When I first came back to the Lord early this year, I was struck by how much Christian music had changed. I had been several times to Martels and each time I couldn't find some good worship music. That would not have happened before!
They were playing something really rad on the speakers and I said to the employee: "another voice they will not follow". As a sheep, I was baaa questioning because the shepherd was nowhere to be found. They were just trying to be weird!
Another "song" came on and it was more reasonable. I complained to the store that it lacked any anointing and I was rebuked by the Lord right in the store. I believe a balanced take on it was/is is that the music was primarily an "outer court" experience to lead the world to Christ. Many Christians still hang out there. There is a valid ministry, but the Holy Place is where the greater anointing is. You're facing God and not facing out. Music in the 80s and 90s was more "Holy Place" oriented and made you want to give your life to the Lord completely. It melted your heart and made you want to worship.
Musicians still have a choice if their ministry is going to be facing outward, compelling them to come in, or toward the throne. If He be lifted up, He'll draw all men to Him, so you'll still minister to the hearer. Of course, the Holy of Holies, mature walk is total worship. You don't have your groove on in the throne room.
I'll still put on some early Phil Keaggy and I know it appeals more to my flesh even though it has some more anointed songs than others. I'm far more blessed if the music is more anointed.
There is definitely some "music" death metal that is so obviously not of God, they don't even bother with the sheep skin. Don't just accept anything on the shelf as being "of God".
