The top Christian artist on iTunes right now isn’t Lauren Daigle or Brandon Lake. It’s not even a person. It’s an AI named “Solomon Ray.”
The No. 1 Christian album and top two songs on iTunes right now both belong to an artist who was generated, not born. Ray’s single “Find Your Rest” and debut album Faithful Soul hit the top simultaneously in under three weeks, making him the first AI act in any genre to pull off a double No. 1.
The Internet has some thoughts. Chart-topping artist Forrest Frank posted a video on Instagram addressing his personal concerns with the music.
“At minimum, AI does not have the Holy Spirit inside of it,” he said. “So I think that’s really weird to be opening up your spirit to something that has no spirit.”
He went on to state that he will not be listening to it, and the vast majority of his commenters quickly agreed.
“I’m sure the song can impact somebody, but I won’t listen or support it,” said music producer Brett Raio. “I’m here to create Holy Spirit-filled music and support the Holy Spirit-filled artists who do the same.”
Influencer Brendan Ruh said, “I don’t like AI music there’s enough real artists out there to listen to and I like personality behind the music. Like it can sound cool it’s interesting but not as good as normal music.”
Another commenter, Benji Cowart, wrote, “It hits me the same with finding out that AI is writing 100% of a pastor’s messsages…it might be eloquent and brilliant but it has no authority or power.”
But Solomon Ray’s moderator is pushing back. In a comment from Ray’s official Instagram account, he explained their intent with their music.
