Christian Music

[Guest yod]

christian radio is aimed at, and supported by, one demographic of the Body.

white women age 25-50

Those are the people who tune in overwhelmingly. My comments are biased as a white male musician. The "music" part of christian music is boring when it doesn't have to be. The lyrics are mostly unimaginative and predictable. That isn't the purpose of art.

That is the issue I have with CCM radio and music.

Worship music is quite different though. It's supposed to be simple enough for large groups of people to sing together. I have no problem with worship music whatsoever and appreciate ALL styles and ALL genres, though I do find foreign and ethnic worship music more interesting than American worship music for the most part.

[OneLight]

I must admit that I can't stand most of what I hear on the radio these days, including christian radio.

Originality died in the early 80s and everyone sounds like someone else now. Every rock singer is Eddy Vedder reincarnated, including Third Day.

Christian music really ticks me off though. Of all people, we should be the most original but no....

Christian radio stations won't play something that doesn't sound "religious" (predictable) or is "safe" (lukewarm) depending on which station you choose.

yuck...ugh....

::::spit, spit::::

Christian music, like a lot of what is held in beliefs today, has a lot of the world entwined within it. But, hey ... I am just one person. In the realm of Christianity, I am outnumbered and accept this fact.

You know music is a very personal taste, somewhat like food. I may love Italian food but hate Chinese food. You might think Italian food is "yuch...ugh..." but really like Tex-Mex etc... etc... It doesn't mean one is necessarily good and the other bad...It is a personal taste.

In music, what speaks to you, may not speak to me. I may like the rock genre, you may like the country or R&B or Jazz, or good ol' "church style" hymns. Its a personal taste.

I know people who hate rock music and Christianity mixed together, saying that rock music is "worldly". I have to wonder what genre of music wasn't developed in the "world" and what genre was developed in "Heaven"? Even the old hymns generally reflect popular music styles of their day.

Is the fact that a song is sung a cappella, or with a piano or organ in accompaniment, make it more "holy" than a song that has drums, guitar, and keyboard in accompaniment? Is a song more "holy" if it is sung with a 4/4 basic rhythm of a slow hymn than song with a syncipated rock rhthym? Where in the Bible does it say what kind of melody or rhythm or genre of music a "Christian" song must have?

The key is in the words - Are the words true to the word of God? Many words are the heart-felt words of the composer. It speaks to the trials and personal reflections of the writer. It may speak to you...it may not. But there is a wide variety of music out there, you can find what you like and what speaks to you. No matter what the genre, music is still a rhythm of the same 7 notes strung in sequence...from old hymns to hip-hop rap.

Christian Radio is a business just like any other radio. They play what their supporters want to hear...this is how they get the funds to stay on the air. Apparently, most of the people who listen to C-radio like what is being played. You may not like the genre but some of the words are xtremely encouraging, motivating, and inspirational. I'm 50 years old and still love the contemporary Christian music. I also like the old hymns, and southern gospel too. So...I guess there is not really "Christian Music" but rather Christian lyrics.

BTW, there is a youtube link on First Day's website www.firstdaymusic.com under their music page if anyone is interested (since youtube links are taboo on this forum). They are certainly a bit different from your run of the mill contemporary genre.

You missed my point all together, but that is not for this thread, but another.

[OnetrueGod]

Onelight said "You missed my point all together, but that is not for this thread, but another. "

Sorry Onelight, I guess I did, although most of my comments were directed to Yod. I guess I misundertood the point about "Christian music, like a lot of what is held in beliefs today, has a lot of the world entwined within it. But, hey ... I am just one person. In the realm of Christianity, I am outnumbered and accept this fact."

I assumed you were talking the musical part...I guess you are talking about the lyrics and the "Worldly" enfluence of the writers. I suppose that needs to be addressed specifically to a certain song's lyrics. Most of what I've heard is true to God'd teachings, but I'm sure there are a few out there that don't.

My apologies Onelight if I missunderstood.

Edited August 19, 2009 by OnetrueGod

[OnetrueGod]

christian radio is aimed at, and supported by, one demographic of the Body.

white women age 25-50

Those are the people who tune in overwhelmingly. My comments are biased as a white male musician. The "music" part of christian music is boring when it doesn't have to be. The lyrics are mostly unimaginative and predictable. That isn't the purpose of art.

That is the issue I have with CCM radio and music.

Worship music is quite different though. It's supposed to be simple enough for large groups of people to sing together. I have no problem with worship music whatsoever and appreciate ALL styles and ALL genres, though I do find foreign and ethnic worship music more interesting than American worship music for the most part.

Yod, I'm not sure exactly what you mean about "boring" music or lyrics that are "unimaginative and predictable"...One man's "boring and predictable" are another man's "exciting and inspirational".

I'd love to hear what you consider to be "exciting" and unpredicatable". Do you have some specific artists in mind there? I'm sure that CCM performers also write and produce music to sell to the radio market as well...that could get monotonous and predictable, I think I see that point...but what exactly are you suggesting?

[Guest yod]

christian radio is aimed at, and supported by, one demographic of the Body.

white women age 25-50

Those are the people who tune in overwhelmingly. My comments are biased as a white male musician. The "music" part of christian music is boring when it doesn't have to be. The lyrics are mostly unimaginative and predictable. That isn't the purpose of art.

That is the issue I have with CCM radio and music.

Worship music is quite different though. It's supposed to be simple enough for large groups of people to sing together. I have no problem with worship music whatsoever and appreciate ALL styles and ALL genres, though I do find foreign and ethnic worship music more interesting than American worship music for the most part.

Yod, I'm not sure exactly what you mean about "boring" music or lyrics that are "unimaginative and predictable"...One man's "boring and predictable" are another man's "exciting and inspirational".

I'd love to hear what you consider to be "exciting" and unpredicatable". Do you have some specific artists in mind there? I'm sure that CCM performers also write and produce music to sell to the radio market as well...that could get monotonous and predictable, I think I see that point...but what exactly are you suggesting?

hopefully I made it clear that it is just my opinion, ok?

but my favorite christian albums aren't getting airplay on christian radio.

Jonny Lang's "Turn Around" CD is fabulous

Almost anything by U2, lots from Coldplay and the entire catalogue of POD are more innovative than what you get from the "safe" satelite networks of K-LOVE and Salem

[~Shalhevet~]

I went to a public worship gathering (not sure what they are called) and they played all kinds of Christian music. It was great.

[traveller]

christian radio is aimed at, and supported by, one demographic of the Body.

white women age 25-50

Awwwww - thanks for the compliment Brother

Johnny Lang Excellent!!

[Guest yod]

You missed my point all together, but that is not for this thread, but another.

I got your point and agree...but it doesn't alter what my opinion is on most christian music these days

The great art of the middle ages was also "christian" and has withstood the test of time to still be great art. Speaking of paintings mostly, btw, but even some of the hymns of those days can be included

POD mixed rock with hip-hop and reggae for a unique innovative sound. Even MTV had to recognize the brilliance of what they had done.

U2 took simplicity to a new level by the use of effects on the guitar sound and lyrical statements that spoke to the condition of this world.

Jonny Lang has taken blues/soul and produced some unbelievably powerful music that testifies of the Lord's greatness...and even the most hateful atheist would have to admit is innovative musically.

I remember when I first got saved how everyone kept trying to get me to like Petra and Stryper...but they were only shadows of something being done better by the secular world. Nothing really innovative there...

[OnetrueGod]

hopefully I made it clear that it is just my opinion, ok?

but my favorite christian albums aren't getting airplay on christian radio.

Jonny Lang's "Turn Around" CD is fabulous

Almost anything by U2, lots from Coldplay and the entire catalogue of POD are more innovative than what you get from the "safe" satelite networks of K-LOVE and Salem

[OneLight]

Onelight said "You missed my point all together, but that is not for this thread, but another. "

Sorry Onelight, I guess I did, although most of my comments were directed to Yod. I guess I misundertood the point about "Christian music, like a lot of what is held in beliefs today, has a lot of the world entwined within it. But, hey ... I am just one person. In the realm of Christianity, I am outnumbered and accept this fact."

I assumed you were talking the musical part...I guess you are talking about the lyrics and the "Worldly" enfluence of the writers. I suppose that needs to be addressed specifically to a certain song's lyrics. Most of what I've heard is true to God'd teachings, but I'm sure there are a few out there that don't.

My apologies Onelight if I missunderstood.

I wasn't offended by what you said, so no apologies needed, but thank you for being that considerate.

God Bless, my friend.

Alan