According to the Gospel Music Association, while sales of digital albums were up 38% and digital singles 37%, overall, sales in 2008 of both digital and physical units were down 9.7% from 2007. In comparison, mainstream album sales were down 8.5% and Country music was down 24.2%.
The top 10 best selling albums in 2008 were:
1. Noel, Josh Grobin
2. I Can Only Imagine, various artists compilation
3. Thirsty, Marvin Sapp
4. Joy To The World, Faith Hill
5. Flyleaf, Flyleaf
6. The Altar and the Door, Casting Crowns
7. Peace On Earth, Casting Crowns
8. Revelation, Third Day
9. Fight of My Life, Kirk Franklin
10. WOW Hits 2009, various artists compilation
It's interesting to note that half of the Top 10 were either Christmas CDs or compilations. Christian music fans appear to gravitate to established and cross-over artists. Compilation CDs are popular just as they are with mainstream product, most likely because they aggregate hits and make sampling other artists easier.
As Gospel Soundcheck notes, both Flyleaf's self-titled debut and Casting Crowns The Altar and the Door were top selling Christian albums in 2007, and Flyleaf was also on the top selling list in 2006. Kirk Franklin was a top seller in 2006 with a different album, as was Casting Crowns. Compilation CDs were also top sellers.
The most popular styles of Christian/Gospel music were:
* Pop/Adult Contemporary (28%)
* Black Gospel (18%)
* Rock (17%)
* Praise & Worship (9%)
* Country (6%)
