I have a confession to make—a couple. I do not believe the first one will surprise anyone who follows Mixtape Theology online or has read our recent book. If you know our passion, you will not be shocked. The second, however, took me by surprise. So, here goes.
Confession Number One
I do not think today’s Christian music is as good as contemporary Christian music (CCM) was in the ‘90s and early 2000s. As I stated, I would imagine that surprises no one. Fellow writer Rachel Cash and I wrote a devotional book based on ‘90s CCM because it is our favorite. Not only was it influential in our lives, but it is also considered by almost everyone to be the “golden era” of Christian music. Something took place during that decade that probably will never happen again.
The creativity of the artists, the risk-taking, the songwriting, and the explosion of all things Christian music were at an apex in the ‘90s. No one disputes that. Some of what I call decline is due to industry changes, streaming, record companies, and the movement to worship-driven songs that now populate the radio. And don’t get me wrong, I’m all for worship. But, regarding good storytelling, creativity, and songwriting, I’m often left wanting more when I turn on the radio. Or, it seems, I start getting bored and changing the channel because much of the music sounds the same, and there doesn’t seem to be as much diversity in the sound and production. Maybe? Maybe not.
I know, I know. I’m coming across like the old man telling you youngsters to “get off my lawn!” (Insert funny senior adult old man voice): “Back in my day, we had real music. Heck, we had big, big yards and played football. We saddled up our horses, shined, and were the real Jesus Freaks!” And don’t get me wrong. I’m a fan of some of what is currently on the radio and have my favorite modern artists. My family and I enjoy for King and Country, but we still love tobyMac. We had a great time at a Lauren Daigle concert last year. But thankfully, Steven Curtis Chapman is still producing number-one hits for this old man.
Before I share confession number two, it would be good to say that this confession was not an overnight epiphany. Something has been stirring in me between the impact of The Jesus Music movie and attending the Dove Awards the last couple of years. It all culminated last week as I attended Winter Jam with my daughter. So, here we go.
Confession Number Two
There is hope, and CCM isn’t struggling as much as I thought. Honestly, part of it is me. We told our girlfriends the whole “it’s not you, it’s me” thing. Or, maybe I am too dependent on the radio to feed me what I want to hear. Again, times are a’ changing. But I must admit, God is working, there is creativity, and I see authentic artists striving to be creative in their production and writing, who are incredibly talented and carrying the torch to the next generation.
At Winter Jam, I was blown away by every artist I saw perform. It was very Christ-centered, and each artist brought their own personality while bringing the crowd to a place of God-honoring worship and focus. I was ready to carry my candle when I left that building.
Out of the gates came Katy Nichole, and I was blown away. Much of her stuff live almost had a flare of Evanescence, rocking “heavier” than I realized she would, and she brought it vocally and put the focus on Jesus. Honestly, she was phenomenal. It could have easily been the finale of the concert.
Next up was Newsong. Of course, they are a throwback, but they are wonderful nonetheless. You can never go wrong with Arise My Love. I’m glad those guys still bring it amid these youngins.
Then, Lecrae. Where do I even start? Even if you don’t listen to much rap music, go to a Lacrae concert. He’s an artist who has been discipled, loves Jesus, and proclaims Christ as the lyrics roll off his lips. It was incredible and practically impossible to sit down. And the crowd had a common bond—we were all excited about Jesus.
Seventh Day Slumber, much like Newsong, represented those of us who are now on blood pressure and arthritis medication. However, my eleven-year-old daughter got to experience the flames of pyro and see that her daddy was not as fuddy-duddy as she had thought. They brought it in worship, and we all sang “Caroline” at the top of our lungs. They have successfully bridged the gap from the ‘90s until now.
Next up, Cain. I had no idea. We sing a couple of their songs at church, and I hear those songs on the radio, but I had no idea they were so talented, unique, Christ-centered, and full of energy and creativity. It was hard not to get caught up in Jesus as they performed. God has gifted them, and to Him be the glory for their fantastic talent.
Lastly, Crowder brought it home. The bearded one didn’t shock me, as I was already a fan. He does his own thing with this swamp feeling, bluegrass rock, with a hip-hop syncopated backbeat that is so good live. And yes, all the lyrics are about Jesus and theologically sound. I left the concert energized like I had been to a concert with SCC, MWS, and Jars of Clay in 1996. It was as a fantastic group of God-centered performances as I’ve seen in years.
You know, things often come full circle. There is hope. Today’s music is coming around. Or, maybe I’m the one who is coming around. And don’t worry, I won’t be trading my Steven Curtis Chapman CDs for anything, and dc Talk’s hit “Jesus Freak” remains the standard. But I will be streaming more and giving these artists a chance. Jars of Clay and Caedmon’s Call will often still repeat on my jam box; my heart is forever with 4Him. Nothing will change my love for CCM and its golden era, but I am encouraged by what God will do in the future as He continues to gift new artists and writers to proclaim His glory in song.
So there you go—my confession, and it wasn’t too painful. When you think about it, what is taking place is biblical.
Psalm 96:1-3: “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!”
Ashley Mofield is one of the authors of 'Mixtape Theology,' a Bible study and retrospective inspired by '90s Contemporary Christian music and culture, available now from NRT Books
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