Ajalon

[Yesspaz]

Originally posted by moses
They do vary on how strongly they display their Christian message, from "very veiled" to "in-your-face" but most are somewhere in between.

Yeah, I don't mind either extreme as long as the lyrics are authentic. If it's "in your face" for the sake of being in your face, or "veiled" for the sake of reaching a wider audience, I usually don't care for it. I have a quote tacked on my wall from an editorial in CCM back in 1999 that says something along the lines of (not at home right now so can't quote exactly):

"We shouldn't try to write Christian songs, songs about whatever it is we think Christians say and do. Instead we should try to be real Christians, and then right songs about life. That way, our songs will naturally portray our Christianity. We wouldn't have to worry about writing Christians songs, we would just write songs."

I messed that quote up badly, but you get the gist. I guess the difference is the difference between someone who says I'm going to write a Christian song so that everyone will know I'm a Christians and I won't be shy or selling out whatever, vs. someone who simply writes a song from a Christian worldview without pretense. I'll take the second any day. You can see this in say, schlock on most CCM radio vs. the lyrics of Bono, Matt Slocum (6Pence), or Steve Hindalong (the Choir).

Moses, some for you to check out if you aren't familiar:

The Choir - start with Chase the Kangaroo, Wide-Eyed Wonder, and Circle Slide

Glisten - Starlight Wishlist (on song on AM)

King's X - all of their albums deal with Christianity in some measure, from different points of view. On "Ear Candy" compare the songs written by Doug and the songs by Ty and Jerry - makes for a schizophrenic album.

Sixpence None the Richer - Despite the occasional bubble-gum single, this is actually a very arty band. The 15 minute medley that opens their s/t album is a classic in my opinion.

Bellador - on AM, http://www.esperanzaplantation.com/
Questions in Dialect - instrumental,but all four members are Christian and friends of mine. Think Tortoise. Same site as Bellador.

Jeremy - sort of a keyboard solo thing, instrumental, but Christia themed. On AM.