They’re the Beatles and the Stones (if you’re younger, how about the Coldplay and Dave Matthews?) of current contemporary Christian music.
And Third Day and Casting Crowns this week added to what’s been a quickly-growing list of awards and nominations.
The two bands received American Music Award nominations for favorite artist in what they call the “Contemporary Inspirational” category.
It’s the fourth straight AMA nomination for Casting Crowns (they won the category at last year’s show), and the third for Third Day (only fitting, isn’t it?).
The nominations are just part of what’s been a great 2008 for both bands, both out of Atlanta and both led by powerful lead singers, a guitar-fueled sound and emotion- and spirit-packed vocals.
Casting Crowns and its lead singer Mark Hall was named group of the year and also got song of the year (”East to West”) at last spring’s Dove Awards.
And the somewhat more established Third Day and its frontman Mac Powell have been no slouch this year, either, getting on the cover of Billboard and releasing its long-awaited new album, “Revelation.”
Both also are among the top-rated touring bands in (hey, let’s keep the riff going) “inspirational” music.
It’s hard to imagine more deserving groups … and hard to imagine picking one as winner.
If you’re a fan of both or either, it’ll give you a good reason to watch or VCR the 36th annual music awards, to be aired Sunday evening, Nov. 23, from 8 to 11 Eastern on ABC-TV.