So I am writing this not only to share with you some of the music which I am enjoying at the moment, but also in the hope that you guys can enlighten me on what is worth seeking out in the world of Christian music at the moment.
The Top 5
1. Impossibly Beautiful: A Note for a Child.
Their first album; they do have a second one now. This is very differnt sound to the norm and is combined with some truly inspired lyrics. I think you either will love them or hate them; I love them. *smile* [find out more here]
2. World Service: Delirious
I guess there had to be a Delirious CD on here. Not their latest, but there are some great worship tracks on here. A big sound with very little “Jesus is my boyfriend”. [find out more here]
3. Good Monsters: Jars of Clay
Jars of Clay seem to have returned to the soul searching of their very first album with Good Monsters. The vulnerability, honesty, and reality of the lyrics is really refreshing.
[find out more here]
4. Arriving: Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin seems to be something of the cool worship leader at the moment. This is not his latest offering but I really like this as the focus seems to be more on God than on us. The majority is about how amazing He is rather than what I want or need. Some great worships songs in here. [find out more (you can probably buy this cheaper elsewhere if you look around)]
5. Let Go: Learn To Fly: Gareth Matthews
I guess we had to include this one really *smile*. The second album from our very own Gareth Matthews. An interesting blend of big tunes and quite soul searching; this has got me through one or two long car journeys with a smile on my face. [find out more here]
A Cry For Help
This list started out as a top 10, but I couldn’t find 10 without digging out some really old stuff. This has now become a cry for help; what else is out there that is any good.
11:35 am
“I guess we had to include this one really”. Gee Rob, you really know how to build a guy up. He he.
I agree with your World Service views and I’d like to say that the follower to that ‘The Mission Bell’ is also excellent although it takes a few listens to really get good. Top quality album though.
I quite like Paul Baloche’s album ‘A great song’ too - got some excellent tunes on there, although a few cheesers too. Some of the songs are very well written tho and I like the live feel of it - very well recorded.
While I don’t own this album, I have listened extensively to a few tracks from Matt Redman’s album ‘Beautiful News’. The title track especially is really nicely done and I have much respect for this man who continually strives to push the boundaries of contemporary worship music.
Bethany Dillon’s album ‘Imagination’ is also one worth a look. The first track ‘Dreamer’ really blows me away although I feel it tales off somewhat towards the end. Stunning production as well, well worth a listen.
Can we call U2’s ‘How to dismantle an atomic bomb’ as contemporary Christian music?? Screw it, I am going to do it anyway. You can’t beat a bit of U2 and this one is pretty hard to top although some elements of the production / performance are a little too raw for my liking.
So there you go, some thoughts of mine. Btw rob, I think I still have that Impossibly Beautiful CD of yours at my house. Hmmm, now shall I return it after your remarks…?