Okay, this title is more provocative than necessary. First, I don’t hate Southern Gospel. I appreciate it and have come to know and love many who sing it. I have preached many times after concerts by some godly men in quartets. My roots are there. I grew up listening to the “Dixie Gospel Jubilee” every Sunday morning as a child. My parents are Southern Gospel groupies! They took me to all night singings as a little boy (I thought that was child abuse at the time). Second, I love so much of what I hear in music aimed at worship for believers today. We are blessed with both a heritage of great hymnody and a lot of well crafted songs for today (I love, for example, Charlie Hall’s latest and hear the Casting Crown CD Lifesongs on my MP3 as I walk each morning). I must confess I’ve never bought a CD by a Southern Gospel group. I did recently (confession) buy Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Greatest Hits on CD, and every now and then I slip over to the oldies station (my generation) and listen to some 70s Southern Rock.
So, on the 4th I found myself taking a day off, channel surfing and discovered a show called “The Top Twenty Southern Rock Songs of All Time.” So I watched. I was a child of the 70s. My brother, the best guitarist I have ever heard, played a lot of these songs in a band back then. Skynard, Charlie Daniels, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Allman Brothers Band (my brothers favorite), and others. Somehow Creedence Clearwater Revival missed the cut which irks me (no Proud Mary?). By the way, the number one song of course was Sweet Home Alabama.
Of course most of rock music historically is depraved and encourages a world view other than that of Scripture. But the remarkable and enduring popularity of Southern Rock begs the question: did people love it only because it was depraved and gave them another outlet to chase youthful rebellion, or is there more to the story?
Some of the songs did encourage immorality. But there was more. There were serious artists who actually put more than a little thought into their unique genre. Dickie Betz, lead guitarist for the Allman Brothers after Duane’s tragic motorcycle crash (my brother mourned for days and still has his Eat a Peach vinyl), perfected a unique thumb pattern that skilled guitarists can pick out in a drop the needle test. The Marshall Tucker Band blended a blues-rock vibe with a flute (a flute?), while Charlie Daniels experienced great popularity across rock and country audiences while he played a fiddle (?). Makes me understand a little better why the Dave Matthews Band has such a giant following among college students—a rock band without an electric guitar, but with a violin and flute?
My observation is a simple one, made much more clearly by my drummer son than I have succeeded in doing in this post so far. Josh and I were sitting at the desktop a while back listening to a new ITunes song by the DMB (Josh loves the drummer, Carter Beaufort, and says he is the best one living except for maybe Neil Peart of Rush). Now let me make a disclaimer: at my house the overwhelming majority of music heard is related to the Christian faith—David Crowder, Charlie Hall, Casting Crowns, etc. But Michelle and I try to teach our kids a biblical mind doesn’t mean we do only exclusively Christian everything (that would be Monasticism)—it means we filter everything through a biblical lens.
Disclaimer in place, back to Josh’s comment: “Dad,” he observed, “The best music you can hear is not played by Christian bands.” I stumbled over a few exceptions like Phil Keaggy and quickly conceded he was right. I noted to him that the fundamental issue in Christian music (not sure “Christian” is a great adjective) is the message, so the words matter more than the skill of the musicians, which was his focus. But I had to admit that he was right. We do not value skilled musicians as we should. Nor do we give credit to the level of sophistication evident among many musicians regardless of genre.
As believers we rightly note the importance of lyrics when it comes to music. Let’s be honest, there exists a myriad of examples of pathetic songs credited as being “Christian.” We have been given the gift of language, and through this medium God has spoken clearly in the Bible. But when I look at I Thessalonians 1:5 I read where Paul observed the gospel came to the Thessalonians in word, but not only in word, but in power, and the Spirit, and conviction, and through their lives. In other words, the totality of who they were was used to communicate the message. Is there a more powerful medium that captivates young adults, churched or not, than music? Would it help the church to ask the question, what is it about ________ (pick a genre) that captivates the minds of youth? If it is a salacious message we can reject it; but if it has something to do with the music expressing the spirit of the age, maybe we can connect the dots for some with the genre.
I am not suggesting we start singing Bon Jovi in corporate worship; I just wonder if we need to rethink the categories. Well it is past my bedtime and I may regret writing this post so sleepy but here it is…
Meet Alvin Reid
Search
Follow Doc!
Twitter Updates
Bookstore
Archives
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- November 2005
- September 2005
- December 2004
- October 2004
Recent Comments
okay it is lynyrd skynyrd. way past my bedtime for so many Ys lol.
Hey Doc,
Great post. My wife and I talk about “Christian” music all the time in relation to other genres, most notably classic rock, and we always come to the same conclusion that you do. A lot of what I hear (with the exception of Keaggy, Crowder, St. James, Third Day, and a few others) is just cookie-cutter. It’s almost like there is a formula for what makes a good Christian song, except that most of the time it’s not good. My guess is that there is a push by the record company to pump out radio hits, which discourages creativity.
I am a long-time fan of classic rock (as you well know–remember singing “Radar Love” on the way to the airport?). I listen to a band like Kansas, Skynyrd, Journey (in their good stuff–not the stuff on the radio), I notice that the emphasis is on musical creativity. There are extended instrumental solos and even some complex harmonies going on (like in Kansas or Journey). Nowadays, most music on the radio (not just Christian music, although you see it there too) are simplistic songs which even often share the same chord structures. I guess all I’m saying is to rock on.
Thanks Matt. We are kindred spirits in this. And we play in chapel!
I found a great link with excellent discussion on this at: http://www.colossiansthreesixteen.com/archives/26
By the way, I also have Kansas’ Live CD. Some remarkable harmonies and musicianship. Maybe that is why I loved Emerson, Lake and Palmer back in the day.
And I still sing Radar Love when driving (drives Michelle crazy).
I have noticed in our college students a remarkable grasp of musical artistry for their age (okay in some not all). I believe there is an insight into the culture we have not examined enough.
I am ordering right now “Body Piercing Saved My Life,” an analysis of Christian Rock by writers from Spin magazine. Should be interesting…
I saw the same show.
I can’t believe they left out CCR, either. If anyone ever develops CCR worship music, I will sign up and sign on.
Of course, I also have asked our worship team to use the music and dance moves of the Temptation, with little luck.
Thanks Tom:
.
If we could only find another voice like John Fogerty. I did note that our VBS materials this year had one song that musically had to be a cover for B. Spears–yikes
Your honesty and insight, which come from Him alone, are manifest, Alvin. I am thoroughly enjoying your stream of consciousness and hope to continue to learn more about you.
Oh, by the way, I help lead the two contemporary worship services at our church. We have a full kit, bongos plus, electric, bass, acoustic, keyboard, and usually about three singers. I am, for the purposes of doing it in front of people, just a singer. We definitely try to meet people where they are with the style of music, while proclaiming the gospel of Christ through it.
Great Bryan:
I play bass in chapel at SEBTS sometimes (when we are a bit more, umm, recent in our orientation), and with a band, and in our church’s praise band some. Josh drums there now. I minored in music in college and have been a minister of music years ago in churches (I left for health reasons–my singing made them sick). I enjoy the opportunity to dialogue on these issues.
Kansas is a personal favorite of mine and they had some great Christian themes in much of their music (depending on which member wrote the song).
Kerry Livgren had great themes even before he came to Christ. Isn’t Dust in the Wind just Eccl set to music, and The Wall an essay on the futility of life?
Alvin-
“Gospel Singing Jubilee” I used to watch it every Sunday as well on Channel 2 in Atlanta. Can never forget those sky blue suits of the Florida Boys.
Back in the day I was friends with Brian Barrett who was on the Starsong label for 2 or 3 projects. He quit the label when he went in for a project that he wanted to be worship oriented and they wanted to make him sound like the most popular country music act of the time.
So much for the creative God…
I just ran out to the Barnes and Noble and got “Body Piercing Saved My Life” by Andrew Beaujon of Spin Magazine. I skimmed the whole thing, and wow. No surprise, Driscoll definitely became part of the discussion. I look forward to more serious digestion of this.
Dust in the Wind did come from Ecclesiastes, not to mention “O Happy Day” being a top song in the late 60s, “Turn” by the Byrds also from Koheleth, and a host of others.
I remember a conversation with Tom Wolf years ago. He looked at me and said, “Until we learn to sing the gospel to young people we will have a hard time reaching them.” This is only more true now I think. But just like preaching and church involvement, those singing must embody a change life AND raw musical ability I think.
Oh and whew, I do remember those Florida Boys.
Dr. Reid,
Great site. My wife and I were listening to an old DMB CD (circa ’93) on the way back from the beach today and one of the songs is entitled “Christmas Song” where the lyrics reflect the story of Christ. From what I could always tell, the message is fairly sound and is not completely off base theologically.
My point is that my generation (I’m 27) has always been spiritual. I was in high school and college during DMB’s peak and a lot of Matthew’s lyrics are ‘spiritual.’ Being that DMB has millions of fans who not only like their riffs but enjoy their lyrics, lends credance to the fact that my generation is searching for something spiritual.
I think you are on to something here.
Thanks much. Josh and I have spent no small amount of time studying the DMB lyrics. He is searching at the least. One hardly needs to go far looking at the youth culture’s music to see what you see on the WB (the most watched network of youth)–young adults are amazingly spiritual. But if folks weren’t in our churches in the 60s because we were TOO spiritual, they are not in our churches today because we are NOT spiritual enough!
Someone should write a book or something on the allure of the DMB across generations and musical tastes.
Professor Reid,
My youth group is having a bonfire this weekend to burn all their satanically-inspired music that arouses such evil passions in the fertile minds of teenagers. I plan on giving a devotion on how we should honor God with the music we listen to. Then I will have them throw all their 4-HIM, Point of Grace, FFH, and Newsong CD’s into the inferno. After the sacrifice is complete, its off to the barn to play chubby bunny.
Sincerely,
Wanna B. Hipp
Now that I know who anonymous is I will reply lol…
I just happened to listen to a live DMB song that was in my CD player (I don’t listen to him much but Josh loves him as his drummer is Josh’s erstwhile mentor in drumming) when following a song the audience continued singing the song with great fervor, a capella. Sounded like a Passion concert. We would be foolish not to consider the powerful role of music in our culture.
Oh and I must say I just got myself a nice acoustic bass. I have been wanting one since I saw FFH at Go Tell years ago and went ga ga for the acoustic bass the dude played. Sweeeet.
Hey. I’m a college kid at SEMO. I moved down to Mississippi for a couple years and picked up on Christian music. Before I listened to mainly hip hop rock and country as well as straight up rap music. I find the christian music to be very positive and creative. I dont see many songs that say nothing at all. I do see fronters that anyone can see r not christian bands, such as Norma Jean. To hear these you know that whatever they happen to be it is not godly. TFK and Kutless rock out, have awesome sounds, and great messages. Grits is smooth all the way, with killer hooks and an in your face approach. Todd Agnew and Chris Tomlin are worship that have good sounds that also get you to think. Who listened to My Jesus and didnt stop and think about how they live. Red is not as direct but sometimes you say the most in simple things. Their songs Breathe into Me and the ones confronting the devil and telling him to back off are super awesome. And no one can listen to the classical piece in the beginning that the cd is named after and not think it is totally awesome. I dont even like classical style music. Not even “flight of the bumblebee.” FFH is good and so is 4him and PCDs new songs. Daniel by ffh is a good song. The beats for the last 3 may all be nearly the same, i wont argue that. ‘FM static’ and superchic are bands that do my favorite kind of songs that get you to question your actions as a christian. There are many that do this and i think it is essential to not rest on the fact that we are and to start acting like it. Being a writer myself, most of what i write is me saying im a failure at this being like christ thing and i want to change and you to help me so i can accept for real what you already gave me. I stand strong for awesome christian music that is real. What i listen to, i find true feeling in it and i get encouragement and learn from them. The artists may not be perfect in their lives or intentions either, but that is who Jesus can do the most with. Even if they have bad intentions, which i don’t know their true causes. The music is awesome and is what i lean on to help me make it through. I cant forget god is real and there with me when i hear it all the time. I don’t think that musical talent matters as much in christian music, but it definitely can help a song to be recognized if the talent is there. Christian rockers wouldn’t be near as big with no talent. And what about newsboys. No point in those lyrics either? They are legends like dc talk is from the JF album. I said my little piece and i hope maybe it will help in the discussion some how. I came from worldly music found christian music and take god seriously now b/c music is such an overwhelming influence in my life.
Just in case you are wondering SEMO is in Cape Girardeau, MO. I moved to MS from Cape in may of 2004 and moved back this year in the middle of august. SEMO is Southeast Misouri State University. In cape we have no really good christian music stations so i didnt discover it until the FIX91.3 and 93.9THE DOVE. Thats why i never listened to it before. All we mainly have is southern gospel which i cant stand most of the songs, especially by old people who cant sing. Not that it has much to do with anything, but just wanted to clear that up if there were any questions. Also i went to high school in Jackson, MO next door. Home of the Jackson Indians. It is arch rivals with the Cape Central Tigers. Not that that matters either, but if Cape or Jackson people read this… Just wanted to clear that up with you.