What's wrong with Christian music?

[seebs]

IMO, christian music was probably great at first. But then it got old. I mean, seccular music can cover so many things, can have so many different emotions and sounds. Lots of christian music today is the same thing over and over again. And it either has to be a happy (so happy its allmost fake) euphoria, or its sad, (because how secualar our world is) ((and thats pathetic i think))i prefer to listen to secualar music. I used to like christian music, but honestly, it got old for me.

A friend of mine was recommending some early Christian artist very strongly; I forgot the name. He reports that there's a lot of bands who are "the band which sounds exactly like band X, only they say Jesus a lot".

I don't entirely understand the distinction. What makes a band "Christian"? What makes a given song "Christian"? Should it actually have those words, or just be consistent with Christian beliefs? What about songs about specific topics, or whatever?

 

[Axver]

Christian music is so restrictive. When was the last time your typical Christian artist ever sung anything beyond praise? Last I checked, praise was not the only thing we could sing about. Ever read Psalms? There's anger and doubt in there, but Christian music artists always play it 'safe', and not just in their poorly written lyrics, but in their music. They never seem to push the barrier or try new things - it's just the same old same old, rehashed and refried. Where's the talent and ability? It's in secular and Christian secular music, with bands like U2 prepared to doubt and question at the same time as they praise, at the same time as they experiment and try new things with their music, or if they aren't Christians, explore other worthy themes and what they believe.

Christian music is a crock. I'm sick of hearing lyrics that sound like a five year old wrote them - a popular song for my school's chapel services has an oh-so-inspired section that goes "I'll read my Bible and pray/I'll follow You all day/All day now/All day/All day now" - and I'm sick of everything being so 'safe' and untalented. There's rarely new themes, there's rarely any solid theology, there's rarely any reality ... it's sickening.

I can't stand Christian music, it's a joke, a smear on Christianity. I'll take my favourite Christian secular band, U2, any day. At least they have a grasp on reality and know what faith is about.

 

[Neenie]

I'll take my favourite Christian secular band, U2, any day. At least they have a grasp on reality and know what faith is about.

That’s right Axver, U2 have a grip on realty!

 

[brettnolan]

Christian music is so restrictive. When was the last time your typical Christian artist ever sung anything beyond praise?

You obviously haven't listened to 12 Stones, Chevelle, Switchfoot, or even Stacie Orrico. Of course, they aren't U2, so why would you?

However, these bands would fit into the other category that you created...Christian secular music...so I guess they don't count as Christian music?

I'm sick of hearing lyrics that sound like a five year old wrote them

If you're talking strictly about praise/worship music with this comment you haven't heard Mercy Me, either. I Can Only Imagine and Spoken For are both thoughtfully written songs.

 

[Kelly]

All this talk about Christian music being restrictive in people's eyes bums me out. You might as well say "being Christian is restrictive, cause we aren't supposed to explore carnal aspects of humanity such as sex, addiction, aggression, greed and pride"

Don't you see that Christ is freeing you from all of that stuff? He's not denying you it.

 

[brettnolan]

We're missing the point, I think.

Please understand that I'm NOT trying to argue against secular music, but I AM trying to defend Christian music to some degree.

I listed specific bands for specific reasons and that's why I was hoping to get more specific answers. Obviously, if you're not familiar with the bands, you can have no opinion. Also, if none of those bands suit your musical tastes as far as genre goes, that would be an acceptable reason not to like them. For instance, none of them are punk bands, so if you like punk, obviously you would have no interest in them. On the other hand, if you like Top 40, why is Stacie Orrico or Switchfoot not good? If you like hard rock, what makes Chevelle, Disciple, 12 Stones not good?

Also, I'm interested in your opinions based on how these bands are labeled. Not their message, or lack of message or whatever. Some of you have dealt with the question, what makes a band secular or Christian? Well, for purposes of this thread, what makes them secular or Christian, is that the artists listed are labeled Christian. That would be why POD isn't on the list, or U2 for that matter.

This is sort of my little research project...maybe to some degree a little ministry as well. I just get the feeling as I said in my opening post, there is a lot of excuse making and also not a lot of looking (or looking in the wrong places) for Christian music to suit one's tastes. A year ago, I didn't think I would find much that I liked either.

So again, if you are familiar with the artists listed, please indicate why you don't like them. Also, as an added feature, who DO you like (secular or not)?

thanks!

 

[nadroj1985]

All this talk about Christian music being restrictive in people's eyes bums me out. You might as well say "being Christian is restrictive, cause we aren't supposed to explore carnal aspects of humanity such as sex, addiction, aggression, greed and pride"

Don't you see that Christ is freeing you from all of that stuff? He's not denying you it.

I think you are missing Axver's point (and it's a good one, I might add ). He's not saying Christian music is restrictive because it can't talk about casual sex and drug use and various other immoral acts. He's saying that life in Christ is not necessarily always perfect and joyous; we have our ups and downs with it just like anything else. However, most, if not all of Christian music ignores this and doesn't really explore our relationships with God in very much depth. I agree wholeheartedly with this point. I think, as I've said before in this thread, that Christian music has quite a bit of potential, but the music being called "Christian" right now is not living up to that potential.

 

[ps139]

I'm not sure that this is the right way to look at it. Christian music wasn't great at first (as far as I know), and it hasn't been around long enough to get old.

Christian music is probably the oldest music of Western culture. Ever listened to Gregorian chants? They are beautiful and inspiring. Many famous classical pieces are also overtly Christian.

 

[brettnolan]

I think if you define most as 51% or more, you might be correct.

My Life
I find myself in question again
And I doubt this Love you've given to me
I hope you understand when I say
I need this time to myself

You speak your mind to me again
You force your words so deep within
You try to tell me how to live
But it's my life

I know your open arms too well
Cause I’ve lost myself there many times before
I need to slowly fall away
Far from the grip you have on me

You speak your mind to me again
You force your words so deep within
You try to tell me how to live
But it's my life
I find these words were never true
I've lost all my respect for you
I need to find my own way
It's my life

I gotta get away
One step away
I gotta get away
Just one step away
I gotta away you're pushing me away
I gotta get away
Well I'm gone

Does that sound "perfect and joyous?"

 

[nadroj1985]

I think if you define most as 51% or more, you might be correct.

My Life
I find myself in question again
And I doubt this Love you've given to me
I hope you understand when I say
I need this time to myself

You speak your mind to me again
You force your words so deep within
You try to tell me how to live
But it's my life

I know your open arms too well
Cause I’ve lost myself there many times before
I need to slowly fall away
Far from the grip you have on me

You speak your mind to me again
You force your words so deep within
You try to tell me how to live
But it's my life
I find these words were never true
I've lost all my respect for you
I need to find my own way
It's my life

I gotta get away
One step away
I gotta get away
Just one step away
I gotta away you're pushing me away
I gotta get away
Well I'm gone

Does that sound "perfect and joyous?"

No it doesn't, that is an interesting song . It is not indicative of alot of the Christian music I have heard (and I will grant you that I don't listen to that much). That song is a good direction for Christian music, not necessarily because it is negative, but because it recognizes that our relationship with God is a deep and multifaceted thing. Who/What band wrote that BTW??

 

[nadroj1985]

Christian music is probably the oldest music of Western culture. Ever listened to Gregorian chants? They are beautiful and inspiring. Many famous classical pieces are also overtly Christian.

Granted. I am referring more to what is generally called Christian contemporary music. I love classical pieces like Handel's Messiah and I like quite a lot of hymns as well (as I said earlier in the thread).

 

[brettnolan]

It's performed by 12 Stones. I think Paul McCoy writes most of the songs, but don't hold me to that. And no, it's not indicative of the majority, but there is more of it out there. Not positive, but I don't think it's necessarily your preferred genre of music based on some of your other posts.

 

[ps139]

The one modern Christian band I am familiar with is Burlap to Cashmere. I think they broke up but they were awesome. They featured some Spanish-sounding guitar, fast-paced songs, and some deep lyrics. They even use mandolin in some songs, some bongos, which is really cool. One thing which is great is that their guitar is never too heavy. They use plugged in acoustic guitars instead of electrics. When I hear a Christian song, where its kind of slow and mellow, then breaks out with some overdrive guitar - I turn the song off. I do not like heavy stuff at all and when its in a song about God I jus't can't take it. The singer has a really good voice, and is not a carbon copy of other singers. (too frequent in the music industry today). Some songs by them I recommend are: Basic Instructions (my favorite), Digee Dime, Chop Chop, Good Man, and Anybody Out There.

Here are the lyrics to "Basic Instructions"
Basic instructions before leaving Earth... (makes the acronym BIBLE)
For God so much loved the world,
That he gave His one and only son.
That whoever believeth in Him
Shall not die but live on.
(BRIDGE)
Living on...
Through the son
Peace almighty
Living on,
Let your heart go
To the one.
Yes the road narrow.
Yes the road is tough.
But whoever remaineth in Him
Shall not die, but lift up.
(BRIDGE) - AWESOME SPANISH GUITAR SOLO!!!!
Basic instructions before leaving Earth




BTW my music tastes are bands like Phish, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Stringcheese Incident, moe, the Beatles; artists like Billy Joel, Keller Williams, Leo Kottke, Ennio Morricone, DJ Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold. As for styles I guess you could say classic rock, jambands, trance, bluegrass, jazz and classical.

 

[nadroj1985]

It's performed by 12 Stones. I think Paul McCoy writes most of the songs, but don't hold me to that. And no, it's not indicative of the majority, but there is more of it out there. Not positive, but I don't think it's necessarily your preferred genre of music based on some of your other posts.

'Tis true. I do not listen to very much Christian music, and I probably should listen to more, as maybe this 12 Stones band and others are ones that I might enjoy. Hopefully this is more like the direction the genre is taking, rather than the shallower "praise" songs. I have felt the presence of God more strongly through some so-called secular music than I have through this kind of music.

 

[brettnolan]

I was actually referring to the hard rock genre...you like punk, right?

12 Stones can be heard on secular radio at least occasionally and Paul McCoy was the "Save me" voice on Evanescence's Bring Me to Life.

BTW - an excellent point was made in another thread...Christian radio is a BRUTAL representation of Christian music...at least if you're into anything other than Adult Contemporary (ie - Amy Grant, Michael W Smith).

 

[nadroj1985]

I was actually referring to the hard rock genre...you like punk, right?

12 Stones can be heard on secular radio at least occasionally and Paul McCoy was the "Save me" voice on Evanescence's Bring Me to Life.

BTW - an excellent point was made in another thread...Christian radio is a BRUTAL representation of Christian music...at least if you're into anything other than Adult Contemporary (ie - Amy Grant, Michael W Smith).

Nah, I'm not a very big punk fan. There are some punk bands that I like, mostly older, "classic" punk (Clash, Television). I can definitely understand that Christian radio is a bad representation of Christian music. I think top 40 radio is a horrible representation of secular music, so it goes both ways.

 

[Blessed75]

Before you jump all over me...I like ALL kinds of music...from ABBA to Zebra...pretty much all genres in between. I'm not a big Hip-Hop fan, but I can find stuff there that I will listen to.

I keep seeing a bunch of you say that the Christian music (1) all sounds the same, (2) isn't as original or some other lame excuse (in my opinion).

I am becoming more and more convinced that these are all just excuses to not listen to music with the words God, Jesus, or holy (among others) in it.

I am asking for all you anti-Christian-music Christians to prove me wrong. Please tell me specifically what is wrong with the following music. If you're argument is that it is an imitation of another artist, tell who that artist is and whether or not you like that artist.

12 Stones
Mercy Me
Stacy Orrico
Kutless
Audio Adrenaline
Switchfoot
Plumb
Stavesacre
Chevelle
Disciple

That should be enough to get started.

Okay, to me "christian music" today doesn't have the feeling in it that it did back in the 80's. I grew up listening to Amy Grant, BJ Thomas, Leon Patillo - Loved him........I mean, the Christian music back then was just fantastic. Today it all sounds the same to me. Just my opinion though..........

 

[DMBfanLongliveStrongBad!]

the Chrisian record industry doesn't go after cutting edge.
they only sign artists who sound like popular secular artists that have already made it.
the christian record companies don't ever take chances and sign bands that have their own agenda. even bands like 12 stones... i bought their cd and was dissapointed... i've heard it all before a million times.
i don't think that all christian artists suck, but i think that the record companies that sign them are afraid of finding artists who make unique art.

 

[KGirl]

The problem I have is some of what they play on the radio. There is so much better Christian music then alot of what's on the radio. I will agree that there is alot better secular music then what's on the radio. I don't like music like Point of Grace or Zoie Girl (sp?). I mostly don't perfer that singing style. I also don't like Stacy Orrico, because she has alot of redundance in her voice. Not that it's bad if anyone else likes her. I do like Switchfoot, DC Talk, some Mercy Me, mostly the guy ones? Though I like regular worship.

I don't want to seem non-religious, but I find alot of the radio Christian music lame.. There is a rare station in Michigan that I liked.

 

[fortyfourbreaks]

although I don't listen to that much Christian music right now, I think Christian music is really good. I wholeheartedly believe that it has its place in this world. Those that don't like it, need to remember; there's a genre of music for everyone, and who's for you to say what sucks and what doesn't?

Theres no more sense in saying a particular genre of music sucks, you probably don't know that genre at all. Who's to say the genre of music you listen to is good? There are millions of people that think your music sucks. all i'm saying is....if you truly appreciate MUSIC, you will in turn appreciate all genres for what they are and who they appeal to. YOU don't need to be a negative critic.