Praise song

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A praise song (also commonly called a worship song) is a loosely defined style of music used in a variety of Christian churches. As it is commonly understood today, the style is rooted in the Jesus Movement and similar Christian youth movements of the 1960s and 1970s. It was initially popularized in charismatic churches (both denominational and non-denominational) in the early 1970s. Because of the influence of charismatics within some denominations, by the 1980s praise songs were published in some denominationally-supported hymnals and incorporated in worship services otherwise following a more traditional or liturgical structure.

As the modern praise song was developing, it was common to distinguish between the praise song and the hymn. Within the context of this discussion, the distinction was based upon the style and lyrics, as well as the method of delivery. Praise songs tended to use simple, repetitive lyrics (and as a result were often called a "praise chorus" or "worship chorus") and were often guitar-based and led by a small group of musicians. Hymns were normally led by a piano or organ and often accompanied by a choir. The language and metrical structure of hymns reflected the eras of their composition.

Amongst Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants especially, these distinctions have been blurred by the use of a wider variety of musical instruments. In some other Protestant groups, the hymn is still used in its traditional context.

Critics often focus on simple or repetitive lyrical structure and the perception of simplistic theology in some songs in this genre. Others have criticized the repetitive 4/4 rhythm of certain up-tempo examples.

Some of those who favor this genre enjoy its frequent simplicity, which they perceive as allowing the congregation and musicians the flexibility to improvise.