Christian Music

Miss California Applauded at Dove Awards

Published April 26th, 2009 by Wendy

Miss California Carrie Prejean received an outpouring of support at the Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards this past week with the crowd giving her a standing ovation when she came out to introduce a performance, according to an Associated Press report.

The reaction was likely due to remarks that Prejean had made against gay marriage at the Miss USA pageant, where she was first runner-up last weekend. In response to a question from celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, the beauty queen had said she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

According to the AP, Prejean did not talk about the controversy during the show. Backstage, she said she had no regrets about her remarks and learned that “you have to stay true to your beliefs.”

Prejean introduced a performance by Mercy Me of their hit “I Can Only Imagine” during the awards show, which annually honors outstanding achievements in Christian music.

"This pretty much explains it best. =) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_qPc8xEnAs"

Bryan

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Christian Music Sucks, but Christian Rock Sucks More.

Published 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)

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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!