Good Christian music?

[BillC]

More along the lines of performers who are Christian rather than "Christian Performances" but:

Johnny Cash: Particularly the "American" recordings. Very moving interpretations by a man that is coming to terms with his life and faith.

David Wilcox: I'd start with his live albums, "East Asheville Hardware" and "Live Songs and Stories". A "road warrior" folkie who happens to be Christian and his songs are influenced by that rather than someone who writes "Christian Songs". The live albums really reflect seeing him in concert where his stories just kind of flow into his songs. Talented acoustic guitar player as well.

 

[Jeff Guidry]

Bob Dylan's 'religious period' music, in particular Slow Train Coming and Saved. These should be required listening to anyone who listens to American pop/rock music, not just Christians.

The rare times I stumble across a Christian pop station I generally enjoy the music, but I have little interest in seeking it out.

 

[Doc Sarvis]

I second Neal Morse:

"Testimony"
"One"
"?"


Quote:

Originally Posted by Inter Check out Neal Morse for some contemporary proggy christian music. He's the former Spock's Beard frontman gone christian and now makes solo records about christianity and spirituality. Highly recommended if you like prog rock.

 

[stan11003]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilt Maybe its just me, but i hardly think Johnny Cash is Christian music. cocaine blues?

I think if you ask Christian artist like Third day,etc they will claim some influence by him. U2 for instance has a heavy influence on Christian artist and they are not perfect.

 

[omedon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tilt Maybe its just me, but i hardly think Johnny Cash is Christian music. cocaine blues?

I can understand why one might make the mistake of thinking Johnny Cash didn't produce christian music. He isn't preachy or condescending at all. But in fact, Johnny Cash has done whole albums dedicated to christian music such as Mother's Hym Book and Gospel Glory. Aside from that, many of his other albums contain religious songs or are heavily influenced by his faith.

As to 'the cocaine blues', I believe he has another song in his repetoire called 'I saw the light'.

 

[maestro]

Quote:

Maybe its just me, but i hardly think Johnny Cash is Christian music. cocaine blues?

You're right, Johnny Cash isn't "Christian" music, but its music that is honestly written by a Christian.

I suppose that is the kind of music I am looking for. I don't care how the music is marketed, I'm just looking for music that sounds great and is written by someone who has a desire to serve the Lord.

As for Cash, take a look at this music video and decide for yourself http://www.playadust.net/Johnny%20Cash%20Hurt.mov

It's really a shame that Walk the Line didn't touch on his faith or his conversion at all, or many other things for that matter. I think there is a much greater story to be told than the one we saw on screen. That said, it was a good movie. (If you're interested, there are some good television specials / documentaries about him out there)

 

[michaelconnor]

(Double post)

 

[michaelconnor]

My short list:

Caedmon's Call - My favorite band, highly recommend any of their albums

Jars of Clay - coffee-house style acoustic music, esp. their self-titled album

Phil Kaeggy - A guitar prodigy from the 60's, never ceases to amaze me

Nicole Nordeman - Brilliant lyricist, budding artist

 

[hubcaps]

Quote:

Originally Posted by minya Sufjan Stevens? - Chris

Sufjan is great. He's Christian, but his music isn't "Christian music" (i.e. not necessarily about God, some are though). I'd say the same about P.O.D.

Evanescents aren't Christian, they actually got pissed off about that. A lot of peopel who worked on the album are from the Christian music industry, plus their songs had some "spiritual" references, so that's how they got associated with being Christian.

Mute math is good, indie rock/electronica.

L.A. Symphony pretty good hip-hop.

Caedmon's Call and Andrew Peterson, good folk. Andrew Peterson did some work with Alison Krauss.

Derek Webb (from Caedmon's) good indie rock. He's very experimental musically and his lyrics are very thought provoking and controversial.

Smoking Popes... they weren't Christians back in the day, but the lead singer became Christian and they are making a come back. They are one of the most influencial punk/emo bands in the mid/late 90s. The lead singer actually leads for a church that I use to attend.

Switchfoot. I personally don't like their music, but a lot of people like them.

 

[jumping jupiters]

pierce petis (?pettis?)...try "everything matters" Very well recorded as well...folky not pop. Garth Brooks sang "Moved Me" or is it "You Move Me" which he wrote.

 

[3DCadman]

I heartily 3rd NEAL MORSE!!!!!!! (if you at all like prog rock).

 

[ricola_pak]

If you're entering into the high school ministry, I suggest something that can get the teens' liking.

For me personally, and for 99% of the Christian teens in my area:

1) Hillsong United. Their "LOOK TO YOU" album was awesome. They are releasing their newest album sometime in March.

2) Delirious

3) Starfield. Just went to their concert last week. It was a great time of worship. Felt especially good knowing they're from Canada too

Some artists you have to check out are Chris Tomlin, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Darlene Zschech, Reuben Morgan.

 

[aznsensazian]

Here are some of my favs, Mercy Me, Third Day, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Audio-Adrenaline. There are others too, but too many to name atm.

 

[stan11003]

I almost forgot about Hillsong United, great album. It also came with a DVD. One of my friends actually went to hillsong in Australia, she loved it.

 

[Jahn]

Oh, and if you want to hear some seriously retro 80's, check out Recollection by Leslie Phillips. She married T-Bone Burnett and had a nice career as Sam Phillips later in life, but back in the day she was one of the few Christian singers who didn't sound like she just graduated from the Maranatha Choir. In some ways she's like Aimee Mann - started out with an attitude in the 80's, then cut her feathered locks and became a singer-songwriter.