Thoughtfulness on the secular vs Christian debate...

     So, as many of you know I reviewed Christina Perri's new album Lovestrong. this past week partly due to my wife insisting I check it out. Well the hilarious part of it is that she's refusing to read my review because she feels I think every musician out there should be a Christian singer and have songs only about God. Well...yeah in many ways that is exactly what I think, but that doesn't mean only songs that sing God's praise are worth listening to. Just like in life you can reflect God in how you act in all situations...and songs are simply situations put to music. So yes the situations handled in songs can either be handled Godly or un-Godly...but that doesn't mean that they worship God throughout with arms held high. Let me give an example. Penguin, a love song on Perri's album I reviewed with high regards. It doens't say God in it once or sing his praise in words, but it does sing of a love for another person in a way that only God can inspire (as we love only because he first loved us). Or how about those inspirational songs that we play when we've hit a bump in the road in life and are a source of encouragement...as long as they don't proclaim anything unGodly I'm all for them.
     The only gray area in music in my opinion are those songs that sing of just true to life emotions. It is here where artists don't always care to point the listener in the right direction, instead simply produce what they know will sell. We see this when artists produce songs that share tragedy or some life experience that flips their world. Instead of pointing towards a new day or times getting better, they focus on the pain, revenge or hopelessness. That to me makes them not worth listening to, but others may encourage the listenter to get up after a downfall, or point towards the daylight that is bound to come...in those cases I see nothing wrong with the song even though it necessarily may not be singing of God. God would want us to encourage one another through life's problems, and if an artist is doing that I don't think God would have a problem with it...however you couldn't really peg the artist or song as "Christian" I guess.
     But that Christian-or-not arguement is one that people can have until their blue in the face...however I've always had a simple solution. As corny as it sounds picture yourself driving down the road with God riding shotgun (I know, imagine the looks you'd get!) and a song comes on....if your first thought is to look over at God to see if he approves or if something inside of you says "oh man I gotta change this" it's more than likely not God-pleasing. It is that pleasing to God that I believe should truly make our decisions about songs or artists we support...and not worry if they say God or Jesus in their songsa certain number of times.

Just my .02 for the day....one love, one God, one way.

Your Bro,

Tyni

Christina Perri-Lovestrong REVIEWED IN DETAIL

              Okay, so here’s the first mainstream, secular, not-labeled-Christian CD review I’ve done. I got asked to do this review by my wife as she likes Christina’s sound and wanted me to give it a listen…I pray she takes this wellJ. Now let me preface this by saying a band doesn’t have to be Christian to produce good sounding songs, as a matter a fact the secular realm for a long time was so far ahead of Christian you could tell by the sound, however that gap is closing rapidly. Non-Christian artists can make good songs as well, granted they’re not going to be songs that get you closer to God (typically) they can be inspirational or motivate people to overcome things…albeit if not directly relating to God.

Photo Courtesy of Googleimages

                With that said let’s tackle this album one song at a time. Opening song Bluebird starts off by using “hell” as the 3^rd word in the song. Now Perri doesn’t use it in a fashion that constitutes malice or even evil behind the song…at first. As you listen to the song the refrain;

How the hell does a broken heart

Get back together when it’s torn apart

Teach itself to start

Beating again ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba

                is played time and time again as you learn this song is a frustrated song about a broken heart…and that hell is much more laced with anger and may we even say hatred towards this heart breaker. The use of hell doesn’t shy me away from the song, but it does constitute not playing with little ears around…I mean would it have been so hard to just say How does a broken heart…

                Next song Arms has a great sound and starts off great, proclaiming unexpected love from someone. This is a song I relate to because my wife always says she feels at home in my arms, which is what this song is about that feeling it seems…however it has a lot of doubt to though with lines like I’ll never let our love get so close and I believe that it’s easier for you to let me go. Those lines make this song perhaps the representation of the confusing nature of falling in love, which is something we all can relate to. We want the other to see through us as Perri says, but also we’re afraid to let it get that close. This song in my opinion is definitely okay, and truly doesn’t proclaim, say or hint at anything I would be against.

                Bang Bang Bang brings in the third song with a bang J. Unfortunately, the only thing going bang is the bitterness and desire that this heartbreaker, maybe from Bluebird, is going down and it seemingly celebrates it. Now I’ve been at the point where someone I loved turned on me and I desired nothing but bad things for them…doesn’t make it right though. This song serves no purpose other than that ill-feeling you feel for an ex that has done you wrong…and to be honest I’d rather not re-visit that bitterness, because it just brings out the thoughts I shouldn’t have towards someone. Bitterness and anger should be buried not sung about, and compassion should be what we pray to have.

                Distance I feel may be one of the best written lyrics on Perri’s album although its story does have one small concern for me. To me it’s the ballad of a girl whose boyfriend loved it when they were still falling for each other and everything was new…but now is as the song says, And you (him) keep waiting to save what we had. I feel this song speaks to a lot of women mainly because the majority of guys hate to get that close, and let’s be honest most guys are pigs and once love is entered in the way you act and treat your significant other should change exponentially. I found it a little off though that the singer (the girl) seems to know this about her man but in her naïve love she refuses to accept he may never feel the same way…which is why she Make sure to keep my distance, Say I love you when you’re not listening. I feel this song is very real and honest…however I would at the same time encourage a girl feeling like this to speak up and accept it may end it. This is my second favorite song on the album though because Perri sings of true emotion, without throwing in ill-hearted bitterness or unnecessary swear words. Thumbs up on this one.

No, I can’t take one more step towards you

‘Cause all that’s waiting is regret

And don’t you know, I’m not your ghost anymore

You lost the love I loved the most

                Easily the headliner of the album Jar of Hearts starts very powerful and sets up the passionate song that is to follow.  As big as this song got in the mainstream media…I’ll be honest I wanted to dislike it. I wanted to come up with a reason, but if you take this song for what it is, it is a very empowering song for women everywhere in an abusive relationship. Perri sings so passionately it makes you wonder if this “guy” she’s singing about is from real life and she truly does have scars on her heart (would explain the broken heart theme so far). Perri unlike in a few other songs is staying strong this time and taking a stand against the guy this time. When I listened to this song for the first time I pictured different women packing up and leaving their bad relationships behind. Some were walking, some were driving and others taking the bus. I think Perri does well in this song, even if unintentional. Girls can and should listen to this song and realize no man should miss treat a woman and if they do, don’t let them add your heart to their collection. Take it back, leave and never look back. Thumbs up again…ugh oh that’s two now.

                Mine is just weird. Talks about the singer having a secret and how the person the secret is about calls late at night drunk: What’s with all the late night liquored phone calls? This song to me seems to be this person may have another but he calls the singer when drunk and it’s her little secret…he seems to want to be with her, but she keeps stating I can’t love you…to be honest I’m not sure if infidelity or just drunkenness is what this song is about. Either way it is catchy and if you don’t pay attention to the confused lyrics it’s got a nice sound…but too many unknowns for me to do a thumbs up…turn it to the side I guess.

                I do like how Perri put an Interlude in her album…many artists no longer do this. The crazy thing is it’s beautiful…I’d love to know if Perri had any part in it (piano maybe?). It’s a quick 50 second thing of beauty.

                I’m happy to say Perri doesn’t keep going to nowhere, which is where Mine was heading. She instead brings the album back up with Penguin. Now this song is my favorite on the whole album. I love this love song, and Perri delivers such raw emotion but in a graceful and acoustic ballad. Great song, great words and just a great love song overall; thumbs up to this one as well.

                Miles starts out and I was thinking oh man another great love song, but I’ll give props to Perri for surprising me. The third verse states;

And these are words

I wish you said

But that’s not how it went

‘Cause you gave up on us in the end

                it is a sad revelation in the song. It goes on to state I can’t make it on my own, what a terrible thing to say. The song accomplishes the fact that it tugs at your love strings, but then cuts them. Right when Perri could have pointed towards hope or may I say God…she says she can’t go on. While yes we all feel like that when faced with times like this for a moment, it wasn’t a good move to put it in a song…there are too many girls out there that already feel they have to have a guy no matter how bad they are, this cultural idea of not being able to do it alone is to blame.

                The Lonely, Sad Song and Tragedy finish out the album with even more somber, sad and hopeless songs…with just a hint of strength in Tragedy vowing to never allow any of this to happen again.

Honestly, Perri seems to have grabbed a hold of every bad romance she’s ever had and written songs about them. The passion is there and at times seems to be dripping through the speakers it’s so apparent. However, there is a ton of helplessness expressed and it seems like no light is on the horizon far too often. She doesn’t even sing about strength from others let alone God. With that said there are some decent songs on here, but I feel some are just plain negative with all the hopelessness present throughout them. Christina Perri however does have a very nice voice and is unique in her delivery.

I myself wouldn’t have purchased the album, but there are a select few songs on the album I feel are worthy of listening to. The others just skip over, and DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED, RECENTLY DIVORCED OR BROKEN UP…OR IF YOU’RE BITTER TOWARDS AN EX. This album receives an orange light of caution from myself, mainly because of its overall hopeless feeling expressed; however it does have a few songs that at the least are worth buying individually. Will I be adding it to my personal collection no (doesn’t point to God or hope for that matter at all), but would I think it terrible to see a fellow brother or sister with it in their iTunes…not at all.

Please remember this is my opinion yours more than likely isn’t the same, take what I say for reflection or anger. Either way thanks for reading.

One love, One God, one way,

Your Bro,

Tyni

Why do we put God in a box?

     Had a unique conversation with some people 2 weeks back that got me thinking pretty much every moment my mind had a free moment. I kept coming back to the fact how can you put God in a box. Now I realize I haven't posted in a while and I apologize that this post isn't a CD or Artist review (working on 3 right now so be patient) but this is something I feel we all need to think about and come to grips with. God is beyond all of our comprehensions...so why do we still think He can't use all types of music for his glory!!!!??? Being in the line of show promoter for our small venues our church is blessed with has allowed me many a chance to talk music with both those with faith in God and those who don't. It amazes me that my biggest musical arguements have occured with those with faith then those without.

     Many of us realize God can use all types of music to reach people and all types of music can be biblically based and point towards HIM! That is done through the lyrics in a song not the type of music. Did you get that? Lyrics make a song Godly or not, not how many thrashing electric guitar players are involved or whether the singer(s) have dyed yellow hair and tattoos all over them. Is the song lyrically God pleasing...if it is how can we say it isn't Godly? By saying it isn't Godly your saying "God you can't touch rap music or rock music or metal music...you're not powerful enough." Pretty ridiculous huh? Yes there are those of us who flirt with the edge between secular and Christian music way too much and to the point where maybe you shouldn't listen to rap, as an example, because you can't find it within yourself to be honest with your soul and only listen to Godly rappers. If that's the case I say more power to you, it takes a bigger man or woman to admit their downfalls and take measures against them.

     But to write an entire genre of music off as unGodly is almost as ridiculous as going back in time and telling God, "Don't waste your time with Saul...you can't reach him." To those churches and fellow brothers and sisters who hold to the belief some music is unGodly....I ask, no I beg you to re-evaluate that thought process.

     I'm the first to admit that there are times in worship or service that certain music doesn't fit, but in life all music fits. Check out the lyrics laid down by rap artist Lecrae and I guarentee you he will change your thoughts on rap...then check out Thousand Foot Krutch or The Letter Black and rock music will be changed for you as well.

     May God forever be the God even all our minds together cannot comprehend, and we as brothers and sisters embrace the fact he cannot be pushed back or kept in a box.

One love, one God, one way.

Your bro,

Tyni

Deitrick Haddon.....Church On The Moon (review)

Wow…honestly is all I could think when I pushed the play button and set back to hear an artist I’d sadly never come across until this year. Deitrick Haddon is a blessed lyricist and singer who until a couple weeks ago I didn’t even know about! After pushing play you hear a scene where Deitrick finds himself in the year 3000 and discusses how the Christian World has fallen apart except a few pockets of those holding to the true faith. He is heading towards the moon and you hear him tell his spaceship to put on his ‘ridin music’…and the last words we hear is the spaceship saying, “Now inserting, Church on the Moon…Show Stopper.”

                Show Stopper is the first song, and Deitrick sets the foundation for his album with an amazing song that is both catchy and powerful…I find myself desiring to listen to it over and over again, unable to skip it when it pops up on shuffle. It is a blessed song declaring that God is the true hero of the stage, and he is the only one capable of truly being a show stopper! The song’s beat keeps your feet tapping, head bobbing (perhaps) and the lyrics keep you singing along every time. Deitrick invites you to come and hear of this ‘show stopper’ that causes people to praise uncontrollably.  There’s absolutely no slowdown as we head into the next song Power…a challenge of sorts to those listening to stand up. Deitrick being a native of Detroit is no stranger to rough times and environments, as he states throughout the song about how he had to walk by faith through the battlefield of life and only God made him pull through. Power is one of those repetitive songs that some people may get turned off by the chorus being only a few words that just repeat, but the verses have that R&B/Gospel soul that balance out the song nicely and make it a strong follow up to Show Stopper.

Image thanks to Googleimages

                Midway through the album Deitrick focuses on forgiveness and finding hope through trials in the songs One More Chance, Bended Knees and Forgiven. It’s a neat part of the album as those three tracks set up the one to follow, Mighty God. It’s almost like after the other 3 songs all that is left is to praise God, and Mighty God does just that with choir singers throughout providing the body and depth of the song (reminded me somewhat of Kirk Franklin).

                There is one song however that in my honest opinion will make any Christian heart sing along with every passionately-pleading-love soaked lyric that leaves Deitrick’s mouth. Well Done is a song all about the phrase that every Christian should strive to hear their Lord and Savior say someday to them as they enter those pearly gates. It is that phrase that makes me wake up every day vowing to be the man He demands of me. However, simply wishing to hear those words isn’t enough, we need strength to accomplish that feat…enter You Are My Strength a song which comes directly from Deitrick’s heart. A song that shows how when you boil life down, God is everything; your strength, heart, shield, sword, joy, love…your all. It is because He is all of that, that we can even begin to be the man or woman God has commanded us to be. HE IS OUR STRENGTH!

                There is one song which Deitrick tries to provide encouragement to those young men and women finding themselves in situations that make God seem so far away (teenage pregnancy, drug abuse…). Baby You’re A Star is almost Deitrick’s plea to those who fit into the categories to not give up, and re-iterate to them the depth of God’s love for them.

                Skipping forward to ‘Save Somebody’ we get to hear the blessed Damita Haddon, Deitrick’s wife, do background vocals as well as parts of the verses. The song to me shows how Damita and Deitrick’s love is so deep they are willing to do anything for each other and their purpose is to save each other. The song doesn’t stop there though, it explains how your love for one another should be the other’s fuel to do ministry to others. *This love mirrors that of what God’s love for us is!*It was a little sad not to have Damita on more tracks as her voice is very easy on one’s ears, but perhaps that is to come on future albums.

One of the coolest songs is the title track, Church on the Moon, which is a “future” celebration of the church holding service on the moon! The song even has cuts from what might be said during that first service, if the church ever sees this day come to fruition in the future. It is a song of pure celebration, and one that you may find you self clapping or tapping along while you’re envisioning God’s people united together on the moon, just worshipping. The song’s location being next to last may strike some as odd, but it is fitting as Deitrick took you on a journey and it’s almost like the culminating celebration of the album. However, Deitrick apparently didn’t want to completely end the album without stripping away everything except for the most important person…Jesus, which he does in the ending track Jesus Is Coming, a passionate gospel song you can picture a huge choir singing up on stage as the congregation all stand and raise their hands in praise!

                As you go through the CD Deitrick will entertain you as well as make you reflect upon what your life’s purpose and direction is. You will hear club bumping beats, synthesized vocals, passionate worship songs and at times find yourself amazed at the vocal range you’ll hear. Unique compositions and the vast range of different sounds will allow this to become an album you’ll find yourself revisiting for quite some time. Deitrick’s blesses all who listen to his album, and I had no red flags or concerns pop up in my listening to it which leads me to easily recommending it to all ages. I find it refreshing to find an artist who has been involved in the industry for a while still able to re-invent themselves to the times with every album. Allow God to bless you through Deitrick Haddon and pick up his new album, “Church On The Moon”.

RATINGS: (1-5, 5 the best)

LYRICS/SONG WRITING: 5- here…more so his delivery then creative writing earns this 5.

MUSICAL ABILITY/SOUND: 4.5-He has an amazing sound, but I know some are going to say uses synth sounds almost too much….others are going to love it though.

VOCALS: 5-Perhaps his biggest strength.

X-FACTOR: 4

One Love, One God, One Way...

Your bro,

Tyni

Oddly enough they're musicians....not preachers!

                So when I got into the concert/event coordinating role at my local church I never knew so much thought needed to go into a planned event. It wasn’t nearly as simple as finding an act, paying them and being done with it. However, the one thing I apparently knew I had to do was choose with each event what the purpose behind each one was, whether that be an up in your face ministry outreach event, community concerts or fund-raising events. I’ve always entered each concert with a set idea of what we hope to accomplish, and to be honest we’ve primarily focused on providing nights where Christians and non-Christians can be ministered to. The acts we host are going to strengthen the faith of those that have it but also minister/plant a seed to those who don’t have any in a way to not scare them away from God.

                I had a conversation with a youth minister from another state the other day that wanted to know about a band I’d worked with before. He was concerned about what type of night do they provide via their concerts…and more specifically what type of ministry do they do during their show. It caught me a little off guard when, I basically gave a rundown of the band’s normal show (have worked with them many times) and how the message they share via their songs and the times where they just talk to the audience are very powerful…and he said well how much of the Gospel do they preach? I was a little confused and I asked like what exactly are you wanting? Well it became apparent they desired an act that would for maybe 15-25 minutes just preach to the audience. Now while there are acts out there that are like this, Jeremy Camp in my opinion is one of the greatest at being both musician and a minister to his audiences. This band in question though wasn’t the same, they focused more on the message they provided to speak the Gospel to the audience, and let God work through their performance and brief stories told both spoken and sung. Well…sadly I think the gentleman on the other line wasn’t hearing what he wanted and is leaning towards cancelling the concert….which is fine but it brings me to the point of this blog: You cannot expect musicians to be ministers.

                Some musicians can do both, but a lot of the musicians in the Christian industry are that for a reason…it’s how they feel God has called them to proclaim their faithßaka minister to those who hear them. When I book a band I know what they prefer to do and would never expect anything more from them, and if I want more it’s up to myself to either provide a secondary act (whether another band/speaker) or not sign the band to perform and go with another act. It should never come down to trying to make a band do what they may or may not be comfortable with. It has nothing to do with them being ashamed of their beliefs…it has more so to do with that God has blessed them with sharing their beliefs in a slightly different way.

                Just a word of advice from one concert/event planner to those who do the same thing also. One love, one way, one God.

Your bro,

Tyni