Casting Crowns, Nickelback and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Christianity Today's Entertainment Blog recently had a post about the Dover Awards.  The Dove's are the Christian version of the Grammy's...which means only Christians care about them!  What struck me about the post was that they mentioned that Casting Crowns had won the previous five Artist of the Year Awards before losing out this year to Needtobreathe.  While this sounds critical, saying Casting Crowns is an "artist" is like saying Nickelback reinvents their sound on every song! 

I have been a big fan of Christian throughout my life.  Especially as a teenager, Christian music was a source of inspiration for me and my faith.  Now, I don't follow Christian music as much as I used too, mostly because I find a lot of the music made in the Christian genre (or Christian ghetto, depending on your view) to be lacking creativity musically and lyrically.  For me, much of the Christian genre has become cheerleaders for Jesus rather than creatively communicating God's love, peace, grace, power and presence lyrically and musically.

The Church, in general, has lost the ability to influence culture through the arts, when the arts have the ability to communicate on such a powerful level.  I'm thankful for mainstream bands (Christian and otherwise) whose music and lyrics point to God through beauty and grace.  I could go on and name some bands, but I realize it's completely subjective! (Some of my personal favorites are U2, Needtobreathe, The Robbie Seay Band, Thrice, Derek Webb, Owl City, Switchfoot and Mutemath)  Those of us in the church need to encourage the our congregation to use the arts with excellence to communicate the truths of God's love and salvation.  We need to find our voice to communicate using the gifts and talents that God has given us.  Some of us have been given gifts of music- we need to use it to the glory of God! Some of us have been given the ability to paint and sculpt- we need to use it to the glory of God!  Let's not settle to produce material for the Christian ghetto- let's produce art that speaks to the world's heart about the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Your turn- which bands/artist/songs speak to you about God's love, grace, beauty, peace, presence, justice or mercy? Talk it out in the comments!

CD Review: Robbie Seay Band- Miracle

In the world of Christian music, there are two kinds of bands.  The first kind plays the role of cheerleader.  They write songs for the Church that get them fired up about Jesus- sometimes without much theological or artistic depth.  The lyrics are often not challenging and offer more comfort for the listener about their place in the world and the church.  The second kind of band has the unique ability to call the Church and the world to participate in the Kingdom of God.  These bands are prophetic as they call the listener to love God and love their neighbors through the artistry of their lyrics and melody.

The Robbie Seay Band falls in the second category.

Miracle is RSB's third full length studio release- the most recent was their "Give Yourself Away," that continues to get considerable play time in the LaMotte family iPod and CD players.  Miracle offers the listener 11 songs of authentic song writing that is longing for the Kingdom of God here on Earth.  The album begins with "Love Invades," as RSB sings of love breaking through- In the break of day\Night is slowly giving way\Tell the sun to rise

"Awaken My Soul" is an upbeat prayer that says Awaken my soul\Every fear and every dream\Awaken me\I'm letting go, awaken my soul\Awaken my soul.  In "Kingdom and a King" RSB that we are to never wait on the governments to move\As the broken and the poor cry out You. This song is a prophetic call for the Church to head the call of God to care for the fatherless, poor, and widows. 

"Miracle" is the title track of the CD.  RSB sings, Have you ever had a dream\so big no one else could see\But you believed\It was possible to be\. The rest of the song gives several scenarios where someone is waiting on a miracle from God.  This is a great reminder that God is at work regardless of our circumstances

"Your Love is Strong" incorporates the Lord's Prayer in its petition for God's stong love to be present.  "We Are Not Alone" is a song that reminds us of the grace that is present in the midst of community- especially the community of believers.  "Lament" is exactly that.  Crying out to God to rescue us from the suffering that exist in the world.  Honestly, we need more songs like "Lament" in our worship vocabulary.  There are many people who will identify with suffering- yet in our modern worship music- there are few songs that cry out to God for rescue.    

Miracle is another excellent release from the Robbie Seay Band.  The music is strong and Seay's vocals are souful and authentic.  The lyrics are artfully written, full of hope and grace, and never sound tired or worn out.  Go out and pick up Miracle today!

http://www.robbieseayband.com/