Christian Artists that need to call it a day.

[mewithoutyouska]

pillar
brave saint saturn
kutless
petra
newsboys
delirous?
mary mary
switchfoot

 

[MoreInSorrow]

Just because you don't like their stuff, it doesn't mean that no one else does or should like them.

Actually, the memo went out last week, that's EXACTLY what it means.

 

[VWPETE]

Petra. even though i saw them last summer at Creation West...they need to call it a day. there is too much Newsboys influence on there record.

Newsboys....no i don't think they should quit.
Delerios...no they should not quite ( have you ever seen them live )
Jars of Clay...yes i thnk they should call it quits i just havn't liked any of there new stuff same with Sonic flood. they were great but it was hard to beat there first album
Kutless...no no no. they have only gotten better.
Pax217 unless they have a great album coming...i dont know. i liked them when they started.

 

[FaithAlone]

Just curious, who do you listen to?

Yeah, if all of those people need to quit who should we be listening to? I haven't heard anything really worthy of my time lately.

 

[MoreInSorrow]

Yeah, if all of those people need to quit who should we be listening to? I haven't heard anything really worthy of my time lately.

Pedro the Lion
Further Seems Forever
UnderOath
Dead Poetic
As Cities Burn
Unearth
Jimmy Eat World
Pixies
U2
Franz Ferdinand
The Walkmen
As I Lay Dying
Jeremy Enigk/Sunny Day Real Estate/The Fire Theft
Brandtson
Beautiful Mistake
Copeland


that'll getcha started.

 

[Macewindu77815]

^^ Good list....

 

[FaithAlone]

Pedro the Lion-I like a few songs but he has some questionable lyrics in my opinion

Further Seems Forever-good band but they still love to avoid actually saying the name God or Jesus

UnderOath-the only screaming band that I like. I might be seeing them this weekend

Dead Poetic-I'll give it a listen

As Cities Burn-ditto

Unearth-ditto

Jimmy Eat World-are we talking Christian here? I like them but I never considered them Christian

Pixies-what? They are so not Christian. By the way where is my mind?

U2-I've heard way too much of them lately

Franz Ferdinand-I'll give him(?) a listen

The Walkmen-ditto

As I Lay Dying-they have something creative going on if you can stand listening to them

Jeremy Enigk/Sunny Day Real Estate/The Fire Theft-I'll try it

Brandtson-I'll try it

Beautiful Mistake-great lyrics but the guys voice is too whiny for me to bear

Copeland-I'll try it

Do you ever branch out from what's popularly unpopular right now? I really love some of that music, but I just hate it when bands will do everything possible not to actually say God or Jesus. It's like they want for people to be able to take their songs both ways.

 

[MoreInSorrow]

Pedro the Lion-I like a few songs but he has some questionable lyrics in my opinion

Further Seems Forever-good band but they still love to avoid actually saying the name God or Jesus

UnderOath-the only screaming band that I like. I might be seeing them this weekend

Dead Poetic-I'll give it a listen

As Cities Burn-ditto

Unearth-ditto

Jimmy Eat World-are we talking Christian here? I like them but I never considered them Christian

Pixies-what? They are so not Christian. By the way where is my mind?

U2-I've heard way too much of them lately

Franz Ferdinand-I'll give him(?) a listen

The Walkmen-ditto

As I Lay Dying-they have something creative going on if you can stand listening to them

Jeremy Enigk/Sunny Day Real Estate/The Fire Theft-I'll try it

Brandtson-I'll try it

Beautiful Mistake-great lyrics but the guys voice is too whiny for me to bear

Copeland-I'll try it

Do you ever branch out from what's popularly unpopular right now? I really love some of that music, but I just hate it when bands will do everything possible not to actually say God or Jesus. It's like they want for people to be able to take their songs both ways.

Not sure I understand what you mean by 'branching out from what's popularly unpopular right now', but I'd be happy to answer if you could explain further what you mean.

I was not talking only about Christian artists. I was all-encompassing what I'd consider to be just plain 'ole good music.

Since you brought it up, why do people (in this case, you) feel it is necessary for bands to always mention the name of Jesus simply because they make music? What about them writing songs necessitates that they HAVE to mention Jesus or God in their lyrics? I've never understood that. Out of that list, Copeland, Beautiful Mistake, Brandtson, Jeremy Enigk, As I Lay Dying, As Cities Burn, Dead Poetic, UnderOath, FurtherSeemsForever, and Pedro all either confess Christianity as a band, or some of the individual members do. Sometimes their faith comes up in their lyrics without them actually saying Jesus name. What's the big deal? As I Lay Dying has some of the most wonderfully uplifting, spiritual lyrics I've ever heard, and yet Tim Lambesis doesn't mention Jesus' name once. Does that make AILD a less credible "Christian" band? I don't think so. As for Pedro, I agree with you a bit. I wince a little on "Foregone Conclusion" every time I hear it. But if you can get past that song, David Bazaan has some wonderful, insightful lyrics.

I guess I just don't get the hangup on why bands have to have Jesus name plastered all over their lyrics if they claim to be Christians. Is doing so going to make them more relevant to the world they may or may not be trying to reach?

I'm not ranting, and not posting in anger whatsoever. I honestly would like to hear some discussion from the 'other side of the fence' on this issue.

 

[Macewindu77815]

Not sure I understand what you mean by 'branching out from what's popularly unpopular right now', but I'd be happy to answer if you could explain further what you mean.

I was not talking only about Christian artists. I was all-encompassing what I'd consider to be just plain 'ole good music.

Since you brought it up, why do people (in this case, you) feel it is necessary for bands to always mention the name of Jesus simply because they make music? What about them writing songs necessitates that they HAVE to mention Jesus or God in their lyrics? I've never understood that. Out of that list, Copeland, Beautiful Mistake, Brandtson, Jeremy Enigk, As I Lay Dying, As Cities Burn, Dead Poetic, UnderOath, FurtherSeemsForever, and Pedro all either confess Christianity as a band, or some of the individual members do. Sometimes their faith comes up in their lyrics without them actually saying Jesus name. What's the big deal? As I Lay Dying has some of the most wonderfully uplifting, spiritual lyrics I've ever heard, and yet Tim Lambesis doesn't mention Jesus' name once. Does that make AILD a less credible "Christian" band? I don't think so. As for Pedro, I agree with you a bit. I wince a little on "Foregone Conclusion" every time I hear it. But if you can get past that song, David Bazaan has some wonderful, insightful lyrics.

I guess I just don't get the hangup on why bands have to have Jesus name plastered all over their lyrics if they claim to be Christians. Is doing so going to make them more relevant to the world they may or may not be trying to reach?

I'm not ranting, and not posting in anger whatsoever. I honestly would like to hear some discussion from the 'other side of the fence' on this issue.

Amen...I would give Coldplay a listen too...

 

[AmandaT]

To respond to your post MoreInSorrow...

The way I look at is why shouldn't they say Jesus' name in their songs? As Christians we should do everything we do (including writing songs and performing them) to glorify God. Some "Christian artists" these days seem to be almost ashamed to say the name of Jesus in a song. It's like they are just hoping to break into the secular scene and so when their lyrics never say Jesus their new fans assume that "you" is some girl rather than our savior, and that a song is about some relationship with that girl. I'm not saying that the bands you listed are like that, but what I'm thinking now is "Why do we say the name Jesus less in songs now?" People say that song writers are getting "more poetic", but in so many cases it gets to the point of being so poetic that no one is even sure of who or what the singer is really talking about anymore. The meaning of the song is just lost because no one gets the lyrics.

On the other side of things though I don't feel like there is a definite need for every other word of every song on an album to be Jesus. There is nothing wrong with extremely poetic lyrics. I think they are awesome. But somehow the writer needs to make sure that the meaning of the song isn't completely misconstrued. I mean, what's the point of considering yourself a Christian artist if no one can tell you are from your lyrics? One way artists keep people from taking the meaning of a song wrong is by saying Jesus in the song.

I hope that made sense...

 

[FaithAlone]

Not sure I understand what you mean by 'branching out from what's popularly unpopular right now', but I'd be happy to answer if you could explain further what you mean.

I was not talking only about Christian artists. I was all-encompassing what I'd consider to be just plain 'ole good music.

Since you brought it up, why do people (in this case, you) feel it is necessary for bands to always mention the name of Jesus simply because they make music? What about them writing songs necessitates that they HAVE to mention Jesus or God in their lyrics? I've never understood that. Out of that list, Copeland, Beautiful Mistake, Brandtson, Jeremy Enigk, As I Lay Dying, As Cities Burn, Dead Poetic, UnderOath, FurtherSeemsForever, and Pedro all either confess Christianity as a band, or some of the individual members do. Sometimes their faith comes up in their lyrics without them actually saying Jesus name. What's the big deal? As I Lay Dying has some of the most wonderfully uplifting, spiritual lyrics I've ever heard, and yet Tim Lambesis doesn't mention Jesus' name once. Does that make AILD a less credible "Christian" band? I don't think so. As for Pedro, I agree with you a bit. I wince a little on "Foregone Conclusion" every time I hear it. But if you can get past that song, David Bazaan has some wonderful, insightful lyrics.

I guess I just don't get the hangup on why bands have to have Jesus name plastered all over their lyrics if they claim to be Christians. Is doing so going to make them more relevant to the world they may or may not be trying to reach?

I'm not ranting, and not posting in anger whatsoever. I honestly would like to hear some discussion from the 'other side of the fence' on this issue.

I just meant that all of those bands are super popular to people who try really hard to act like they don't care : ) I'm not saying that has to be the case but it's like it's really popular now to like music that you think other people will hate.

I don't see anything wrong with a band that writes songs that don't say Jesus' name all over them. In fact some of their songs don't even have to be about Christianity or spiritual things at all. It only starts to bother me when secular artists start saying more good things about Christ than the Chrsitian ones. If you're a Christian band it would seem like in at least a song or two you would want to share your faith. It only bothers me when I hear absolutely nothing about Christ in any song and when unsaved people can listen to every song and believe the love they talk about is for a boyfriend or girlfriend. That's my only problem.

Have you ever heard Waterdeep or Derek Webb? They are just a couple of very unmainstream artists but have amazing lyrics and music that appeal to people who don't like CCM.

I'm really going to check those bands that you listed out though. I'll let you know what I think.

 

[MoreInSorrow]

To respond to your post MoreInSorrow...

The way I look at is why shouldn't they say Jesus' name in their songs? As Christians we should do everything we do (including writing songs and performing them) to glorify God. Some "Christian artists" these days seem to be almost ashamed to say the name of Jesus in a song. It's like they are just hoping to break into the secular scene and so when their lyrics never say Jesus their new fans assume that "you" is some girl rather than our savior, and that a song is about some relationship with that girl. I'm not saying that the bands you listed are like that, but what I'm thinking now is "Why do we say the name Jesus less in songs now?" People say that song writers are getting "more poetic", but in so many cases it gets to the point of being so poetic that no one is even sure of who or what the singer is really talking about anymore. The meaning of the song is just lost because no one gets the lyrics.

On the other side of things though I don't feel like there is a definite need for every other word of every song on an album to be Jesus. There is nothing wrong with extremely poetic lyrics. I think they are awesome. But somehow the writer needs to make sure that the meaning of the song isn't completely misconstrued. I mean, what's the point of considering yourself a Christian artist if no one can tell you are from your lyrics? One way artists keep people from taking the meaning of a song wrong is by saying Jesus in the song.

I hope that made sense...

It's impossible to 'make sure that the meaning of the song isn't completely misconstrued', because everyone's going to draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the song anyway. And it's not the writer's responsibility to make sure everyone feels the same way he/she did in the meaning of that song. It's totally subjective to the listener.

 

[MoreInSorrow]

I just meant that all of those bands are super popular to people who try really hard to act like they don't care : ) I'm not saying that has to be the case but it's like it's really popular now to like music that you think other people will hate.

I don't see anything wrong with a band that writes songs that don't say Jesus' name all over them. In fact some of their songs don't even have to be about Christianity or spiritual things at all. It only starts to bother me when secular artists start saying more good things about Christ than the Chrsitian ones. If you're a Christian band it would seem like in at least a song or two you would want to share your faith. It only bothers me when I hear absolutely nothing about Christ in any song and when unsaved people can listen to every song and believe the love they talk about is for a boyfriend or girlfriend. That's my only problem.

Have you ever heard Waterdeep or Derek Webb? They are just a couple of very unmainstream artists but have amazing lyrics and music that appeal to people who don't like CCM.

I'm really going to check those bands that you listed out though. I'll let you know what I think.

That's what worship music if for. Waterdeep and Derek Webb are both considered 'worship' artists as well. If that's their goal, then they should mention God. Otherwise, why hold every band up to 'your' standards? Do you go around walking down the street telling people about Jesus? Do you tell the checkout girl at the register in the grocery store she needs to be saved? Do you walk up to total strangers telling them of their need for salvation? If not, WHY NOT? Isn't that the same thing you're asking musicians, bands, and artists to do?

 

[AmandaT]

It's impossible to 'make sure that the meaning of the song isn't completely misconstrued', because everyone's going to draw their own conclusions about the meaning of the song anyway. And it's not the writer's responsibility to make sure everyone feels the same way he/she did in the meaning of that song. It's totally subjective to the listener.

That's true that it is subjective. But when a Christian artist writes a song I know I at least hope that the lyrics will actually have an element (whatever it may be) to point people toward Christ, rather than making it able for everyone to assume the songs are simply talking about a girlfriend. I know that not everyone would get that the song is talking about Christ, but if the majority can't even tell what it's about, it defeats the purpose of calling yourself a Christian artist. If you want to write lyrics that have nothing to do with Christ, go into the secular market.

 

[FaithAlone]

Do you go around walking down the street telling people about Jesus? Do you tell the checkout girl at the register in the grocery store she needs to be saved? Do you walk up to total strangers telling them of their need for salvation? If not, WHY NOT? Isn't that the same thing you're asking musicians, bands, and artists to do?

Yes, I do whenever possible. That's what we're called to do as Christians. We aren't supposed to just hope that people guess that we're believers in Christ and then let them come to us. We are supposed to be fishers of men. We should live lives of worship. We don't have to be at church to do that. I think that there is a really good place for all of the music that you listed. I just don't understand how a Christian could even help not talking about Christ. I'm not condemning you, I just don't understand why a Christian would want to disguise their faith. I know that unbelievers listen to them but when will they let them in on their little secret that they need a Savior?

 

[MoreInSorrow]

Yes, I do whenever possible. That's what we're called to do as Christians. We aren't supposed to just hope that people guess that we're believers in Christ and then let them come to us. We are supposed to be fishers of men. We should live lives of worship. We don't have to be at church to do that. I think that there is a really good place for all of the music that you listed. I just don't understand how a Christian could even help not talking about Christ. I'm not condemning you, I just don't understand why a Christian would want to disguise their faith. I know that unbelievers listen to them but when will they let them in on their little secret that they need a Savior?

I know you're not condemning me, I'm not taking it that way. And my previous post wasn't intended to sound snippy, if it did. But I would also argue that just because they are not mentioning Jesus in their lyrics does not mean they aren't sharing Christ with people. That's presumptuous at best, as would be saying that they are trying to disguise their faith. Just because it appears they are doing so to you, doesn't necessarily make it so.

I think we have served in trying to shove the gospel down people's throats for far too long. I tend to think that lifestyle Christianity is a much better witness in this day and age than "Do you know where you're going to spend eternity if you die tonight?" That's a scare tactic at best.

I think we should rather live by this adage:

"Preach the Gospel always, and when necessary, use words."

 

[FaithAlone]

"Do you know where you're going to spend eternity if you die tonight?" That's a scare tactic at best.

I think we should rather live by this adage:

"Preach the Gospel always, and when necessary, use words."

Good point. The times when I share the gospel with someone it is usually with words but only because my actions make an unbeliever question why I do some things. For example, I went to jury duty a few weeks ago and started talking with a group of people and the conversation turned to alcohol and one of them asked me what I liked to drink. When I told them I didn't drink they asked why and it opened up a chance to witness in a way that didn't offend them or turn them off of Christianity. I think you have to be intentional in a sense, but usually your faith comes out because of your actions so I see where you're coming from. I think as long as they openly discuss their faith if questioned it's fine. I once heard an interview with Lifehouse where the lead singer said "Standing in a Moment" was a worship song about God. Less than a year later he said that the same song was about his wife. It's that kind of thing that really bothers me.

 

[MoreInSorrow]

Agreed. I think if God opens the door, we're actually disobeying by not going through. But the problem too often with the church today is that they beat the door down first, before listening to God's voice.

*cyberhug*

 

[JC 101 FM]

Who's to say that they aren't producing good music anymore? And who's to say that a newer band is better than one of the older ones? That would just be your opinion. If a newer band continually seeks after God's will for their career, then someday they will be more popular. You have to realize that every band that is all over the radio now started out the exact same way that the newer groups are right now. They don't need to just get out of the way "to make room" for the bands you currently like.

I am in radio my dear...not everyone starts out as indie acts as you say in fact you don't get serious airplay unless you're on a label. Bethany Dillion had record company money backing her and the age of 16. Krsytal Meyers is another 16 money machine. The point is that old groups like Point Of Grace, FFH, Avalon etc are not making good music anymore and need to go, but at the moment due to their reputations are automatic adds on radio station playlists even though "I Choose You", "I'll Ride, You Drive" , and "You Were There" all tanked as singles.

 

[JC 101 FM]

What about secular muscians whove been around for more than 3 decades, like cher, tina turner,& rolling stonens ect.........dosent the same thing apply??if if its thier passion and God is still opening doors and giving them songs and they still have fans why would they & should they stop, ???? oy stop harping on who you dont like cus whether you like them or not SOMEBODY will....!!!!


Amy

This is all about the best the CCM industry can produce and right now the "vets" in the industry are not making good music and this is Fact, the last time Point of Grace had a number one hit, some of the younger ones at CF were still in pampers... It's time for them to R-E-T-I-R-E...

Sorry I had to spell it out for you.