Christian artists, from the beginning of time, have run into issues when trying to expand their music beyond the four walls of the church. There also seems to be a scrutiny placed on Christian musicians that isn’t placed on other art forms, such as poetry, or fine art - musicians who identify as Christians, more than any art form, are cautioned to only “sing for Jesus” and nothing else, and chastised if they stray over into “secular music”.

Lauren Daigle is the latest in a long line, releasing a self-titled mainstream pop album on May 12th, her first on Atlantic Records (an umbrella label which is a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, one of the 3 major record labels). She’s currently on a press tour, interviewing with publications such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and People magazine, where she expresses her nervousness and fear about how she will be received amongst Christian communities.

The album explores a number of different topics, such as waiting on the right partner, the importance of listening to and empathising with others, healing, and of course, Jesus. Lauren needn’t have been worried - the album is relevant but also authentic, and that’s the balance that Christian artists can struggle with. Do I not mention the name of Jesus? Do I talk about God as some sort of nebulous force or figure? Can I talk about difficult topics? Struggles with faith? Or should I just stay on preacher mode?

Hopefully Lauren continues to make music that speaks to her first, but also to a generation that want Jesus to live outside of the four walls of the church and to be with them in everyday life.

Lauren Daigle’s self titled album is out now - check out the single Thank God I Do below.