While we’re on the theme of music, I thought I’d point out a good review of some of Casting Crowns’ songs by my blogging friend Will Dudding.
It made me remember my previous look at the motivations behind Casting Crowns and Mercy Me, which might be a good follow up to Will’s post for you all to check out. Casting Crowns is one of my favorite Christian music groups and I’ve highlighted their great song: Who Am I?, and also their 2nd album Lifesong, and its title song.
As you see the challenging lyrics that Will shares, maybe one fact should encourage you. This group is enormously popular and has sold more than 2.5 million records in a couple short years. This doesn’t count there newest album which came out a few months ago. The first song on that to hit the radio was number 1 on the charts for 19 weeks straight, which gives you the idea of their popularity.
And in this case, I think this shows that Christians (at least the kind that listen to and follow CCM) are hungering for a deeper message and really are trying to grow in the Lord. Granted I wholeheartedly agree with the criticism that much of CCM is shallow and trendy today. But there is a real turn around happening. And Casting Crowns isn’t the only group producing some real soul-searching, deep, faith-building songs.
To check out Casting Crowns more I recommend using Rhapsody.com which allows you 24 free online songs a month. Just search for Casting Crowns and tune in.
for creative artistry and biblically sincere and thoughtful perspectives on the kindgdom of God, have a look at soul junk. i am certainly one of those who hungers for a deeper message both artistically and lyrically. i know glen, and he is one of the few devoted followers of Christ daring to reflect his creator with origination. http://www.souljunk.com
What up brotha?
Casting Crowns is only a small handful (meaning really only one of two) bands that made it on my iPod. All the others are garbage that I have found.
Casting Crowns though seem to be pretty straightforward about exalting Christ.
Hey, Seth. I’ve got to get over to your neck of the woods (but the blog-o-woods is so big, isn’t it?)
Have you heard Chris Tomlin’s music? He’s really good too.
There’s a lot of good songs, mixed in with entertainment. I think we need to look at CCM as both worship music and entertainment. Probably entertainment first, if you take the genre as a whole.
There are good (doctrinally rich, substantive) songs out there, and more being written all the time. Just because some songs are more fun, and entertaining, doesn’t mean they can’t be enjoyed outside of church.
That’s my humble opinion anyway.
Blessings to you in Christ,
Bob
I agree, CCM can be entertaining and worshipful. I definitely love listening to anything by Casting Crowns. I’ve recently discovered Fernando Ortega even though he’s been around for ages. I must say that “The Shadow of Your Wings” is an excellent cd. As a result, I ended up buying some of his older cd’s as well.
I have to say that a lot of space is taken up by Christian rap on my mp3 player. There are some very theologically sound guys out there. Namely, Da Truth, Shai Linne, Stephen the Levite, Sho Baraka, Lecrae, The Ambassador, Timothy Brindle and the list goes on. You can’t miss with these guys.