Christian music you actually like?

[TheJefe817]

I saw the thread about the movies and I decided why not make one about music. I, being Christian, naturally listen to a lot of Christian music, ‘yea even unto this very day’. But I also feel like around 2008 a lot of it started to sound the same… 

Anyways, like the movie thread, anyone here still find themselves reluctantly finding certain Christian songs to still be bangers?

I'll date myself by repeating what I said in the Kansas reply - I was a CCM kid in the mid-late 80s for a couple of years, until I figured out how much most of it sucked compared to what my friends were listening to, without any seeming ill effects of the evil rock music.  Sidenote to that - I actually had a woman tell me once that would have enjoyed Sandi Patty if my faith was stronger.  Mmm... no, but maybe if my bar was lower.

That said, I still listen to a few of the "alt" bands from back then.  The Choir has always been a favorite - probably because their music was always heavier on art than evangelism - and they continue to put out some good tunes from time to time.  Others...maybe Daniel Amos, Aunt Bettys/Lifesavers/other Michael Knott, Saviour Machine, Steve Taylor's various incarnations.  I also still like Phil Keaggy's musicianship, until he starts with the evangelizing.  

I find myself getting annoyed when I focus the words in general, but that was the case even back in the day - I hated the breathy, over-emotive P&W thing.  Just sing a song about real life, maybe.

[Thumpalumpacus]

There's discussion on whether or not this is Christian rock, but I think the themes are evident, and supported by the songwriter's conversion to born-again Christianity shortly afterward. I don't care. The lyrics are thoughtful and the music is killer.

Aside from loving the song just 'cause it slays, I like any songwriter who puts his confusion and search into words and music like this,

Yup, Kerry Livgren was a founding member.  He went on to form the CCM band "AD" in the 80s.  I found a couple of their records in the dollar bin a while back and grabbed them out of nostalgia, since CCM was my wheelhouse in the mid-late 80s.  Whew.  What was I thinking?  Not good....

I never followed their work; I only know the radio hits from Kansas. They struck me as Rush Lite™, or a better version of Styx, take your pick.

But I respect Livgren's writing his feelings into a song. Especially when it's an ass-kicker like that.