With this being the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, there was a great deal of coverage of this significant event in music history. It was interesting watching the documentaries, including the movie Woodstock, and comparing it to the music one hears in popular culture today, particularly in the Christian music scene.

One thing that struck me about the performances was the sincerity behind the music and the messages, albeit misguided by sex and drugs. There was an electricity that is missing in today’s sterile concerts which are usually made perfect with backing tracks, complex choreography, autotune and carefully scripted performances.

I was at Kingdom Bound this year where I was able to hear performances by numerous Christian artists. It was interesting that the bands that “played for real” were appreciated much more by myself whereas the groups that relied on “tricks” were preferred by the younger crowd, even though they were quite aware that there was not a lot that was truly live in the performances. Truly, the landscape of the music industry is changing but not necessarily for the better.

Hillsong United — Across the Earth, Tear down the Walls 

We all have comfort items that we cling to. The Hillsong United recordings from Australia have that feel. Lyrically, there’s very little variation from previous recordings. Most of the songs, such as “Freedom is here,” can be sung along with before the track is even halfway through. This is great for the live setting presented on this album but for extended listening there just isn’t a whole lot that is particularly original. That isn’t to say that there aren’t any gems here. “King of all days” is a great song. However, some of the songs, like “Your name high,” are so cliche that it borders on parody. Predictable and consistent.

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Downhere — Ending is Beginning 

Every once in a while a recording slips by that I should have reviewed. I am embarrassed to admit that this superb recording by the Canadian band Downhere fits in this category. Although released at the end of 2008, I only recently got a chance to listen and what a revelation. With incredibly mature lyrics and a style that is reminiscent of dc Talk at its finest, this album grows on the listener with repeated listens. Lead vocalist Marc Martel is simply one of the finest in rock music today. The smoothness and range of his voice, coupled with lush harmonies, invoke memories of Queen. The topics about the struggles of a believer in today’s society include persecution (“Cathedral made of People”), perseverance (“The Problem”) and even a song that could be used to explain why Catholics believe in purgatory (“Something Heavenly”). There is not a weak track in the bunch. So far, one of my favourite albums of the past year.

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Sarah Hart — SaintSong

Unlike previous albums, Catholic singer/songwriter Hart digs into the riches of writings from the saints. Because of this the depths of the lyrics are much higher than usual. Musically, this album has a pop country feel. This setting is perfect as every emotion and nuance goes directly to the listener’s ear and heart. How can one not be touched by songs such as “You are the Lord” and the haunting “Come True Light” and “Renew.” This is a tremendous accomplishment and deserves a listen. Highly recommended for anyone who is tired of the old Christian cliches and wants to hear some time-tested wisdom from the saints. Go to www.Sarahhartmusic.com to check this one out.

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 Chris Tomlin — Hello Love

Another of Christian music’s praise artists, this CD is a notch above the rest. From “Sing Sing Sing” to a wonderful “Jesus Messiah,” the lyrics have more depth than the aforementioned Hillsong United album. The highlight is “Praise to the Father, Praise to the Son” with its Trinitarian theme, and “Love,” which has an African children’s choir chorus which works very well. There are a few klunkers, such as “You Lifted Me Out” which sounds very cliche and forced. If you are a fan of worship and praise, you will probably like this one.

David Wang, The Catholic Register David Wang has been writing about music for the Catholic Register for over a decade.  He is the lead singer for the award-winning Catholic rock band, Critical Mass , is a professor at the University of Waterloo and a father of nine.

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