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)
{ 21 comments }
As always, great article. I love music and I will definitely look into doing some blogging on that subject.
http://blackpoliticalthought.blogspot.com
A number of bands come to mind: P.O.D.
And on a completely unrelated note, have you seen the new trailer for the next Narnia movie (Prince Caspian)? I remember how much you liked the first one. Perhaps its time to get your fantasy blog up and running again?
Thanks for commenting, guys.
Jud – I have not seen the trailer but will definitely see the movie. I don’t know if I’ll resume blogging at Fantasy Fiction for Christians. I’ve moved on to other interests. Perhaps I’ll turn it over – lock, stock, and barrel – to someone else.
I own http://www.fantasyfictionforchristians.com. Perhaps someone’s willing to buy the site and take over. Hmmm…
U2 seems to incorporate Christian imagery in their music often. Or at least they used to. Once upon a time, they were born again, so I guess it’s not surprising that their music would reflect it.
Erasure dabbled a bit too. Their album ‘The Innocents’ was the one I can remember. Yes, I’m just a fogey and haven’t anything useful to say about modern music. The radio’s full of ads so I don’t bother.
The local Christian station is the only one that’s not “all ads, all the time.”
I hear tell that Metallica runs Christian themes, but I haven’t listened in ages so someone else will have to fill in the details on that.
LaShawn google and check out Christmas with a Capital “C” by the Go Fish Guys; they may not be a pop band with a christian theme but this song will bring a smile to your face and put joy in your heart. Jack
David Bazan, former headman of the former band Pedro the Lion, epitomizes the tension between Christianity and (post)modern life. It can be heartbreaking to hear him struggle with belief.
Tom Waits, e.g., the song “Keep the Devil in the hole”
Depeche Mode, e.g., “Personal Jesus.”
Crash Test Dummies, e.g., “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead.”
Bruce Cockburn.
Cake, e.g., “You Part the Waters” and “Jesus Wrote a Blank Check”
The study of Rastafarian reggae lyrics would be interesting, too. See also the non-Rasta reggae legend Yabby You, a.k.a., “Jesus Dread.”
In terms of U2 particular songs: “40″ and “Love Rescue me” come to mind
There’s an older song by James Ingram and Michael McDonald, “Ya Mo Be There”, which has a Christian (and Rasta?) theme. I believe both these artists have done other, similar songs. The video of the song is fascinating, but you have to see the long version or it doesn’t make any sense.
I’d be careful about Bruce Cockburn. He’s done some Christian things–mostly earlier stuff–but also some very violent, nasty, depressing songs containing foul language. And I dunno about Tom Waits. My husband, who’s a big fan, says no, he’s never done anything Christian.
Many country artists incorporate Christian themes in their songs. Billy Dean and Paul Overstreet are two who come to mind, but there are many others.
Great review. The book sounds fascinating.
Off-topic, La Shawn, but your mention of your Washington Examiner column reminds me that I’ve been meaning to ask if you know how we can get your column in the BALTIMORE Examiner on a regular basis?
Trish,
You’re right, music must be listened to with a discerning ear (including, or especially!, what passes for “Christian” music!).
I was thinking of artists who aren’t confessing Christians, or are out of the mainstream of Evangelical Christianity, who use Christian imagery/themes in their music. Maybe I misunderstood the nature of L.B.’s request.
Others along my previous line: The Violent Femmes, The Call, and I can’t believe I forgot Leonard Cohen!
Hey Mike – Good question. I’ll ask the editor. Sometimes the column appears in the Baltimore version, too, sometimes not.
U2 is an obvious one. They recently released an overtly christian song entitled “Yahweh”. The video is very moving from a Christian perspective.
I remember a band in the 90’s called Pornograffiti. The had a couple songs that reflected Christian themes. One was called “Hole-hearted”. The chorus said something to the affect that there is a hole in my heart that can only be filled by you. And this hole in my heart can’t be filled with the things I do. I should have known from the start I’d fall short with the things I do. Hole-hearted”. All you would have to do is add Jesus name somewhere in the song and you could easily sing that at a Sunday worship service.
How about Evanescence? I think they are proclaimed Christian (not sure if Amy Lee acts in a Christian manner so much). Her voice is absolutely beautiful, and being a metal head, I love their sound.
Creed.
Kanye West.
Ew.
You linked to a CT article.
Ew.
:^P
Scrolling through my iPod to mention:
Dylan’s Saved album (and religious imagery throughout his catalog)
Bruce Cockburn (already mentioned)
Buddy Miller (it seems like it’s easier for the Nashville guys to get away with it)
Johnny Cash
The early King’s X albums such as Faith, Hope, Love
Mark Lanegan (formerly of Screaming Trees fills his albums with Catholic imagery)
“Golden” by My Morning Jacket
16 Horsepower
Pilgrim–
Interesting that you mentioned Leonard Cohen. He is actually Jewish, but of course Judaism and Christianity are very closely related.
Most of my suggestions are way before your time, LaShawn; but here goes.
“The Weight” – the Band
“Sinner’s Prayer” – Eric Clapton
“Change Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
“Hallelujah, I Love Her So” – Ray Charles
“Tears of Rage” – the Band
“You Are My Light” – Edgar Winter & White Trash
“I Believe in Life” – Eric Clapton
“Your Love Has Lifted Me” – Otis Redding
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Thanks, LaShawn. Good luck on the project. Looking forward to it.
and…
“Rebel Jesus” – Jackson Browne
“This Little Girl of Mine” – Ray Charles
The group Kansas, i.e Carry On My Wayward Son, Dust In The Wind, etc. Lead singer Kerry Livgren later went on to do his own Christian music – beautiful voice!
As for a few of the other artists mentioned, I cringe when I hear “Christ” in their music, I’m not naming names, but it seems that it’s a lot easier to do the talk (for cash) than struggle to do the walk.
PS, seeing your 20 Dec blog on David Byrne/Talking Heads, brings me to mind that they had a few, like the old Al Green remix “Take Me To The River” for one.
Also, I have a few Todd Rundgren albums and seems like every one had a song or two that was heavily inspired by old-time Negro Spiritual music, in theme and/or style.
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