There’s a trend resurfacing in the Christian music industry: the number of woman-fronted bands and solo female artists taking a turn in the spotlight has been sharply on the rise in recent years. In fact, they are truly propelling the market now, both in radio airplay and in record sales.

Superchick always comes to mind first when we think of female-fronted bands. Trisha Brock has, undoubtedly, one of the most recognizable and familiar voices in the industry. Bands like Superchick have paved the way and opened countless doors for other female-fronted bands to follow their lead. Some recently notable artists include Aly & AJ, who found strong footing in the Christian market in 2005 with their single “Never Far Behind” (as well as a little assistance from Disney along the way), and Flyleaf, who has become a staple in the industry as well. Fronted by Lacey Mosley and her incredibly unique voice, the band has slowly worked themselves to prominence in the Christian market as well as mainstream, and this feat demonstrates just how successful female fronted bands are becoming.

More recently, in 2008 alone, Christian women have really been upping the ante. Although not by any means a new band, Fireflight really made themselves known to the Christian music industry this year. Unbreakable, the band’s second major-label studio release, has been highly praised by critics everywhere and has produced major radio hits, including the title track and “Brand New Day.” Dawn Richardson heads up the vocals, while Wendy Drennen plays bass, a highly unusual part for a female in most bands, but nevertheless more empowering.

Also gaining huge traction this year is newcomer Francesca Battistelli. As soon as her first single, “I’m Letting Go,” hit airwaves, she became an instant hit, ensuring her a solid spot in the industry. Her combination of jazz, blues, and pop make her the perfect Christian alternative to a secular artist like Sara Bareilles, and the sheer classiness of her sound has won her a huge audience and shows her evident passion for music. Keep a keen eye out for Ms. Battistelli, because she’ll be sticking around for quite some time.

Most noteworthy, perhaps, of all, is Barlowgirl. Becca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow unquestionably make up the biggest Christian female act of this decade. Since first jumping into the spotlight with their 2004 self title album, Barlowgirl has released three highly successful studio albums, and just released their first Christmas record this past September. Their success seems endless and will inevitably continue. Speaking in a 2007 interview on JesusFreakHideout.com, the girls talked about leading the charge for female rockers to be a success story and how God has been there every step of the way.

“It was difficult starting out as an all-girl band because most people said we'd need guys to play the instruments, or a band, etc... but we've just been obedient to God's calling and He's completely paved the way for us to do this.”

2008 has also introduced us to Brooke Barrettsmith who tried out for the fifth season of American Idol, and Joy Whitlock. These are just two more female singer/songwriters who have chosen the electric guitar and progressive rock, like the ladies before them, as their instrument of choice.

We can’t forget other female artists and female-fronted bands making an impact too. Krystal Meyers made a huge splash with her first single from her third album, "Make Some Noise," being selected as NBC's theme song for the Fall 2008 season.

Sixpence None the Richer has just come back to the Christian music scene, and Worth Dying For’s latest record has proved a hit too.

Together, they are all accomplishing the once daunting task of making females just as prominent as males in the music world. But there is still plenty of opportunity out there for female artists.

A quick glance at the this week's Billboard "Hot Christian Songs" chart reveals that only 3 of the Top 20 are from female artists and none are in the Top 10. Laura Story's "Mighty To Save" clocks in at #11, Brooke Fraser's "Shadowfest" is at #14 and Addison Road closes the chart at #20 with their song, "Hope Now." Granted, radio airplay changes on a weekly basis, but this snapshot shows female artists have a mere 15% hold on the charts.

A closer look at 2007's year end sales charts paints an even bleaker picture for female artists. Out of the Top 25 albums sold last year, only two were from female led bands. Flyleaf's self-titled album was #3 and Selah's Hiding Place, an album that originally came out in 2004 and was buoyed by some aggressive marketing at Christian retail last year, ended the chart at #25.

One could easily argue that the lack of releases from female artists in the past couple years can quickly explain the drought seen on both sales and radio charts. With the new round of albums coming from females in recent months, I'm hoping 2008 ends a little more balanced.

I, for one, don't mind a little girl power in my music.