Why is it a choice – Christian Music or Good Music?

Photo by David Lenker

A while ago, I read a great interview with Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins where he says the next frontier of Rock Music is God. This is a relatively uncharted area – unless decidedly anti-God.

I would love to see more great music focused on God and Jesus. There are very few songs that play on Christian Radio Stations that I would consider good to listen to. I’d rather hear “How Great Thou Art” sung at my church (which is amazing by the way) than listen to anything modern in the Christian music genre. Technically, I’d probably rather be poked with sharp sticks than listen to music in the Christian genre (rock, pop, metal, anything).

My impression is that a Christian band starts because they love God and love music. They write and record some music and present it to their favourite radio station who is honest with them and says “uh, not very good. Sorry”. Then, as they field their music around, lo and behold, the only station that will play them is the Christian station because they need more content and are okay with the mediocrity. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure they’re playing with all their hearts and are sincere in their words but, like how American Idol really needs to shut the door on some very sincere and non-talented people, some of these songs shouldn’t be aired.

In my mind, we want to do everything to glorify God. In my love of music, songs that are powerful and well written and are sometimes gut-wrenching do more to inspire my thoughts towards God.

There is a local band here in Edmonton called Zerbin and their songs are really good. Now that I know they’re Christian focused, the lyrics make more sense and make me think more about God. You can have a Christian focus and not make it preachy. I’m not saying you should hide the worship of God subtly in the lyrics, just make better music that can make it on (for me) the rock or alternative stations – that’s a hard task in part because of the station and their listeners attitude of “la la la I don’t want to hear about God”, but it can be done. Isn’t this a great way to convert the masses?

Again, I’m not down on someone getting out and making music that makes them think of God. Nor of a radio station being devoted to playing Christian music, I just want more talented music that doesn’t make me think God is being done a disservice by hearing this.

Many of my friends who are committed disciples of Christ don’t want to be preached at and yet love singing songs of worship and still adore hard music that some would think blasphemous. Ironically, I can get more out of Johnny Cash singing Trent Reznor’s (NIN) HURT than I can out of any Christian pop song I’ve heard to date – he sings of real pain in that song.

Look at the psalms, many originally were songs. They are dark and raw and some are praising. They are about the real struggles that go on in a person’s life. Gut-wrenching and real.

Below is a list of music that draws me closer to God. Only a few are by Christian artists and some aren’t even focused on God but they make me think of the battle we’re in or lifting my eyes to God.

Two of the songs on the list come from everyone’s favourite spiritual guy – Ozzy Osbourne (haha). Check out some of the lyrics to After Forever from their 1971 release – Master of Reality:

…

Could it be you’re afraid of what your friends might say
If they knew you believe in God above?
They should realize before they criticize
that God is the only way to love

Is your mind so small that you have to fall
In with the pack wherever they run
Will you still sneer when death is near
And say they may as well worship the sun?

I think it was true it was people like you that crucified Christ
I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced
Will you be so sure when your day is near, say you don’t believe?
You had the chance but you turned it down, now you can’t retrieve

Perhaps you’ll think before you say that God is dead and gone
Open your eyes, just realize that he’s the one
The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate
Or will you still jeer at all you hear? Yes! I think it’s too late.

I love this. Now, go listen to the song and see if religious people everywhere don’t go running to cover their kids ears.

There’s obviously a place for Christian music stations and I also fear for religiousness blinding the truth of the sincere worship regardless of where the music is played.

Here are some from my list:

• Allman Brothers – Blue Sky
• Black Sabbath – After Forever
• Black Sabbath – Lord of This World
• Bobby Darin – More
• Carolina Liar – Show Me What I’m Looking For
• Classified – Inner Ninja
• Everclear – Wonderful
• Hoobastank – The Reason
• JJ Grey & Mofro – The Sun is Shining Down
• Johnny Cash – Hurt
• Matisyahu – King Without a Crown
• Needtobreathe – Oohs and Ahhs
• Needtobreathe – Feet, Don’t Fail Me Now
• Rancid – Fall Back Down
• Rhema Soul – Off the Edge
• Stabilo – Flawed Design
• Supertramp – Even in the Quietest Moments
• Switchfoot – Bullet Soul
• Zerbin – New Earth

Might you suggest more?