When I first moved to France, I was surprised by how much English-language rock/pop music was on the radio. I was also suprised that sometimes christian rock would be played between something like Nirvana’s Rape Me and Bloodhound Gang’s The Bad Touch. I mentioned it to my colleagues and they were like, “wtf is Christian rock?”
Despite we having our share of weirdos, most Europeans have no clue as to how mind bogglingly insane religion has become in the US (and how normal most US people think it is).
That’s fair. Basically since the 80s America has had a counterculture of Christians explicitly rejecting the secularity of society and attempting to create an alternative media landscape that will both pull secular people into the extreme Christian movement using counterculture aesthetics and concepts (ok that actually began in the 70s when they were preaching to burnt out hippies, lots of cults began with that), as well as to prevent their young people from leaving for these things.
“You don’t need to go be a hippie, you can be a Jesus freak and talk about peace and love and hear how the hippie life of sex and drugs was bad.” And copy and paste for rock, metal, and whatever else. So long as there was something there beyond what they consider immoral they’ll do it, and it’s extended to stuff like just tv.
I’m originally from Canada. Barely any christian rock made it to radio. Probably because they didn’t want to be on the same station as the evil rock bands. I didn’t know it was a thing until university when my neighbour tried to get me to listen to Switchfoot after hearing me listening to Skinny Puppy or something like that.
well so Jars of Clay was weirdly popular for a christian rock group. like i didn’t even think about them as a christian rock group until their second, maybe third album? but they got radio play on mainstream stations.
i mean while i agree with you, i gotta do a whole album. they tell a story. even if the artist (publisher, musician, recording engineer bullshit whatever whoever) isn’t good enough to tell a story intentionally there’s a story in the album.
but like i said, i’m a musician. i’ve sat through an entire concert looking like i was watching 2001 on acid for the first time just muttering “his hands. his hands.” the entire time while the drummer did things no percussionist should and no other drummer can. there’s subtexts that we don’t even know we’re putting into our own songs sometimes.
I’m digging up old memories, but anything released in the early 2000s should fit the bill. Skimming track lists for something I recognize, invincible or Alien Youth are jumping out at me.
I had no idea Skillet was Christian rock until well after highschool. I think Monster is one of their more popular songs and does a pretty good job showcasing their general vibes
When I first moved to France, I was surprised by how much English-language rock/pop music was on the radio. I was also suprised that sometimes christian rock would be played between something like Nirvana’s Rape Me and Bloodhound Gang’s The Bad Touch. I mentioned it to my colleagues and they were like, “wtf is Christian rock?”
Despite we having our share of weirdos, most Europeans have no clue as to how mind bogglingly insane religion has become in the US (and how normal most US people think it is).
Europe is not ready for a Talladega caliber Floridaman
That’s fair. Basically since the 80s America has had a counterculture of Christians explicitly rejecting the secularity of society and attempting to create an alternative media landscape that will both pull secular people into the extreme Christian movement using counterculture aesthetics and concepts (ok that actually began in the 70s when they were preaching to burnt out hippies, lots of cults began with that), as well as to prevent their young people from leaving for these things.
“You don’t need to go be a hippie, you can be a Jesus freak and talk about peace and love and hear how the hippie life of sex and drugs was bad.” And copy and paste for rock, metal, and whatever else. So long as there was something there beyond what they consider immoral they’ll do it, and it’s extended to stuff like just tv.
I’m originally from Canada. Barely any christian rock made it to radio. Probably because they didn’t want to be on the same station as the evil rock bands. I didn’t know it was a thing until university when my neighbour tried to get me to listen to Switchfoot after hearing me listening to Skinny Puppy or something like that.
well so Jars of Clay was weirdly popular for a christian rock group. like i didn’t even think about them as a christian rock group until their second, maybe third album? but they got radio play on mainstream stations.
It’s a similar story with Skillet.
don’t embarrass me by talking about a band i don’t know yet i’m supposed to be the musician. what’s the good album i want to learn them
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Honestly, just pull up a smattering of the top songs. I don’t think you need to do a whole album to get the vibe – 2 - 4 songs should do it.
i mean while i agree with you, i gotta do a whole album. they tell a story. even if the artist (publisher, musician, recording engineer bullshit whatever whoever) isn’t good enough to tell a story intentionally there’s a story in the album.
but like i said, i’m a musician. i’ve sat through an entire concert looking like i was watching 2001 on acid for the first time just muttering “his hands. his hands.” the entire time while the drummer did things no percussionist should and no other drummer can. there’s subtexts that we don’t even know we’re putting into our own songs sometimes.
Totally reasonable.
I’m digging up old memories, but anything released in the early 2000s should fit the bill. Skimming track lists for something I recognize, invincible or Alien Youth are jumping out at me.
I had no idea Skillet was Christian rock until well after highschool. I think Monster is one of their more popular songs and does a pretty good job showcasing their general vibes