Spotify has changed the name of its Top Christian playlist to Top Christian & Gospel. Only going live three days ago, the playlist has close to 1.5 million likes, consists of 100 songs and has a playing time of just under seven hours. The move attempts to make the playlist more inclusiveshowcasing a bigger range of different types of Christian music.

Though a broader sound may be explored by the playlist, it is noticeable that US-based and grown artists largely dominate the list. Google describes many of the artists as American singers and or songwriters and the main cover artwork used for the list is a picture of Maverick City singers.

Unfortunately this playlist doesnt live up to its Spotify subheading: The best mix of todays Christian music, all genres, worldwide, particularly the worldwide part. You could say if the worldwide part is missing is it possible to have the best mix of todays Christian music?

It is not that the playlist isnt powerful, uplifting or even thought provoking. It is that it is not as representative as it seems when you look at the geography. However, it could be argued that by worldwide the playlist is referring to the reach of the songs and artist featured.

To mark the playlist reboot, some of the featured artists worked with Spotify to create a short video describing what music in general, as well as Christian music, means to them.

Contributors included Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds, Brooke Ligertwood, Christine DClario and Jekyln Carr to name a few. Music was described as a language we communicate with.

Christine said: I take a big breath when thinking about music because it is one of those blessings that God has given so that our soul can have a language.

Not even labelling it Christian music or Gospel music. Just music in general is a language that everyone can understand, added Chandler.

FOR KING & COUNTRY echoed this sentiment saying that music is inherently our connection with one another and God.

Though the less than four-minute YouTube video was also largely dominated by US artists, as reflective of the playlist itself, it talked about the beauty in the diversity of the body of Christ and US music going beyond the US.

Brooke said: Part of the beauty of the global Church is that we arent all the same and we were never supposed to be.

The playlist is doing well so far on the streaming platform but only time will reveal the longevity of its popularity. There is room for improvement with playlists like this; making sure they live up to their inclusivity claims. Nonetheless, the music on the list is a force to be reckoned with.

Solape Alatise @solapealatise