Wednesday, December 12: Do you know any secular bands that incorporate “Christian” themes and imagery in their music? I’m taking suggestions for future “Glimpses of God” articles. Drop names in the comment section, or e-mail me at lashawn [at] lashawnbarber [dot] com.
Also see:
- Glimpses of God: Hanson
- Book Review: This Is Your Brain On Music
Later…Woo hoo! Lenny Kravitz starts touring in January. Positive thinking…visualizing what I want: Me. Backstage. Interviewing Lenny…
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Feature Article
First, the set up.
A few months ago, I found myself in an unexpected Hanson blogging/writing frenzy. It had to do with “rediscovering” Hanson last summer after hearing nothing from or about the “MMMBop” kids since 1997, and then meeting the “kids” a month later after a series of fortuitous events. And I like their music.
In September, I wrote articles about the band’s recent tour for my Washington Examiner column (which will resume shortly – section redesign) and for BlogCritics (fun stuff). Around the same time, I pitched an article to Christian Music Today for the “Glimpses of God” section, which covers the “perceived spirituality in popular music.” As I mentioned in Christian Themes, Popular Music:
I sense tension in the music of secular artists (Christians and non) who consciously or subconsciously write Christian themes into their songs. They’re trying to remain secular and keep the fanbase, but at the same time, they’re seeking something deeper themselves and/or want to spread subtle messages to fans. I don’t have anything against overtly Christian music per se, but I find this tension in secular music fascinating.
I noticed certain themes in some of Hanson’s songs, and at least one of the brothers says he’s a Christian. The editor liked the article idea and said “OK” back in September. The Hanson blogging/writing frenzy has since cooled off (kinda), but the wheels of publication turn slowly.
The article was posted yesterday. Enjoy!
Do you know any secular bands that incorporate “Christian” themes in their music? I’m taking suggestions for future “Glimpses of God” articles. Drop names in the comment section, or e-mail me at lashawn [at] lashawnbarber [dot] com.
Book Review
I reviewed what I consider a fascinating book, This Is Your Brain On Music, to be posted on BlogCritics later this morning. Check back for the link.
I’ll tell you this, readers: blogging/writing about music and musicians is fun. (And it generates ZERO hate e-mail!) Do you blog/write about music? If not, you really must try it. As always, thanks for reading LBC. And Merry Christmas!
P.S. – Whoever bought me A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture from my Amazon Wish List, thank you! I’ll write a review and dedicate it to you. 
(Clip art from EternalChristmas.com)
