the rhythms that move you, the artists you admire - they all say something about how you see the world, how you connect with God, and how you express your faith.

Bottom line, your music taste might just be telling your story louder than you think and expressing your personality one song at a time. So let the music move you, reveal the beauty of your soul and  the richness of your spirit.

So what’s your signature gospel sound saying about you?

Let the music move you - and reveal the beauty of your soul. 🎵✨