One movie that has been in the news lately is
Soul Surfer, starring AnnaSophia Robb. The movie is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a champion surfer who lost an arm in a shark attack. Hamilton has always said that her faith played a part in her recovery and eventual return on the board, so it's no wonder that the
soundtrack is filled with Christian artists. Mat Kearney contributes "
Runaway" and recent Dove award winner Francesca Batttistelli adds her hit "
It's Your Life." Also, Chris Sligh covers Katy Perry's "
Firework" and Britt Nicole contributes "
Set the World on Fire."
Of course,
Soul Surfer wasn't the first movie to use Christian and Gospel artists on movie soundtracks. One notable example is
A Walk to Remember, starring Mandy Moore and Shane West. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, tells the story of an unconventional couple: a homely girl and a popular boy. Switchfoot was featured prominently on the soundtrack, which lead to their breakthrough album, "The Beautiful Letdown." Two notable tracks: their version of "
Only Hope" and
"Dare You to Move."
While its rare that Christian and Gospel artists to be included on movie soundtracks, its even rarer that one is called to
produce one. That was certainly the case for Kirk Franklin, who produced the soundtrack to
Kingdom Come. Franklin's work has already been featured on inspirational soundtracks to
Passion of the Christ and
Prince of Egypt. According to an
article on TodaysChristianMusic.com, movies directors have been asking Franklin to contribute to their movies, but he declined because the plots never matched with his lifestyle and faith.
Kingdom Come is the story of a family dealing with a death in the family - along with other issues - through faith, something that Franklin can get behind. Artists on the soundtrack included
Mary Mary, Crystal Lewis and
Trin-i-tee 5:7.
Christian music is rarely featured in the movies.However, when those movies feature faith-based plots like the ones mentioned above, they are a good match. Here's hoping that more Christian and Gospel artists are featured in the future.
