Christian Music and Christian Rock Sucks
January 30th, 2008 by Karen…or does it?
Christian rock has gotten a bad reputation over the years, and some of it is well-deserved.
In the ‘80s, Christian hair-metal band, Stryper, became the punchline of many jokes both because of their ridiculously pompous lyrics, and their big hair and hideous yellow and black spandex outfits. (check out the “Calling on You” Video)
Of course, there is no defending Stryper, they’re just hilariously awful.
However, it would be narrow-minded to disregard an entire genre of music simply because of its silly outfits and religious slant (afterall, Metallica isn’t exactly a fashion icon).
So, today we’re going to take a look at a few of today’s more popular Christian music artists and try to answer the question:
Does Christian Music Suck?
Relient K.
Specializing in pop-punk, this band is frequently compared to acts such as Blink 182
“Be My Escape” made waves on alt-rock radio. The music is light and fun, but the snotty vocals wear thin. But, it’s not really any worse than any of the other stuff this genre has to offer.
Switchfoot
Easily one of the most popular Christian rock bands around, Switchfoot have crossed over to mainstream radio and MTV so well that many fans don’t even realize it’s a Christian band. The group’s slightly grungy Hoobastank-style rock songs like “Dare You to Move” aren’t innovative by any means, but they’re a hell of a lot less annoying than popular mainstream bands like Seether.
MercyMe—God With Us
Ahh…here it is. Bands like this are the reason mainstream radio doesn’t quite accept Christian music. Considered songs of praise, this style of music beats listeners over the head with shiny happy lyrics and bible verses. Probably more popular with housewives than punks. Certainly something your mom might like if she’s kinda lame…or maybe your grandma.
Newsboys—In Wonder
This outfit is the blandest pop this side of Matchbox 20. They seem to mimic whatever musical trend is popular at the moment (apparently watered down Duran Duran at present), but fail to make any sort of lasting impression other than a yawn and some eye-roll inducing lyrics.
Casting Crowns—East to West
This is a terrible band name, that always makes us think of Counting Crows. The good news is, they don’t sound like Counting Crows. The bad news is, Casting Crowns are better. Songs like “East to West” will go over with fans of Evanescence and Five for Fighting.
So, it seems that while all Christian music probably doesn’t suck, a lot of it does. But the problem isn’t always the message, it’s that the bands aren’t being adventurous enough with their music.
Do you think Christian music, gospel songs, CCM and songs of praise rock or not?
Leave a comment and let us know!
January 30th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
[…] Karen added an interesting post today on Christian Music and Christian Rock SucksHere’s a small readingIn the ‘80s, Christian hair-metal band, Stryper, became the punchline of many jokes both because of their ridiculously pompous lyrics, and their big hair and hideous yellow and black spandex outfits. (check out the “Calling on You” … […]
January 31st, 2008 at 7:56 am
Good article, but you’ve only scraped the surface of Christian music. One of the problems with trying to determine the suck-icity of Christian music, is that it can’t really be called a genre. There are Rock, R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, Country bands and so on, and some of those happen to be Christian, and sing songs with Christian messages.
I would say that, as with every genre, you have to take the bad with the good.
Some other good Christian musicians include: Jeremy Camp, Jeremy Riddle, Hillsong United, David Crowder* Band, Derek Webb, Third Day, Jars of Clay, and on and on.
Then there are those groups whose band members are Christians, but they are not explicitly a Christian band, like The Fray and Matt Kearney.
So in summary, there is a lot of talent in the world of Christian music, but its not for everyone.
January 31st, 2008 at 10:00 am
[…] always thought so - and often for good reason. Karen, over at eztracks.com has written a really good article from someone in the mainstream’s point of […]
April 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
All I have to say is this: FAMILY FORCE 5 and Skillet…look ‘em up. FF5 will blow your “not adventurous enough” statement out of the water. Other bands that you fail to mention include Underoath, Red, and Pillar. Plus, I do not know how you can say the band Stryper, sucked. They have a gold album as well as a platinum album and their song “Honestly” peaked at #32 on the Top 40 charts. They also gained air time on MTV and became one of the most requested on MTV. They were the first Christian band to do any of the above so to say they suck just isn’t true. I really hope you look FF5 up, you’ll really enjoy them.