| Written by David Wang, The Catholic Register,
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Views : 352  |
 The Christian music industry is going through growing pains. It was recently announced that Cook Communication Ministries has acquired CMC Distribution. The latter company is responsible for almost every CD sold in Christian bookstores in Canada.
Although there were reassurances it was going to be business as usual, the company said digital download sales were going to be a specific focus. My suspicion is the current model of sales through standard retail channels is one, much as in the secular world, that is no longer working. I hope this will be an opportunity for the Canadian Christian music industry to continue to support independent artists as well as address the reality that the nature of selling music has changed and needs to adapt to changing times.
Elsewhere, to the chagrin of parents everywhere, the big summer hit is Katy Perry’s “I kissed a girl.” I’ve written about how the Christian music industry is starting to emphasize youth and marketability over talent and maturity. This singer is one of the fruits of this damaging trend. You see, Katy Perry released a Christian album in 2001 as Katy Hudson when she was 16. Her parents, both pastors, are understandably scandalized.
This month, let’s focus on some true veterans of the Christian music industry with a distinctly country flavour.
Steven Curtis Chapman — This Moment (Cinderella Edition)
In May one of Chapman’s adopted girls from China was killed in a car accident. This makes this album even more powerful and emotional given it was released just prior to the accident. It is a re-release of his 16th studio album from 2007 with several additions, including an acoustic version of “Cinderella,” which tears at a parent’s heart, given what has happened to Chapman’s family. The songs all display Chapman’s great instinct for pop hooks with just a hint of country. “Miracle of the Moment” encourages one to treasure every instant of our lives whereas the infectious “Children of God” celebrates the value of every person.
Randy Travis — Around the Bend
No one can tell a story like a seasoned country artist. Imagine a hard-hitting, hard-drinking cowboy having a conversion experience. Their view of the Christian world will be through a dirtier pane of glass than most. This is the reference point of Travis’ newest offering and it is refreshing. From the hilarious “Every Head Bowed” to “Everything that I own,” which has the marvellous line “Why should my heart be any different, everything I own has a dent,” this is a working-man’s Christian album. A little rough around the edges, never having all the answers but it sure is realistic.
Sarah Hart — Road to Ohio
Hart is one of Catholic music’s best songwriters. This is an acoustic effort with an emphasis on a spiritual journey rather than than spirituality. Imagine sitting down in a small cafe listening to your best friend talk about life, using wonder analogies like “Clover,” “Wayward Bird” and “A Hole in the Ground.” Hart has a unique ability to use images in her lyrics that bring a smile to your face and yet still have another layer with a deeper Christian meaning to the song. If you love poignancy rather than in-your-face worship, then this is a CD to check out at www.sarahhartmusic.com.
Third Day — Revelation
Third Day is another veteran of the Christian music industry. Some recent releases have gone down the radio-friendly worship road but my favourite releases have always been the ones that have a southern rock and less-produced sound. This fits the bill. I am very impressed. From the opening notes of “This is Who I Am” there is a passion and intensity that has been sorely missed in the previous few glossy over-produced efforts. Produced by Howard Benson and featuring guest appearances by Flyleaf and Daughtry, Third Day has a release that not only is one of the best Christian albums of 2008 but should gain some secular notice.
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