Probably the most well-known group of the era, Petra, with over 20 albums to its credit, released nine of those albums during the 1980s. Three of the group's most famous songs included "The Colors Song," "More Power to Ya" and "Beat the System." Led by Bob Hartley and then Greg Volz, the band has been compared sound-wise to Motley Crue.
The Resurrection Band, which later changed its name to REZ, released three of its seven albums during the 1980s. Top songs included "Awaiting Your Reply" and "Between Heaven and Hell." Glen and Wendy Kaiser began the group after working with homeless people in Chicago.
Stryper, with huge hair, screaming vocals and guitar riffs, brought heavy metal to the forefront of the Christian music scene. While more conservative churches denounced the group as non-Christian, young people flocked to the concerts in droves, hungry for the metal sound combined with Christian lyrics.
The classic song "To Hell with the Devil" caused even unbelievers to sit up and take notice. With 13 albums, the first four during the 1980s, Stryper released its "Murder by Praise" album in 2009.
Steve Taylor and Some Band created satirical music in the 1980s. With songs such as "I Want to Be a Clone," "Lifeboat," "Color Code" and "Hero," no political issue or sacred cow of the church escaped the cynicism in his music. A combination of alternative and retro, Taylor's music still influences Christians today.
As the name implies, two best friends from high school, Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key, got together to write songs. Out of a total of eight albums, the band released five during the 1980s. Soulful, but with an edgier sound, the band played both ballads and hard rock songs in a style similar to "Lover Boy."
During the 1980s, the Daniel Amos Band personified Christian punk rock. With such classic songs as "Alarma," the band delighted fans with concerts, and through creative lyrics, was reminiscent of Elvis Costello. Terry Taylor, the force behind Daniel Amos, still performs concerts, cuts albums and runs a website.