Understanding Music

My article on Razormouth concerning musical standards has sparked a number of letters from people interested in reading further on the subject. I’ve been asked several times: “Why not listen to DC Talk? Why is that so wrong? What are your reasons?”

First, I don’t listen to DC Talk because of the quality of their music and lyrics. I find it, to be frank, lacking a depth that I find in such artists as Belle and Sebastian, Vigilantes of Love, and Pedro the Lion. I haven’t been impressed by DC Talk’s musical quality, and they seem to be simply copying the sounds of other bands (such as The Smashing Pumpkins). It’s a disturbing trend in Christian music… Musicians seem to think if they mimic a sound and slap Christian lyrics onto it, people will buy their albums. It’s a disturbing fact that this does, indeed, sell albums.

Which ties into my next point: CCM as a whole has a misunderstanding of music in general. Music is intended to convey certain emotions – we have music to dance to, music to fight to, music to make love to, and music to worship to. Problems begin when people think that any style of music is appropriate for worship, and this is what CCM does. There’s nothing wrong with rock music; but when rock music is used as “worship” music, emotional confusion results. The music is saying one thing and the lyrics another.

There is music I use when I want to worship God – psalms, chants, hymns, etc. – that are appropriate for worshiping Him. When I hear a band like DC Talk, I feel taken aback. Lyrics that should be sung with awe and reverence are instead shouted to a beat that appeals more to dancing (or moshing). Not that dancing (or moshing) is bad – but when it’s touted as worship or ministry, something’s wrong.

Music is primarily about emotion, and the lyrics and intent can either contradict or re-enforce that emotion. The best artists use this to their advantage.

That’s why I prefer bands like VOL or Pedro the Lion – the music is appropriate to the message. Their voices and the way the songs are sung are appropriate to the message. Belle and Sebastian is the same way; they know the importance of music and use it to further communicate what they have to say. When bands like DC Talk or Third Day or Stacie Orrico push blindly on with their message despite what their music makes us feel, the result is simply a mess. When it comes down to it, I’m going to choose a band that understands music.

And that’s why I don’t listen to DC Talk.

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