The Dangers of Feel-Good Christianity (Or How I Continued To Choose Music Over Message)

     I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.  My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)  

     Plank time.  

     Before I became a Christian, one of my favorite albums was 1991’s “Dion Chante Plamondon,” a cassette by Celine Dion that my folks picked up for me while on vacation in eastern Canada.  I liked this album, even though it was all in French, because I was looking for music that moved me emotionally; suffice to say, this album successfully accomplished that goal.  

     Later, after I became a Christian, I forsook my previous music collection and looked for music in the “Contemporary Christian”’genre that did the same thing as before:  to provide me an experience.  Oh, I would tell myself that the search was to help strengthen my newfound walk with God.  Or that, once I had made such a find, I would invite my friends over to relay my new discovery to them and bolster their faith too (prior to my conversation, my music loving friends and I did that quite often; this never really panned out post-conversion, and the times that I did try to share music with friends never really went anywhere).  But I was lying to myself.  God knew I was lying to myself.  The truth was that my pursuits were still for my own personal love of music, with the same goal of reaching an emotional rush that I sought prior to giving my life to Christ.  

     My confession:  My love for music still surpassed my love for God.

     Fast forward to 2019.  My Christian music collection (and by “Christian,” I mean sometimes going as close as I could to the proverbial sacred/secular line without going over) continued to accumulate until it finally had reached a “saturation point” as it would:  with the exception of brand new music, a couple of missing Jesus Music albums and those “I wasn’t looking for it until I found it” discoveries at the vinyl record shows, my collection is all but complete.  But I was not, and no temporary good feelings had succeeded in filling that void.  

     Nevertheless, I tried music one more time.  After pompously declaring to myself that 2019 was a “slow year” for Christian music, I gave in to the itch of related YouTube “related content” and into the realm of Portuguese “Cristã Contemporânea (Brazilian Christian Pop Music).” At first I was blown away by the musicality of what I heard.  But these discoveries came with their own set of problems, and before I realized it, I was in over my head.  I had the Google Portuguese/English translator (an advantage I didn’t have in the early 90’s), and through the lyric translations and interviews that I read, realized that I had once again put my “feel good” music obsession, cloud my walk with Christ.  

     Proverbially I had circled back to Celine Dion all over again.  

     Not to be Biblically cliche, but I’m beginning to understand what the author of Ecclesiastes has been trying to tell me about these pursuits being vanity, a chasing after the wind.  All that time used for myself in the thrift stores, the record shows, the music section of the Christian bookstores, time that which would have been much better spent giving of my time and resources to the betterment of others.  

      So how does this cautionary tale relate to my readers?   

      God searches the heart of each and every human being, and as believers we must work out our individual salvations with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12).  Anything we place emphasis on that exalts itself over Christ must be cast down (2 Corin. 10:5).  Let’s face it, as humans we like things that make us feel good.  God Himself enjoys blessing his creation out of His great love.  As Christians we can still discover great music that glorifies God, and causes us to give Him our worship and praise.  But if having those “feel-good” experiences becomes the ultimate goal of our existence, be it through listening to music, being moved by musical or theatrical performance, or by overemphasizing rapturous religious experiences, then we have missed the mark.

     Jesus said to store up treasures in Heaven that cannot be destroyed or stolen (Matt 6:19-21).   For music lovers we can “store up” our own collections and Spotify playlists and physical “albums” for dinosaurs like me.  But these things are temporal; My CD and Vinyl trophy collection will eventually return to dust (but will probably remain intact long enough to first be dispersed to the local thrift/antique stores after I’m gone). 

     Today, instead of devising plans of self-acquisition, let us instead reflect on the grace and mercy God has shown us, and seek to better others more than ourselves, showing unconditional love to those around us.  Let nothing rise above our knowledge of Christ, our greatest example of God’s unconditional love.  Praise be to God. 

My Best Music Album Experiences of the 2010’s

My Best Music Album Experiences of the 2010’s

As another decade winds down, it’s time to take a look back at the Christian music albums that have stood out above the pack, both in the industry at large, and in the eyes of this music-lover.  It is with a bit of bittersweetness, melancholy, and uncertainty that I write, wondering just how much the “art of the album” will be received in the next decade.  As many musicians have retreated from full-length albums to just singles and EP’s, in tandem with the closure of most brick and mortar Christian bookstores, along with the removal of compact discs in most big box department stores, the 2010’s may very well be the last decade of widely released ‘albums’ as it would.   Nevertheless, there have been some amazing releases over the last 10 years, and I am excited to share with you the joy that I have had in discovering and listening to these exceptional music compositions.  

Best Band Reunion Album:

“Say Hello” - Smalltown Poets (2018)

I was a fan of Michael Johnston’s former band Villanelle and their awesome album “Pinwheels and Orange Peels (1995).”  Later, after Johnston formed the new band Smalltown Poets” with several members of Villanelle, I was equally as excited to hear what new tunes they would produce.  Their self-titled debut in 1997 didn’t disappoint, making a significant impact in the CCM industry.  Since then the band released a few more albums, but little by little began replacing old members with new ones, eventually falling off the radar altogether for a long time.  This all changed when Smalltown Poets began releasing new Christmas Music in the first half of the 2010’s.  By the time “Say Hello”came out, the original 5 band members from the original self-titled album had come back together again and produced one of the 2018’s strongest albums.  

Favorite songs:  “Say Hello,” “Middle of a First Love,” “Are You With Me?”  

(Honorable Mention:  Self Titled - Burlap to Cashmere 2011)

(Not a bad album for a 13 year hiatus)

Best One-two Combination Live Acts of the Decade:  

Owl City and Mat Kearney -  All Things Bright and Beautiful tour

“All Things Bright and Beautiful” - Owl City (2011)

“Young Love” - Mat Kearney (2011)

An unusual pairing...one that I simply could not pass up when Adam Young’s Owl City concert came to Seattle on an unseasonably chilly and cloudy July evening in 2011.  Both artists released their new albums that summer.   Mat performed many of his hits from his first two full length albums “Nothing Left to Lose” and “City of Black and White,”  as well as a new song “Hey Mama” from the upcoming “Young Love” album.  Mat even adding a “Seattle exclusive” third verse of his hit “Undeniable,” listing several prominent Seattle neighborhoods.   Adam Young of Owl City continued the evening’s festivities with a several instrumentalists, music from his brand new album, and of course “Hello Seattle” from his platinum “Ocean Eyes” album.  It was rumored that Owl City fans Bill Gates and his children attended the concert.   

Favorite Songs (Owl City):  “Kamikaze,”  “Alligator Sky,” “Galaxies” 

Favorite Songs (Mat Kearney):  “Hey Mama,”  “Sooner or Later,” “Learning to Love Again”  

 


(At Owl City/Mat Kearney/Unwed Sailor with my friend Peter Gattata)

Best Comeback:  Needtobreathe

“Rivers in the Wasteland”  - Needtobreathe (2014)

“Hardlove” Needtobreathe (2016)

Dissension within the band after 2011’s “The Reckoning” album came out, resulted in a few-year absence and one less band member.  2014 saw a resurgent and reenergized band release “Rivers in the Wasteland” ; the band was quickly welcomed back into the music industry, with hits like “Brother,” without missing a beat.  “Hardlove” in 2016 was an even stronger offering, the band having solidified their new lineup and signature sound.  

Favorite Songs (Rivers...):  “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,”  “The Heart,” “Where the Money Is,” “Brother”  

Favorite Songs (Hardlove):  “Money & Fame,” “Happiness,” “Hardlove”  

Most Underrated Album:

“Innova” - Fireflight (2015)

Many critics panned this band’s release, which many felt was too much of a departure from their signature rock sound, as led from the beginning by female vocalist Dawn Michelle.  As a whole, however, this release turned out to be their best album to date, a well-rounded mix of their old and new sound, borrowing from pop, rock and electronica influences.  

Best Songs:  “Keep Fighting,” “Fallout,” “We Are Alive”   

Most Personal-to-my-situation-at-the-time Album Of The Decade:

“Crave” - For King and Country (2012)  

For me, For King and Country’s debut album was a welcome and refreshing release, an album of which to me sounded like a hybrid of INXS and Tears For Fears, a throwback to music I listened to in my youth.  It also however came at a time of personal frustration, a dissolution of a friendship of almost 20 years.  The “I threw your picture in the fire” lyric was a symbolic, albeit not literal, feeling that consumed me for over a month.  Each single from that album seemed to have some sort of lyrical connection to that incident.  The pain has eased since then, but it still serves a reminder of what was lost, and a friendship that I still yearn to piece back together.  

Favorite Songs:  “Proof of Your Love,” “People Change,” “Sane,” “Pushing on a Pull Door”  

 

(Photos from "Road Show 2018" - For King and Country)  

Best Dance Album:

“II” - Capital Kings (2015)

Although World Wide Message Tribe’s “We Don’t Get What We Deserve” (1995), still remains aguably the quintessential Christian dance album of all time IMO, CK’s final full-length album release certainly makes its case on why it should be considered for the honor.  It has that “Steampunk” feel to it, modifies its sound from single to single without becoming repetitive, and ends with an inspirational nod to spreading the Great Commission all over the world.  

Best Songs:  “Live for the Drop,” “Satellites,”  “Upgraded”  

Best Pop Album:  

“Riley Clemmons” - Riley Clemmons 2018

Having released one of the decade’s great radio hit standouts right from the first listen (“Broken Prayers”), Riley Clemmons later went out to release one of the best (but most under-appreciated) pop albums of the last 20 years.  “Honest,” “Broken Prayers,” and “Drop Everything” is one of the strongest 7-8-9 album track lineups out there, but the entire album radiates with young confidence and memorable music.  

Best Songs:  “Remember,” “Broken Prayers,” “Drop Everything”   

(Honorable Mention:  Hollyn - One Way Conversations (2017))

(Another under-appreciated pop album, too good not to get Christian Radio air-play.  Her singles have shown up over the airwaves at Michaels Crafts however.)  

Most Original Album:  “Call of the Sea” - Coastalrise (2013)

I was browsing around the New Release Today website (!!) a few years back, stumbled the main singers’ nautical promo shot, and was compelled to investigate further.  What resulted was what I consider one of my favorite albums of all time, and one of the most original.  The accompanying Oz-themed music video “Lovely Avenue” showcases everything great about this former band; it’s a shame they were not able to remain together and continue this trend of original and amazing-sounding Christian music.








Favorite songs:  “Lovely Avenue,” “Of the Light,” “Beach Bike Bandit”.

International Album of the Decade:

“Doze” - Daniela Araujo (2017) 

I recently discovered this album at the twilight of 2019 and I have to say....this Portuguese album from Brazil is incredible.  12 tracks, each track a title of a month of the year, plus a bonus track, the love-at-first-listen “Sejo O Centro.”  Squarely falling on the pop side, but also heavy on the electronic sound mixes, and glimpses into the popular praise & worship enjoyed in Brazil, this album draws you in from the first track and never lets you go until the tender conclusion.  

Favorite Songs - “Seja O Centro,” “Fevereiro,” “Julho” 

(Honorable Mention - “Genesis” - Cass (New Zealand - 2017)

(You'll never get track one out of your head)

Best Overall Artist of the decade:  JJ Heller

"When I'm With You" - JJ Heller (2010)

"Loved" - JJ Heller (2013)

 

There were several candidates for best all-around performance:  V Rose, Fireflight, Group 1 Crew.... I chose JJ Heller, because I’ve always had a soft spot for perky folk music, and Heller provides all that, plus a active and engaged presence in the Christian music across the entier decade.  “When I’m With You,” agruably Heller’s signature album, crossed my radar with “Boat Song,” a tender love song dedicated to her husband.  Heller continued the decade with several more mainstream, children and Christmas albums to again prove that she is the complete package, and my pick for the 2010’s.  

Favorite Songs (When I’m With You):  “Boat Song,” “Tell It Again,” “Control”  

Favorite Songs (Loved):  “If You Fall,”  “Loved”, “Better Things”  

Other Great Albums of the 2010’s:  

Group 1 Crew - Outta Space Love (2010)

The Martins - New Day (2011)

Nick Flora - The Reintroduction of Nick Flora (2013)

Seth & Nirva - Never Alone 2016

Mankind Must Create

(Posted on Social Media 10/4/2019):

Evening FB friends. So it would seem we would have a little while longer before
Mac Catalina takes over and iTunes is retired for good. It sure kicked my new music discovery reflex in overdrive though, with some unexpected results. Many people know that I have a passion for playing and listening to music. I’m sure most people aren’t really phased by the end of iTunes, based on the numerous “streaming” alternatives. For me it’s more impactful. It’s hard for me to fathom a world where we I can’t directly purchase a single or album and support an artist monetarily (short of purchasing a hard copy of their music online or when they come through town). Whatever happened to the days when I would wait tables at Izzy’s and try to earn enough in tips so I could walk across the parking lot after work to the open-late Tower Records and purchase the album that I had my eye on? Is the art of the album dead, has it been dethroned by the song single, the single’s remix(es) a week later, maybe an EP every other year?

I sometimes worry about a coming “dark ages” in the creation of art, dance and music. That is, until I remember that passionate men and women will continue to be driven to create beautiful works of art that brings glory to God. It’s just in our nature: we must create. For those individuals God has gifted with the passion and creation of the vocal arts, I believe there will continue to always be a collective response: a passionate audience of seeking listeners. From the large arenas to the small house concerts, from the music sharing friends in the coffee shops to the music-loving teen in their bedroom, there will always be a need.

One of my goals is to continue to share music on social media that I think points to a loving Creator God. I must trust God’s timing and trust that the right people are reached at just the right time. If you are blessed with the music that you hear, thank and give praise to your Creator, the giver of all manner of good gifts. I pray you a good evening, surrounded with good blessings.

In Christ, Christopher

Christian Music of the 2010’s: Decade of the Female Vocalist

Christian Music of the 2010’s:  Decade of the Female Vocalist

Although the Christian Radio airwaves were top-heavy with music from the male alto sound over the past 10 years, the decade truly belonged to the women of Christian music.  While collecting my favorite singles of the decade, I realized how lopsided my list was between male and female vocals.  As I collected information to put together some ‘end of decade blogs,” I also realized how the following 10 female vocalists fell into a particular signature year, each year, from 2010 to 2019.  So without further ado, my top picks for signature female vocalists of the 2010’s:  

2010:  JJ Heller

Heller released 4 albums in the previous decade, and came on the radar in 2008 with her surprise radio hit “Your Hands.”  Although Heller has released several stellar albums, her 2010 album “When I’m With You” is arguably her signature album, with enduring hits like “Control” and “Boat Song,” and “What Love Really Means,” a re-release of her 2006 album “Only Love Remains.”  Folky and perky, Heller remains one of my favorite artists of the 2010’s.  

(Favorite Songs:  “You Would Love Me Too,” “Boat Song,” “Control,” “If You Fall”)  

2011:  V Rose

I discovered V Rose music a couple of years later when searching for ‘related content’ while watching Beckah Shae videos.  After watching the music video “Surrender” by Flame, Ft. V Rose, I was an instant fan.  V Rose has the talent of coming up with ‘current’ events, releasing music that talks about selfies, trying to go viral, and of course her faith.  While I’m more a fan of her first half 2010‘s decade music, V Rose has endured for the whole 10 years with 4 albums, and over a dozen collaborations with singles of other artists.  

(Favorite Songs:  “Forever Endeavor,” “Am I Trending?” “King Kong Skyline,” “Bottom to the Top” and “Surrender.”  (Flame)

2012:  Blanca Callahan (Group 1 Crew)

After 2010’s album “Outta Space Love,” Group 1 Crew went from a trio to a brother/sister duo, after Pablo Villatoro bowed out of the band.  Still their 2012 release “Fearless” still produced some solid gems such as “The Difference” and “Freq Dat.”  “He Said” was possibly one of the group’s best singles, and showcased Callahan’s strong soaring vocals; this song enjoyed some radio exposure, but was quickly and unfairly swept under the rug, in favor of formula.  Callahan also left the band shortly after this album, but has gone on to make 2 solo releases of her own.  

(Favorite Songs:  “He Said,”  “Movin’” “Manipulation,” “The Difference”)  




2013:  Brenna Carnuccio (Coastalrise)

“Call of the Sea” was the best music album of the decade.  This 10-song set of near music mastery, alternated vocalists Tim Whiting and Brenna Carnuccio into a journey of pure listening enjoyment.  Carnuccio led in the tunes “Contretemps” and “Baby”, while tag teaming Whiting in “Prime Colors.”  The band broke up a short time later, which was an absolute crying shame.

(Favorite Songs:  “Lovely Avenue,” “Contretemps,” “Beach Bike Bandit”)  

2014:  Moriah Peters 

Like many artists before her, Peters shed her ‘good girl’ image with her sophomore album.  “Brave,” her album and title track, contained an empowering message for women everywhere, and featured a music video with an all-girl backup band.  Peters went on later to form TRALA with two of her friends, and her band continues to release new singles into the 2020’s.  

(Favorite Songs:  “Brave,” “Creature Machine (TRALA)”

2015:  Dawn Michelle (Fireflight)

Dawn’s band Fireflight first made its rocking debut in 2006.  The band’s fifth album “Innova” came out in 2015 to mixed reviews, but its risky departure from their louder previous 4 albums, actually turned out to be their best all around album of their collection.  While no new albums have been released since Innova, Fireflight have released several new singles, and Dawn Michelle has gone on to produce her own solo worship album in 2019.  

(Favorite songs:  “Desperate,” “Escape,” “Keep Fighting”)  

2016:  Lauren Daigle

There’s no denying the impact that Daigle has made on the music industry over the latter half of the current decade.  While her later sophomore album would quickly become her defining commercial breakthrough, it was the year after her (arguably better) debut album “How Can It Be” was released that put Daigle on the map with single after single hitting the airwaves.  

(Favorites songs:  “First” and “Dry Bones” )

2017:  Hollyn

Hollyn rocketed onto the scene in 2015 with her self-titled EP debut, and multiple appearances on Tobymac’s “This is Not a Test” album.  Hollyn was at the top of her game in 2017 with her edgy February album release of “One Way Conversations,” and later collaborations with Capital Kings with the wild “All Good” song and music video.  

(Favorite songs:  “Alone,” “Nothin’ On You,” “All Good (Capital Kings),” “Lights Shine Bright (Tobymac)”

 

2018:  Riley Clemmons

Coming onto the scene in early ’18 with her radio hit “Broken Prayers,” Clemmons went out on release the best Christian pop album to come out in years.  “Drop Everything” may be my favorite single sung by a female since Nicol Sponberg’s “All That I Believe In.”  Clemmons continues to release new quality singles in 2019 and is poised to be one of Christian music’s bright spots heading into the next decade.  

(Favorite Songs:  “Broken Prayers,” “Drop Everything,” “Fighting For Me”) 

2019:  Emily Hamilton (For All Seasons)

I first discovered For All Seasons in 2018 with their “Clarity” EP.  Although the band’s experimentation with one single/music video a month in 2019 ended abruptly in mid-summer, Emily’s smooth vocals and high quality recordings, make this band one of the bigger bright spots in Christian music in 2019.  

(Favorite Songs:  “Higher,” “Speak to Me”)