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CCM Soundcheck

CCM Soundcheck

Written by: Gary Spencer & CJ Collins
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CCM Soundcheck is a show about the songs that shaped a generation of Christian radio, youth group, and church camp. Hosts CJ and Gary have been friends for years. Every episode, they sit down with a new "Third Chair" guest who has never heard the featured song before.

They dig into one song from Contemporary Christian Music's 1985 to 2005 era. You'll hear the stories behind the music, the facts you never knew, and a guest's honest first reaction caught live. If you grew up on CCM, you'll remember it. If you didn't, you're about to find out what you missed. Find us at ccmsoundcheck.com.

© 2026 CCM Soundcheck Music
Episodes
  • Episode 2: God by Rebecca St. James (1996)

    Episode 2: God by Rebecca St. James (1996)
    Sep 12 2026

    CJ and Gary dig into "God" by Rebecca St. James, released in 1996, and play the music video for a first-time listener who was born the same year the song came out.

    Third Chair guest: Kalli Franz.

    In this episode:

    Liner Notes on the album, the chart run, the 1997 Grammy nomination, and the musicians behind the track, including producer and co-writer Tedd T. and drummer Dan Needham.

    A History Lesson on 1996: Tickle Me Elmo, the summer of Independence Day, Twister, and Mission: Impossible, the Macarena, the Unabomber arrest, DC Talk at the Dove Awards, and the AOL discs that covered the country.

    A Cold Reaction to the music video, including a key change nobody remembered and a man dangling from a rope that nobody could explain.

    Re-Produced, where we each pick who should record this song today.

    Savior or Sweetheart, a game of CCM lyrics against secular lyrics, read out loud.

    Our question for you: Rebecca St. James was 18 when she recorded this. Who was the artist who felt like they were speaking straight to you at that age, and do they still hold up?

    Got a CCM song you want us to cover? Let us know.

    CCM Soundcheck covers Contemporary Christian Music from 1985 to 2005. More at ccmsoundcheck.com.
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • 1. Was This Carman Song dc Talk's Big Break? | Addicted to Jesus

    1. Was This Carman Song dc Talk's Big Break? | Addicted to Jesus
    Aug 18 2026
    In 1991, Carman handed a verse to dc Talk. Four years later dc Talk released Jesus Freak. We argue about how much those two facts have to do with each other, then hand the song to someone who has never heard it. CJ and Gary review Contemporary Christian Music from 1985 to 2005. Every episode a rotating Third Chair guest hears the featured song for the first time, on air. This episode's Third Chair is Lukas. THE SONG Song: "Addicted to Jesus" Artist: Carman, featuring dc Talk Album: Addicted to Jesus, 1991, Benson Records Rap verse: Toby McKeehan of dc Talk, later known as TobyMac Produced by Dan Cleary and Joe Hogue IN THIS EPISODE Opening Banter That Reminds Me: youth group memories, a jacket, and a stolen pair of jorts Liner Notes: Gold certification, a Dove Award, a Grammy nomination, and a chart peak lower than you would guess History Lesson: what 1991 actually looked like Cold Reaction: Lukas hears the song for the first time Re-Produced: how we would make this song today Game: Two Truths and a Lie Wrap-Up THIS EPISODE'S QUESTION Carman was a crooner. dc Talk were rappers. If you could pair two artists who have nothing in common, who would make a great collaboration? The video version of this episode is on YouTube @CCMSoundcheck. Got a song we should cover? Send it our way at ccmsoundcheck.com.
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    1 hr and 58 mins
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