Christian Music is Still Important
|We poke fun at the Christian music industry around here, sometimes. Rightly so – it’s terrible. The music we call “Christian” is made up of boring songs that try to make people cry before the end of the bridge, but then everything’s OK at the end. And the music is awful; tuning into Christian radio stations always makes me wonder if the songs are intended to be sitcom theme songs from the 80s.
Of course, like we said before, this is probably just an outcropping of the problems we see all over the music industry. (Which is why I only listen to the local jazz station when I’m in my car.) But the very idea of “Christian music” has become unpopular in Christian circles. This is partly because of the terrible music that it spawns, but also because it’s an approach to songwriting that has no place outside of the church. Why bother singing about God if the only people who will hear you already believe?
But I think Christian music is still important. Where would I be without the wonderful songs of Rich Mullins, reminding me that the natural beauty of the world reflects God’s love? Who else would put the ancient text of the Apostle’s Creed into a Celtic-inspired song featuring a mountain dulcimer? (I’m talking about the songs “The Color Green,” and “Creed.” Look them up if you don’t know them. Please.)
People like Bebo Norman and Andrew Peterson have written songs that I never fail to remember throughout my life, even though they would have little meaning to anyone outside of the church. The meditative sounds of Fernando Ortega always help me to calm down and remember what is important when I’m upset.
But the entire music industry is not what it used to be, and when it began to tumble the Christian labels were the first casualties. The best musicians in the Christian music industry stopped receiving contracts (because they were not the most profitable) and only the most generic groups stuck around. Of course, the same thing happened in the mainstream music industry, and you’ll notice that major labels no longer sign groups like Collective Soul or The Counting Crows. Dance party pop music always sells the best, so that’s what they make room for.
It’s common to criticize Christian artists for “living in a bubble” and not having relevance to anyone who doesn’t go to Sunday School, but there is always a place for ministering to other Believers. If we don’t make room for someone like Rich Mullins then we will miss out on the encouragement and teaching that good Christian music can bring us.
Great blog Adam! I agree with you entirely. If you ever see the Ragamuffin movie, it focuses on the butting of heads he had with his label. He was told that he was supposed to make fans not enemies yet he was just speaking the truth. Rich had some bubble gum music for sure but thankfully, he is most remembered for his songs like Creed and The Color Green. Ok, maybe he is known for Awesome God too. Not a fan of the chorus of that song (not that God isn’t awesome) but I love the verses that most people don’t remember.
‘Awesome God’ is certainly not my favorite of Rich’s songs. No shame in that. But when I first heard ‘The Color Green’ it was like I was waking up for the first time.
I did see that film and I enjoyed it. I could have done with more exploration of his music, but it was still a good experience.
There was so much great Christian market music that flew under many people’s radars. Many great artists from that market are still around, though most are independent or in the general market. You mention some in your post. Mullins was incredibly good. Here’s a short list of others:
Iona
Phil Keaggy
Fleming & John
Billy Crockett
Phil Madeira
Steve Taylor/Chagall Guevara
Sarah Masen
Charlie Peacock
Over the Rhine
Terry Taylor/Lost Dogs
Bill Malonee/Vigilantes of Love
Derek Webb/early Caedmon’s Call
…and many more. Working in the music department of America’s largest Christian store, I saw the best and the worst that industry had to offer during its zenith. Watching the diversity decline was heartbreaking, but there’s still a lot of greatness out there for those who care to find it.
Hi Kevin.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance!
I’m curious.
You astutely cited Terry Taylor/Lost Dogs as an example of authentic Christian art.
Was there a reason why you didn’t mention Taylor’s band Daniel Amos?
Who else but DA ever released a quartet of imaginative barnburners like the Alarma Chronicles (Alarma, Doppelganger, Vox Humana & Fearful Symmetry)…..
Each album boasting its very own short story in addition to the mind-blowing songs?
Inquisitively,
PhiL >^•_•^<