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Contemporary Christian Music: The Hidden Treasure
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Most may have the assumption that when you become a Christian, your musical options are at worst reduced to 300-year-old hymns and singing 'Kumbaya' around a campfire, or at best accepting substandard quality by current Christian artists. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Today's Christian music rivals and in many cases surpasses secular music in quality and originality. The only reason you don't hear it on secular radio is because of their hesitancy to play the embedded gospel message. That's a shame, because the world is missing out on some great music with a positive spin - something that this world needs in this day and time.
I was introduced to contemporary Christian music while listening to WJYP, a local Christian radio station, back in 1997. At the time, I used to work late and made a habit on going on hour-long drives on country roads a couple nights a week, just to take time to relax and listen to music. One particular show by the Moody Broadcasting Network that ran late on Saturdays called 'MBN Saturday Night' was one I almost never missed. I discovered many of my current favorites on MBN Saturday Night, which has since been discontinued.
Christian music has been a large factor in my growth in Christ. I almost consider it a type of 'devotion' akin to reading scripture. I can't give credit to the music though, as it's the Lord who makes all this possible. Here are a few of the artists/albums I listen to the most.
Steven Curtis Chapman - Speechless
There are no other albums that have impacted, motivated, and picked me up as much as this one has - so I place this one at the top of my all-time favorite list. The memorable songs on 'Speechless' vary from rock to classical, but are all meant to remind you of where your focus in life should be and where you're headed. It never fails that when I hear a song from this CD that I get a boost, no matter how bad the day has been. Even after 3 years, this album hasn't 'worn out' its enjoyability like many eventually do. If I could afford it, I would buy a copy of this CD for everyone I know.
Rich Mullins
It's hard to find a Rich Mullins song that doesn't impact you in some way. Mullins was tragically killed in a highway accident in 1997, but his timeless music remains extremely popular. I own several of his albums, and none have ever been disappointing. Rich's last album 'The Jesus Record', completed by fellow artists after his death, is a must-have CD that I never get tired of. One of my favorite Rich Mullins sounds is his skillful incorporation of the hammered dulcimer in many of his best songs.
Steven Curtis Chapman - Declaration
Another top-notch CD with the top-notch message of Jesus Christ. Great music with a great theme. I had this CD playing for nearly all of my 5,000 mile storm chasing vacation to the Plains in 2002.
Glassbyrd - Open Wide This Window
If I had heard just about any one song from this album on the radio, it would have motivated me to go out and buy the CD. Glassbyrd's mellow but catchy tunes are so skillfully arranged, played and sung that it's hard to keep from playing the tracks over and over.
Steven Curtis Chapman - Greatest Hits
Most of us, me included, didn't know about Chapman in the 80's. I wasn't a Christian at the time. Even though this album highlights Chapman's work years ago, the songs - and as always - the message - are timeless classics.
4Him - Obvious
4Him's album is another that encourages you to go deeper with Christ, with catchy music that stays with you.
Here are a few more good albums that are often playing while I'm on the road or at my computer:
Geoff Moore & the Distance
Layton Howerton
Jars of Clay
Rick Elias
Watermark
Chris Rice
Sara Groves
Rebecca St. James
Eli
Crystal Lewis
Michael W. Smith
Kepano Green
Lincoln Brewster
Jill Phillips
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