New York Times article presents an interesting point-of-view in it article concerning Christian rock music group Mercy Me and its move towards mainstram music. "So what difference would it make if those plaintive lyrics were about Him instead of a her," states New York Times journalist Kelefa Sannen. Stephanie Bennett, author of "Going Digital with Contemporary Christian Music, spends her whole chapter discussing the competing definitions of Christian music and how it relates to mainstream music. Christian music is typically defined by its lyrics more so than it's musical style. This having to be true also makes Christian heavy metal to rap groups seemingly appropriate as long as it's lyrics are focused on God. Some Christians question whether Christian music can even exist today. Significantly, Bono, lead singer from U2, agrees with the statement that claiming that it is arrogant to even play under a Christian label because of the sinful nature of people. Famous mainstream artists like Switchfoot and Six Pence None the Richer both have Christian band members but do not play under a Christian label. "We've always called ourselves a rock band and tried to stay away from anything that would limit our audience. For me, my faith is a really personal, important part of my life, and it's bigger than a musical genre," states Switchfoot drummer, Chad Butler. This statement could be true especially to a mainstream audience. Contemporary Christian Music should see Christian artist crossing over to mainstream recording contracts as means to reach a broader audience. Arguments that accuse mainstream Christian artists watering down the gospel present a real problem with a statement as such.
If Christian music was defined by its lyrics how can certain songs such as Six Pence's popular 1998 hit song "Kiss Me" be considered a part of Christian Contemporary Music? The focus of the music is switched from God to what the fan base is most interested in and more so open to what will sell. This has a ring of truth to it, but so does the argument that states that Christian Contemporary Music going mainstream has broadened the context of faith to include more than just on God's love, but also on important issues on dating and depression. Crossover artists are also attracting fans to other Contemporary Christian Music and may make people who normally would not have considered CCM discover other Christian music.
Today's Christian music has become musically indistinguishable compared to mainstream music. Christian Contemporary Music began to imitate secular musical styles and mainstream marketing when CCM started in the 70's. Christian music was not popular in the 60's when it first began to grow. Artists found it extremely difficult to successfully launch a musical career when everyone, especially Christian bookstores, refused to sell CCM records, or tape cassettes. It was during the 70's that Christian artists began to sign recording contracts with nonprofit, and for-profit businesses that cleaned up their music to make it appropriate for the tribal audience. Today Christians listen to CCM to be uplifted, and because it is considered safe for the family, but it should be emphasized that Christian Contemporary Music can speak to mainstream and does not have to be limited to only the tribal audience.
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