Christian Music That Does NOT Suck

by tmamone
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December 07, 2008
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Sadly, Christian music is rarely commended for its artistic merit. It's a standard joke even within the Church: take whatever is popular on mainstream radio, replace the word "baby" with "Lord," and you've got yourself a Dove Award. Christian music has definitely produced its fair share of cheese: P.O.D., Stryper, and Plus One, just to name a few. There are, however, many current Christian artists that both spreading the gospel and making music that's actually good. Here are some of my favorites.

Sara Grove

I’m surprised she isn’t as big as Natalie Grant or Jaci Velasquez. Sara Groves writes some of the most beautiful, heart-felt, and inspiring songs ever. One of my favorite songs by her is “Loving a Person,” a song about how it takes time to love people the way they are. If this song doesn’t make you fall in love with her, nothing else will!

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Derek Webb

Former member of Caedmon’s Call (remember “I’m just a bus driver?” Yeah, he did that one) Derek Webb’s solo stuff is gospel music for the thinking man. He sings about social justice, war, poverty, and Christian cliches. He’s been considered “controversial” by some, but he’s only trying to make people think. Unfortunately, no one wants to think anymore, but that’s another story.

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David Crowder Band

Who else can do an electronic worship song one minute and then switch to Americana the next? Check out the album “A Collision”, which ranges from high-energy worship anthems, to old timey Southern gospel, to experimental interludes (including a phone interview about the album. How post-modern!). Their latest album “Remedy” is less experimental, but still good.

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Brooke Fraser

An up-and-coming talent, Brooke Fraser’s soothing voice and music is a welcome change from the cliched “Jesus is my boyfriend” crap found in a lot of Christian pop music. She got her start singing with Hillsong United, and released her US debut “Albertine” earlier this year. Expect to hear more from her in the near future.

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Sufjan Stevens

Thanks to the hard work of Brother Danielson – see “Danielson: A Famile Movie” – to pave the way for good music to gain respect in the indie rock world despite its religious bent, Sufjan Stevens enjoys tremendous respect beyond the religious music world. And with good reason, his song arrangements are bonkers and his writing is painfully good; even if you aren’t religious. Best example in my opinion is “Seven Swans”, a hushed, mostly accoustic album recorded with Danielson. This is probably his most forwardly religious album, but the perfection of it is undeniable. Awesome!!! His states albums (Michigan & Illinois) are better examples of his incredible instrumentation.

added by ghosty 11/20/2008

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: by gtrplaynfool 04/06/2011 Reply

POD is cheese? What makes Switchfoot so much better – POD is too heavy for you? No need to trash them for that – after all, millions have bought POD records!

: by aliciak 12/03/2008 Reply

My first concert ever was Michael W. Smith!!! I’m not sure if he sucks or not, but I looooved him. I watched the video “Secret Ambition” over and over and over.