Your Feedback
Comments? Concerns? Questions? We'd love to hear from you: Music@ChristianityToday.com
The Bell's Still Ringin'
posted 06/13/06
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the article "The Bell Tolls." I help lead a service for people in their 20s & 30s in our church and am having an impossible time finding music right now. Didn't know if it was just me. I walk in and out of our local Christian bookstore without finding anything that is either lyrically resonating or that catches me musically. And when I find one, it is generally without the other! Thanks for drawing attention to our need for deep, artistic, and truthful worship music.
Jenny Matthes
posted 06/13/06
I think the problem with much Christian music today is the same problem facing most (all?) pop music today: it's pablum. Pop music (and I'm including pop Christian music here) today is boring, repetitive, insomnia-curing; the lyrics tend to be uninspired and repetitive, too. The artists all sound the same. That's why I prefer the old-time gospel/country gospel/"Black" gospel/"Negro" spirituals of yesteryear. That kind of music includes a hunger for the Lord and passionately reflects that love, gratitude, worship for him; these "old" songs do that in a way that most pop music today doesn't. What Christian artists need to do, I think, is not branch out into the boring world of pap, uh, pop music, but reach into their passion for the Savior and convey that passion afresh to their listeners who thirst for music that touches the soul.
Sherry Soobotin
posted 06/13/06
In response to the article on Steve Bell: I am a pastor who has played guitar for the past 17 years. When it comes to songs for a radio station or CD, I agree that it's great to be as "artsy" as possible. But when it comes to worship music, as a pastor I consider that art should be secondary to facilitating worship. Worship music is like a language: we can try to re-create the past (perhaps using Latin) or we can seek to speak in the popular language of the day in order to communicate with as many people as possible. A church could hire the best, most artistically creative pipe organ player and opera singer; but no matter how good they are, it would sink most churches faster than the Titanic, simply because that language is far less popular. Inside the church, our "likes" need to take a back seat to the musical language(s) that have the widest appeal. Our assessment of its artistic value is not worth any more than the assessment of those who hunted down Tyndale, simply because they thought English vulgar. You can try to fight it, but personally I side with Tyndale! I am not a proponent of an art form; I am a proponent of the gospel. Music cannot transform a life and save a soul. As a 35-year-old musician, and someone who likes books from antiquity, I agree that it would be nice if people preferred our music over that of 17-year-olds. However, instead of being Sauls resenting the Davids of our time, let's pass the torch rather than waiting until we are so old that there is no one to pass it to! May we try to help them; mentor them; and facilitate their ministries. Let's rejoice that Delirious broke open the doors of worship in a language that an entire generation could appreciate! I am thankful that gifted musicians such as Martin Smith have generally tried to keep their worship songs simple, so that the others can use them on Sundays without having to practice for five years. I wish all worship writers would recognize that it doesn't have to be difficult to be brilliant.
Cory Schmidtz
An Honest Review
posted 06/13/06
Thank you for such an honest and straightfoward review on Krystal Meyers. This is the first Christian music review that I have ever read that addresses the fact that Christian artists (not just secular artists) follow generic song topics and formulas. I have noticed for years that some artists just simply aren't as spiritually deep as others, and their lyrics lack deeper insight or wisdom past the generic "God loves me, I love him, I surrender" themes that are so prevalent in lighter artists. I agree that Krystal's CD delivers what it promised: a cool-sounding rock chick delivering radio-listener-friendly music that entertains but doesn't challenge. Pointing out the artists who do "delve into relevant teen issues" like BarlowGirl and Superchick shows that it is not mutually exclusive to create great music that appeals to everyone while sharing a deeper part of God's truths. Thanks for a surprisingly insightful review. You were objective, concise, and refreshingly refrained from negative comments in this excellent review of a somewhat simple yet entertaining debut.
Jeremy Doran
Like a Rolling Stone
posted 06/07/05
It's quite refreshing to find a site that actually is willing to "critique and even criticize" Christian music and its artists. Most CCM-type sites are usually very positive in all their reviews. Your reviews make me feel like I'm reading a Rolling Stone type of review. Kudos, and I'm so glad I found your comprehensive site.
Cara Shin
Mixed Emotions in Morocco
posted 05/24/05
I appreciated your article on Friendship Fest. I attended the event, and it certainly produced a mix of emotions for me. Amazement that such a festival could take place in a Muslim country. Joy that Moroccans could hear/see God's love through the musicians and the Christians in the crowd. Fear as I was surrounded by Moroccan men who were high on hash and getting out of control. Sadness as I realized how few of the people around me knew the One to and about whom we were singing. My prayer is that someone in that crowd will begin to question, to search, for the one true God because of what they heard at Friendship Fest.
Mariellyn Dunlap
About Joy …
posted 05/09/05
Your review of Joy Williams' new CD does a great job of describing and summarizing everything in it, especially that new fresh sound. Genesis is aptly titled because the sound is new (for her at least), and the common theme seems to be redemption and rebirth, a fresh look at life through eyes of faith. But I think the song "I'm in Love with You" is a lot better than you gave it credit for. I like it because it's so personal. That makes it all the more real and encouraging, even for those who are single. Also, her voice in some of the songs does resemble Rebecca St. James a little, but that's her true voice. If you listen to "Falling on My Knees" on the WOW Worship album, her voice does the same inflections and nuances as on this album. I don't think she's trying too hard at all. Everything sounds natural. Apart from these comments, I really enjoyed your review.
Jeremy Doran
posted 05/09/05
I did not agree with your criticism of the way Joy Williams sings. It's not "gimmicky vocal techniques"—that's the way she sings. I think you were a little too harsh on one of Christian music's finest voices.
Justin Kirkendall
Heroic Effort
posted 05/09/05
Thank you for your wonderful review of House of Heroes. They are genuine and sincere with who they are and what they are about. I have seen them grow and mature from punky youth group kids into men of God. They consistently affirm their integrity not only in their art and work ethic, but also with their lives and the company they keep. Please continue to follow the band, as I believe they have all the makings and are deserving of the best that God can give. And you are correct—they rock. Thank you for your review and for spreading the buzz.
Ron VanHorn
Good Reviews!
posted 05/02/05
I've bought a number of albums based upon your reviews. I've found that your reviews are right-on in terms of the descriptions of the music, production, musicianship, content, and lyrics. Also, you tend to be able to see typical radio-friendly Christian MOR for what it really is—an advertisement to sell lots of safe music to the masses. (Oops. I promised myself that I wouldn't be critical. Sorry.) Keep up the good work.
Gary D. Kersey
posted 05/02/05
Thank you for your honest review of Lost in Wonder by Ashton, Denté, and Tumes. I am a fan of all three of these singers, yet I agree with the review. I find that often there are not honest reviews concerning Christian music because of the need to be nice. However, by being "nice," the reviewer is not being fair to the buyer.
Steven Dougherty
Connecting with 'Connection'
posted 05/02/05
I am a 42-year-old graying pastor of a rural church and not really the type you would think would have an interest in CCM music. I do like a lot of what I hear, and a lot that is not my taste. But one thing I do enjoy is reading Music Connection. Your reviews and insights are interesting and informative. I appreciate your critical eye, and the article about the attitudes of the Christian media at the recent GMA awards was good—especially when you turned the critique on yourself. Keep up the good work, and thanks for wanting to write in a Christian spirit about an industry that is to be focused on Christ.
Frank Purvis
Ministry, Not Money
posted 05/02/05
Regarding your Donnie McClurkin review: If your critic doesn't understand the structure, reverence or homage of the traditional Black Church, then they should stick with writing about what they know! This CD has united the old and the young in all races and walks of life. It is not the intention of this CD to have 20 consecutive number 1 hits, but to be reminded of the days of old. I bought this CD for myself and my mother took it from me! This CD is about ministry, NOT money!
LyKinda Warner
Radio Tripe
posted 05/02/05
I'm glad to hear/see that I'm not the only one who doesn't care too much for the Christian radio tripe that they're playing over and over and over ad nauseum. There is SO much out there that blows CCM away. I suppose there are those that love the candy-coated stuff, but I used to be a funk/bluesman/kinda grunge rocker, and it's hard to find stuff out there that meets that criteria. Will Derryberry and Glenn Kaiser are good. Skillet's new disc blew me away too. It's out there.
Scott Enriquez
CCM Washed Out
posted 05/02/05
I agree that CCM had become washed out. Many artists are nothing but manufactured Christian versions of their secular counterparts. Rare are the groups that experiment with creativity and develop their own sound. There are exceptions, like Jars of Clay and Out of Eden, who've always created their own music without following formulas for lyrics or sound. But, perhaps due to the heavy presence of formulaic pop music in the secular genre, Christian music over the last decade(s) has relaxed its conviction. Clichés are abundant and very few artists write or play their own music. However, over the last two years or so, I have seen an incredible surge of artistry among new artists—like Bethany Dillon, Starfield, Bebo Norman, Shawn McDonald, MuteMath, and Joy Williams. They're just a few of the new artists who have emerged lately to bring a "fresh breath of air" to the radio and CDs. Christian music seems to be on an upswing, returning to a deeper faith of solid biblical truths instead of the ambiguous Oprah-fied feel-good music we had to put up with for too long.
Jeremy Doran
No Use for Doves
posted 05/02/05
All I can say is that if Jars of Clay was not voted group of the year and Who We Are Instead album of the year, I had no use for the Dove Awards. But as you said, those awards are not the be all and end all. What really counts is lives changed and affected by the love of Christ through their music—and in that category, Jars wins hands down!
Caralynn Kurta
Raves for Cave
posted 05/02/05
I'd like to compliment Russ Breimeier on his article about Nick Cave and his religious views. Cave has been a favorite of mine for years, yet I have never been able to identify where he stands. I really enjoyed the lack of conclusion from your author, because there really is no way to tell with Cave. I don't know how familiar the author is with Cave, but his album No More Shall We Part is heavily laced with religious songs—like "God Is in the House," "Oh My Lord," "Hallelujah" and "Gates to the Garden." I love to read about Cave, but this article was very out of the ordinary to the usual pieces on him. Nice work.
Robert Carrillo
Bored by Christian Music?
Editor's note: We received a number of letters in reply to our April 5 newsletter, in which we noted that many people seemed bored with contemporary Christian music. Some of the responses:
posted 04/13/05
Your article was so true. Christian radio today is bad. Air1 radio is supposed to be for teens, but they only play about four songs, and they are all pop-punkish or something boring like that. I never hear them play bands like Pillar, Project 86, or Norma Jean. Sometimes they will play a worship song from Skillet or Thousand Foot Krutch, but they won't play the hard rock. I wish there were a heavy Christian radio station on the air, as Christian rock seems to be the only type of music that has any sort of innovation.
Alex Bernardo
posted 04/13/05
One reason Christian music is formulaic—besides the limited taste, talent, imagination and ability of some producers, as well as their egos—is simple: money! I believe record execs and a few producers are looking for a safe, tried-and-true money-making formula. There is nothing wrong with making money, but in my opinion the fear of not making money limits the thinking of people in Christian music. Many Christian labels have been bought by huge non-Christian behemoths who have been peddling violence, death, perversion, lasciviousness, the occult and every other malady to our kids. These people certainly know how to market garbage and make billions of dollars by appealing to the basest aspects of human nature, while at the same time destroying our culture and society. How much do they care about making godly music, being creative and producing art (not the modern puke that passes for art)?
Mic Lawler
posted 04/13/05
Actually I find the music on my Christian radio station (99.1 in New York City) to be pretty good, although a little too diverse for my tastes sometimes. I also listen to Know Radio, which plays a wonderful mixture of contemporary Christian and gospel music from artists both established and indie.
Carl Fritsche
posted 04/13/05
There is an awesome radio station called Effect Radio that plays all the latest songs and I never get sick of listening to it. You can hear great music from up-and-coming artists, artists that you love, and there are NO commercials!
Andrea Grove
posted 04/13/05
I seldom listen to anything (radiowise) but the local classical music station. And I am hardly ever bored, except when they are playing some lengthy violin sonata. When I want to listen to Christian music, I turn to my CDs and tapes, with plenty to choose from—especially Celtic Christian music.
John G. Pierce
Focus on the Art
posted 04/13/05
Why does your review of Sara Groves' Station Wagon, intended to invoke the joys that we revel in when we have kids, begin and end with a focus on market appeal and building a fan base? Groves, to my delight, writes songs about hope, joy, love, sacrifice, and the passion of parenthood. It is pure and wonderful art, free from the pallid constraints of CCM formulas. Most music enthusiasts and Groves fans do not care about gold albums or stadium seating. We care about artists who speak the truth in love in ways that move our souls and open our imaginations. Praise God for Sara Groves. Perhaps her "endless well of creativity" comes from her being in touch, not with market appeal, but with what God is doing in her life today. I would love to see future reviews that are less "industry" focused and more focused on the art of the artist.
Jay Slocum
No Future for CCM?
posted 04/13/05
I find your site disconcerting because you speak of what you call "contemporary Christian music." That is a misnomer since most of this stuff has no real Christian depth, is boring, caters to emotions rather than the heart, is trite, tacky, not worth the time it takes, is often raucous, is vapid, is much of the time not biblical, and ignores people like me who might like occasionally to learn something about the great sacred music of the Masters, such as Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Handel, Brahms, Mendelssohn, and others. You let the public down by giving them news of something that has no future.
Mildred Perry Miller
Digging Paul Colman
posted 04/04/05
What an excellent and insightful interview with Paul Colman. So often people assume even Christian artists are rich and famous and unlike the rest of us. People need to hear the truth. I appreciated his heart for God. Thank you very much.
Cindy McIntyre
OOE Deserves Better
posted 04/04/05
I was surprised at your condescending review of Out of Eden's Hymns. I almost forgot I was reading a Christian review because it sounded as judgmental as the reviews in secular magazines. Isn't it hard enough to create a great album that is musically, lyrically, and spiritually strong without being confined to one style of music? Who's to say OOE can't experiment with a new sound or new genre? I listened to their new CD and I really like it. It's a fresher, lighter sound than their usually deep R&B. An artist should be allowed to try new things, but society seems to be allergic to creative exploration. I'm a musician, and I think the WORST thing I could ever do is create a defined niche for myself and then never explore any other music. It is all the MORE to OOE's credit that they have created a new sound for Hymns.
Jeremy Doran
Horrible & Prejudiced?
posted 04/04/05
Your reviews are so prejudiced. Superchic[k] got ripped for sounding like someone else and not being very creative or different from previous albums. People want this music; they listen to Superchic[k] because they sound like Avril Lavigne, but with a more God-centered message. Then I read Natalie Grant's review and it is just praise after praise. What the heck? She sounds like all contemporary Christian artists—no uniqueness whatsoever. So the bands that do have a more distinct sound are ripped and the conformists are praised. I don't get it.
Philip Colvin
Consuming Culture?
posted 3/21/05
In response to your article about Christian colleges hosting secular concerts: One of the hallmarks of evangelicalism has always been its commitment to engage culture. However, there is a fine line between engagement and consumption. Fundamentalism took Christianity underground after Scopes, turning it into a separationist disengaged subculture; Evangelicalism brought Christianity back into the light when it re-engaged culture in the early '50s. Since then, though, the tension for evangelical engagement has always been, how close is too close to culture? When does our desire to be "in the world" overcome our conviction to be "not of it"? When in our effort to become "all things to all men" do we become just like everyone else? I would suggest it happens when we begin to "consume" culture. True engagement requires a certain spiritual and emotional distance from culture that allows us, as believers in Christ, to provide a powerful counter-cultural perspective and alternative to the cultural messages and icons of the non-believing world. When as believers we become consumers of culture, though, we are very close to becoming not just supporters, but promoters of those who espouse false beliefs and destructive lifestyles. The more we consume, the less objective we become. The idea of incarnating Christ in our culture must mean providing a Christ-enlightened counterpoint and contrast to the false messages of the world, or else it means nothing at all.
Clay Clarkson
posted 3/21/05
I don't think we need more world in the Christians, just more Christians in the world. I don't see the gains on this approach. We need groups to cross over and entertain and evangelize at the secular colleges.
Darrell Fox
Greedy Musicians?
posted 3/9/05
In response to the GMA's anti-piracy campaign: The problem with the record industry isn't downloading. It's high CD prices. I'm sick and tired of hearing artists whine about downloading and CD burning. The cost of producing and distributing music is lower than ever, yet CD prices are $15-$20. Artists like Steven Curtis Chapman don't have to worry about high prices since they are rich enough to hire accountants to help them keep track of the large amounts of money they make from overcharging consumers for CDs. The world doesn't need Chapman's commercial pap. There are plenty of real artists out there right now who have a lot to say and say it with a good deal more originality and passion than Chapman. They don't have a record contract and they're not crying about CD burning. If downloading puts artists like Chapman and Stacie Orrico out of business, the music world would be a much better place. They are misusing their authority as Christian artists to lay a guilt trip on the already overburdened consumer in order to line their own pocketbooks.
Gary D. Kersey
Why Not Sue?
posted 3/9/05
I have followed the music piracy issue since the days of Napster in the "secular" music market. So, why not sue customers like the secular world does? After all, the Christian music industry is a mirror image of the corrupt secular music world in its business model. If the Christian music industry uses the same corrupt worldly system as secular music, which is based on proprietary ownership, control of intellectual property, and paranoia over imagined lost revenues from piracy, should they be surprised if they have the same results? Maybe Christians should take this opportunity to show the world a better way to solve the issue, by abandoning the world's system of intellectual property and paranoid control. The entire issue would go away if people would quit buying music restricted by intellectual property controls like copyright, because the money they pay for the music is going to fund the RIAA, the GMA, and other such organizations. Because intellectual property controls are the invention of the secular business world as a way to maximize revenues, Christians would have an incentive to lead the way in abandoning them.
Scott McMahan
'Morally Banrupt' GMA?
posted 3/9/05
"The GMA Fights Back" was very interesting to me as a pastor. I believe that file duplicating, sharing and distributing is wrong before the Lord. But my problem with the "Millions of wrong don't make a right" campaign is how out of whack the GMA itself is. It is no secret that the GMA and CCM as a whole are becoming morally bankrupt and Christian media is turning a blind eye to most of it. Has anyone ever reported on the accounting techniques of many major Christian labels in relation to royalties paid to artists? An artist can sell 100,000 CDs and still be delivering pizzas to make ends meet. For decades, artists have been fleeced by their record companies and that is the real scandal that no one is reporting. I think [GMA president] John Styll has a bigger problem. The CCM industry is becoming wildly successful but it has become a victim of its own blurring of the lines on what is truly biblical. Ultimately it appears that the one stand they are willing to take on morality is the one that hits them hardest in their wallets.
Pastor Ken Sutton
Teens Not the Only Culprits
posted 3/9/05
I didn't appreciate that you wrote about the problem of "teens" downloading music in your article. Us "teens" are not the only people with a computer and a desire for free music. Our younger brothers and sisters are a lot more computer literate than we were at their age, and they're just as much into downloading as teens. And then there's everyone else older than us. Don't you think it's possible for adults to download as well? I am in no way condoning illegal downloading. But I really don't like being lumped into a demographic of pirating "teens." Commercials speak out against judging people based on their race or nationality, and I'm speaking out against assuming "teens" are the center of illegal downloading. Teens have enough attributed to us without this.
Jeremy Doran
You Nailed It
posted 3/9/05
Your report about today's music is terrific! I think you hit the nail on the head by saying that if we think we are only worshiping when we sing these modern worship songs—even 3 or 4 times, over and over, until people like myself, who are 75, feel like screaming! If that is the only time I ever worship, may heaven help me get it straight. I am a worshipper continually, and therefore shouldn't just sing about it, but live every day because I mean it. Thank you again for that report.
Lucille Bates
Cutting Kutless Some Slack
posted 3/9/05
I think your review of Kutless' Strong Tower does them a disservice. Though songs like "Better is One Day" and "Draw Me Close" run common among worship albums, Kutless does a terrific job at putting them into Kutless style and adding passion to their songs. "Take Me In" and "Strong Tower" are charged with great zeal and biblical truths and reflect raw worship before God. This is Kutless' brightest CD and I think most melodic. Toning their edgy style down a bit, these guys bring to record the passion and worship that flows from their hearts. I think that was their biggest goal in recording this album. Don't mistake purposeful worship for misallocated potential. I think Kutless knew what they were doing with this album and did it for a purpose.
Josh Kramer
Peddling Music
posted 3/9/05
I read LaTonya Taylor's piece on reclaiming hip-hop. I can identify with her wanting to scream when record execs say, "We only produce what people want to hear." But that logic is faulty and it should be challenged at every opportunity. Let's change the occupations and see how that sounds: "I'm a drug dealer and I only peddle what addicts want to buy." It's nowhere near defensible. Yet indeed this is what the entertainment media argues. Where the arts give us the opportunity to examine the human condition, it provides an articulate voice for the trials and tribulations we all go through. But peddlers appeal to the very worst in human nature, all neatly identified in the universal truism of the seven deadly sins (gluttony, greed, envy, lust, sloth, pride, anger). In the same way we pity the addicts and try to help them overcome their addiction and yet prosecute the dealers, we should be doing the same thing with our popular culture.
Jacqui Carling-Rodgers
Russ Lee's Inspiration
posted 2/21/05
Your interview with Russ Lee was an inspiring story from a wonderful Christian man. As a soldier from the Vietnam War, I was moved by Russ' recognition of the soldiers' sacrifice for the basic freedoms of life that most Americans simply take for granted (and usually complain about!). Thanks, Christian Music Today!
Tom Treece
Touched by ApologetiX
posted 2/21/05
Thank you for the ApologetiX interview with J Jackson. I appreciate their ministry. As a teen, secular music was the biggest thing in my life. As far as I knew, there was no such thing as "church rock"—till I learned about ApologetiX. They're an awesome way to reach unsaved young people. Rock music was my god, but if I would have known about ApologetiX back then, maybe I would have gotten to know Jesus sooner. I had no idea I could get the Bible and rock in one package.
Kim Lyerla
posted 2/21/05
Thank you so much for your interview with J. Jackson of ApologetiX. I discovered them while I was looking for a CD on my son's Christmas list and thought, "Biblical Parodies of rock hits? You gotta be kidding!" But once I played Spoofernatural, I was definitely hooked, and I rarely miss a day listening to them. I've proclaimed myself their No. 1 fan.
Wanda Rose Bush
Anberlin's a Stretch
posted 2/21/05
Anberlin a Christian band? It's a stretch for me. It just seems like the entire album doesn't belong. It's so far from anything remotely Christian that I think some blatantly secular bands make me think of God more. You can read more of my thoughts here.
John Brandon
Editor's note: We agree that Anberlin's lyrics don't say much about their faith, but the guys in the band identify themselves as Christians who hold each other accountable to walking the walk.
Bad Comparisons?
posted 2/21/05
How can you compare Anberlin to the Killers, Interpol, the Smiths and Joy Division? Do you even know who Joy Division is? Call Anberlin what they are—a good "modern rock" band that sounds more like Story of the Year, Linkin Park, Good Charlotte or 50 other modern rock bands that all sound the same. Interpol, the Smiths and Joy Division are way too good to be considered in the same sentence as Anberlin.
Todd Brogdon
posted 2/21/05
Your reviewer said Seventh Day Slumber sounds like Incubus. But Incubus is on such a different level. Incubus has something called talent.
Clint Mayo
Changed by Rooftops
posted 2/21/05
Your review of Desperation's From the Rooftops album was completely untrue. I love that album. It has changed my life in more ways than you and your Christian magazine ever have. Just by listening to their CD, I connected with God, and was encouraged to press further into his presence.
Laura Cameron
Regarding Worship Music …
posted 1/24/05
I appreciated "Learning From the Masters" by Steven Gertz. I'm also glad to know I'm not the only one who so often feels that the popular worship choruses hold little depth or meaning. So many churches have chosen to use worship choruses only, during their worship time, and I so often absolutely long to hear and sing some of the old hymns. There is such a message in the hymns; so much so, that at times the whole sermon can be preached just from a hymn. Music has always been such a special worshipful experience for me, and I find it so lacking and empty these days.
Micki Walters
posted 1/24/05
Regarding Steven Gertz's article, I completely agree that many modern praise songs are incredibly shallow. However, we also need to recognize that our Lord is moving in the realm of modern praise music. I immediately think of the lyrics of people like Chris Tomlin, Derek Webb, and Caedmon's Call as having great depth of theological content. I used to think that some of today's modern praise lyricists need to go get M.Divs. But then I started thinking, maybe that's not the best way to look at it. Maybe a better way to look at it is this: Maybe it's time for our theologians to start writing music—or at least lyrics!
Derek Joseph
posted 1/24/05
I agree that contemporary Christian musicians should have a more solid theological foundation before they start creating de facto doctrine through their lyrics. That was one of the principles that motivated me to write Contemporary Christian Musician's Survival Manual: Biblical Principles Applied to Common Issues Facing Contemporary Christian Musicians, available as a free download here.
Jim Pruitt
Apologetix Defenders Unite!
posted 1/20/05
Editor's note: We received a number of responses to our recent review of the new Apologetix album, New & Used Hits. Some excerpts:
I think you misunderstand the band and its purpose. While some may regard Apolgetix as "corny," I don't think there is any band in Christian music who has such an intense desire to strengthen believers' faith (hence the band's name). I have memorized more Scripture since listening to Apologetix in the last four years than any other time in my life. And don't forget, some of the most revered hymns (such as "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God") got their tunes from the secular world, and men of God simply rewrote the lyrics. Still, thanks for recognizing their talent. Many fail to recognize the talent it takes to impersonate about 20 different artists/bands per album. Yes, sometimes they miss the mark, but those times are few and far between.
Bill Newton
I am part of the "loyal following" you mentioned in the review. I discovered these guys three years ago when I was searching for some Christian music I could sink my teeth into after amassing a stack of twice-listened to CDs, and have listened to these guys constantly since then. I have used their music to reach and teach others as well as myself. I have used their lyrics in my personal Bible studies and have learned and remembered more of the Bible through their music than I can tell you. My kids tease me for playing nothing but Apologetix in my car, but one certainly didn't mind when he got the answer to a question correct on his Bible test courtesy of an Apologetix song. I tell them, "If you knew half the lyrics to these songs, you would know a lot of the Bible." And therein lies the mission of Apologetix.
Wanda Rose Bush
The band deserves a lot of respect for what they do, and doesn't deserve having their music compared to The Simpsons. They have received national attention for their music; even Howard Stern has played it. I agree that the band has improved with time, but their early music isn't that bad, and the statement that the songs on the second disc "aren't clever enough to impress the average non-Christian" is mean. Please be more respectful of this band in the future.
Michael Eshom
Your review used the word "amateurish" to describe some of their music, said it illustrates "how lame Christians can be," and there might not be much "replay value." I just wanted you to know that this 41-year-old "lame Christian" mother of six and her children are greatly interested in and "replay" often the "amateurish" music of Apologetix!
Vickie Buehring
Where's U2?
posted 1/12/05
Who there decides who's Christian and who's not for your albums of the year list? You've got one of the best albums of arguably the biggest band in the world, and you're afraid to include it in your list because … why? They aren't on one of your top five Christian labels? Because they're mainstream? Because they might be listened to more by the unchurched than the churched? I don't get it. Go with your gut. Stop babying the Christian community and enabling their fears that "The Evil World" may penetrate their homes.
Dave Pettitt
Hooray for Sara
posted 1/12/05
I am so happy your staff voted Sara Groves' album as Number 1 of the year! I love her albums and have seen her perform twice. Keep getting the word out.
Ann Wind
Great Interviews!
posted 1/12/05
I loved Maryann Hunsberger's interview with Shane Barnard and Shane Everett. She gets right to the point with her questions, and in turn gets some very honest and open answers from the two singers. Bravo to Maryann!
Chris Cacioppo
Loved the 12 Stones interview. There are so many great Christian rock bands out there, like 12 Stones, Pillar, and P.O.D. They are a motivation for me when I work out and run. They are a motivation for me when I'm driving in my car. The lyrics make us stop and think how wonderful God really is and how much he loves us. Christian rock has opened a whole new world for me.
Gina Farnsworth
Hey, You Forgot So-and-So!
Editor's note: We heard from a number of readers after we posted our Best Christian Albums of 2004 list recently, most of them wondering how we could have possibly left someone off the list. Here's a sampling
posted 12/06/04
Your list of the top Christian albums made my stomach hurt. What qualifies someone to make the list? Unoriginality like tobyMac. The guy is terrible; he just tries copying something mainstream and throws a few Jesus this, Jesus that into it—very commercial. Your selection was limited to certain styles of Christian music. The greatest thing to happen to Christian music is mewithoutYou. Completely original and honest. Please try to broaden your views and open your minds. Not every Christian likes Michael W. Smith or dc Talk.
Laurance Honkoski
Johnny Cash dies this year, the same year Hymns is released and no mention of this album on the best of list? Amazing that once again, a man so authentic in his faith and yet held in such high regard in the secular realm is not mentioned. If Christians are supposed to enter into the world and not live in a "Christian" ghetto, why aren't artists like Cash more recognized on these lists?
Name Withheld
I was just wondering why Matthew West and Bethany Dillon aren't up there? I find their songs so moving and reading their lyrics is like reading poetry.
Kelvin Urday
Surprising to me that there are some great albums did not make it to your list—Michael W. Smith, Mercy Me, Tree 63, Selah, Amy Grant. Well, there's always room for improvement.
Derek Leong
As a fan of Christian music for over 16 years (and owner of hundreds of Christian music CDs), I find the omission of Day of Fire a glaring oversight. For crying out loud, this album may rank in the toptwelve ALL TIME for Christian music.You missed the boat big time on this one.
Jake Mayer
I would have included Sarah Kelly, Bethany Dillon, Warren Barfield, and Jeremy Camp somewhere in this list. But especially, how could any top 12 list omit Casting Crowns and the smash record by Barlow Girl?
Joseph Panozzo
In Praise of U2
posted 11/24/04
I really enjoyed Russ Breimeier's review of the new U2 album. He covered all the bases, from the band's illustrious history to the BSQ (Big Spiritual Question) that always accompanies any serious consideration of their music, and finally, the relatively simple task of measuring the quality of their music. Naturally, you'll be hearing from people who don't want Christian Music Today to touch U2 with a ten-foot pole because they're not a praise-and-worship band, who will miss the entire point of the Glimpses of God series despite your cogent explanations in several other places. As C.S. Lewis noted, God walks everywhere incognito, and we as those who seek his face should look for him everywhere, especially among the sick and the lost. We who call ourselves followers of Jesus should carefully consider Bono's body of work as a musical Socratic gadfly to a world bowing before celebrity idols, as a unique voice to teen rock fans and international ambassadors alike, as someone who has used his platform to raise awareness of global issues that most Christians wouldn't touch because they reek of the sin we've all been saved from, because these works are born of salvation. God knows I don't always agree with some of the stuff Bono says and does, but that would also be the case for any number of Christians who've been around me for any length of time. In the meantime, however, there's no denying that this band has a gift for the art of music, and it's a pleasure not only to listen to their work, but to see them coming back around to the joys and challenges of living a genuinely Christian life. Thanks for reminding me of that in your fine article.
Quentin Guy
I really agree with your review of U2's new album. I found it to be rather good. However, I think U2 wants to remain a mystery because they were really hurt and upset over the uproar over "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." If there was any song more about confession of faith in their catalog, you would be hard pressed to find it. So they choose to remain quiet and ambiguous about their faith in public. But listening to these lyrics makes it quite clear, especially in "Yahweh," "Vertigo," "City of Blinding Lights," and "All Because of You" what their faith is and what they believe.
Evan Oftedal
Overrating Ruis?
posted 11/17/04
Having played with David Ruis, and being familiar with his catalogue, I must disagree with this review. Three-and-a-half stars? I think this CD is embarassing!It sounds like some 30-something guy, with a home studio, who thinks he's hip, decided to make David's songs cool for teenagers.It's incredibly cheesy!None of the "arrangements" or production "techniques" suit the material. David Ruis' songs are best served and presented in a mostly-acoustic, vocally-interesting setting, geared for an adult audience. I found myself almost laughing out loud at some of this CD, but most of the time just felt sorry for Mr. Ruis.What a blunder.
Rhys Green
Secular References
posted 11/17/04
Why do your reviews include so many references to secular music?
Andrew Dubas
Editor's note: We include secular comparisons in our reviews so readers can find Christian alternatives to secular music, if they so desire.
Great Resource
posted 10/18/04
Thanks for all the great music resources online. I read a lot of your reviews (worship and otherwise) all the time, especially your 4- and 5-star reviews, and I've bought discs just because of your reviews.
Simeon Ng
I Choose to Disagree
posted 10/18/04
I read your review of Point of Grace's I Choose You, and I could not disagree with you more. I'm sad that you gave this album 2 out of 5 stars, because I believe that it's one of their best. This album is different. It's fresh. You say the lyrics lack depth and are uninteresting. On the contrary, the title cut has powerful and theological meaning, and "Justified" is way more than a simplistic summary of grace and forgiveness, it's truth—straight out of Scripture. "Arrival at the City" and "This Is Your Land" paint a glorious picture. I'm really disappointed that you had an opportunity to highlight one of the most enduring acts in Christian music, and from this review, you tear them down. These girls have pressed through the difficulties of raising a family, building a teenage girls conference, taking to time to re-invent themselves with a new look and a new sound, and you did nothing in your article to edify them.
Lisa Weir
Regarding Chevelle …
Posted 10/11/04
I was reading your "Glimpses of God" article on Chevelle's new album and can't believe anybody would even consider them as Christians. It's a shame how teens and even adults take the slightest sign of someone claiming to be a Christian and go along with it, looking for an excuse to justify their wishes of giving in to the flesh and to sin. Just because a song mentions God or has a "spiritual theme" doesn't "label" them or anyone as a true believer. The article noted that they had performed at Ozzfest. My God! How can anyone even think that! Jesus said we can't serve two masters; we either are with God or with the Devil, and they have clearly made their choice.
Tito Roman
Editor's note: Jesus also spent significant amount of time hanging out with and ministering to the lost, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him at an event like Ozzfest.
Are we so desperate to have "Christian bands" in the mainstream that we will make every outlandish excuse for them? I mean, what does a group have to do to get off of Christian Music Today's "We Think They're a Christian Band" list? Chevelle has chosen to use lyrics that mean nothing in this world or the next, and that is their right. But let's not defend it and try to "understand where they are coming from." It's simple: they want to be a rock band instead of a Christian band (assuming they were one to begin with). Where is the sweet Spirit of God in their singing? Where is the anointing that melts hearts? Where is the touch that comes only from heaven? It's not there. Let's focus on those people that do not make an uncertain sound, that live out their Christianity in song—MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Casting Crowns, you get the idea.
Aaron Scott
Editor's note: Yes, we get the idea. And our site primarily does focus on the MercyMe and Third Day types of music—artists who are clearly Christian and making Christian music. But our Glimpses of God section is not, as you put it, a "We Think They're a Christian Band" list. Sometimes we feature artists we know aren't Christian, but show spiritual "leanings" in their music. We also know that some of Chevelle's band members are Christians, but we agree with your assessment that "they want to be a rock band instead of a Christian band." That's why they were featured in our Glimpses area, instead of our regular area of the clearly Christian stuff.
Hillsong's Fruit
Posted 10/11/04
I appreciate that you are trying to give the consumer an opinion of Hillsong Australia's For All You've Don, but my question is this: Is music simply for entertaining and creating a good tempo to create a "feeling"? We were created to worship God. I am glad Hillsong's vision is to teach, equip, and provide tools to worship our Savior. I think they really don't care if they are meeting your expectations of what "they should do." They simply want to worship God Almighty. By the way, this album hit #1 in Australia. The worship team earned secular awards. While accepting the award they were able to give a 2-minute testimony about our Savior. I believe the album has produced much fruit. They are about their "Father's business." I don't think they care about your opinion (neither do I).
Melissa Medlin
Patty Still a Fave
Posted 9/20/04
Thank you for the interview with Sandi Patty. Her life is a testimony to the mercy and grace available to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. She still is my favorite Christian artist.
Rev. Pat Bishop
Passionate About the Project
Posted 9/20/04
As a buyer of all kinds of Christian music, I found the Passion of the Christ: Songs to be one of my favorites. I was very surprised to see it only got 3 stars. In the review, you mentioned that some of the songs weren't faith affirming; that wasn't the attempt of the album. The album was designed to see how artists felt about the movie.
Scott Tatum
Thanks for Being Critical!
Posted 9/20/04
Thanks for your reviews on the website. You are current and keep the reviews new each week. And I especially appreciate the balanced approach you take on the reviews. Many Christian sites rate every album as "5 stars" and have nothing critical to say. This makes choosing which albums to buy extremely hard. Keep up the great work.
Philip Mathew
Tesh Not on the Rocks
Posted 9/20/04
I could not disagree more with your review of John Tesh's Worship at Red Rocks. Your comparisons to Michael W. Smith and Hillsongs are fair, but to say that because these projects are already out there, and that Red Rocks is little more than a souvenir for those who attended the concert is far from true. While there are some similarities to Smith's worship CD (and by the way I think that is the point), Tesh's arrangements are unique while remaining familiar to the average Christian listener. As a musician myself, I can certainly understand him not wanting to re-invent the wheel for a single concert. He doesn't need to distinguish himself as anything and he knows it. His long and successful career in the entertainment field speaks for itself. Red Rocks is not his attempt to win yet another award, nor an attempt to establish himself as a worship leader. It is his true and heartfelt desire to share his faith with the world.
Fred Thornton
On the (Water)Mark
posted 8/30/04
I really enjoyed Maryann Hunsberger's interview with Watermark's Nathan and Christy Nockels. She asked some very insightful questions and got really great replies. This interview helped put into perspective a lot of questions I've had about Christian artists getting radio play and selling a lot of records. I realize now that what's more important is the impact they have on the world.
Chris Cacioppo
We reserve the right to print and/or edit any letters we receive. We cannot reply to every e-mail. Reader opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Christian Music Today.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Today's Christian
RISK-FREE!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Today's Christian coming, honor your invoice for just $17.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issues are yours to keep, regardless.
Give Today's Christian as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| | |
Lifesong
by Casting Crowns
Reg: $17.98
Now: $9.99 |
Undone
by Mercy Me
Reg: $18.98
Now: $9.99 |
 | |
|  |
|
