August 06, 2008
Battling the Beige
Caleb is adamant about the Christian rock. Someone gave him the digits for the big Christian rock station, and so now he dials them in on his radio. Ordinarily I wouldn't allow any radio other than baseball games, but since it's rock about Jesus, I feel wicked telling him no. It's not the Jesus part I'm opposed to, after all, just the unartful licks and painfully trite lyrics.
In an effort to steer the boy in a better direction, I made a CD for him. He refused outright my offer to put on some blues or jazz. "Christian rock, Dad. I want Christian rock." I told him that's what I'd put on there, only some that's better than what he's likely to hear on the radio.
So I loaded it up with tolerable Christian rock. Lifehouse, because their lyrics are thoughtful. Jars of Clay because their Who We Are Instead album has some nice gospel-sounding, bluesy numbers. Kutless because if you're going to do Christian rock, then let's rock. As Sheryl Crow says, this ain't no disco.
I also put on a Sam Cooke gospel number, along with Johnny Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down." Redemption can be a slow process. One song at a time, I'm going to win this boy back from the beige side.
Posted by Woodlief on August 06, 2008 at 08:28 AM
There are some great rock/pop bands who are Christian, but who aren't in the limited Christian genre: U2, P.O.D., Collective Soul, and Arrested Development, among others.
And hey, Matisyahu is Orthodox Jewish, but a lot of the messages are the same. No Jesus obviously, but lots of God and Old Testament/Torah. And the beats are so dope.
Posted by: Jason at August 6, 2008 9:19 AM
Tony,
Highly recommend "Casting Crowns"; their music is powerful, the lyrics anything but trite!
One song to give a listen to is 'There is a Reason' from Alison Krauss.
Posted by: Tom at August 6, 2008 9:20 AM
what about Casting Crowns??? not "rock" but GREAT lyrics and good music.
Posted by: C. Brace at August 6, 2008 9:35 AM
If you wanted your son to experience more worship-styled rock music, I'd recommend Leeland. Their first album, "Sound of Melodies", is deep, well thought out, and has great music.
Also, a band who was formed at my church named "An Opiate For Angels" has their first album up on iTunes. I'd highly recommend it if you are looking for more worship-styled rock. I haven't heard an album quite like it. They use a cornucopia of different instruments that are definitely on the eccentric side.
This is all coming from a youth so take that as you will!
Posted by: Evan Kincade at August 6, 2008 1:27 PM
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