Thursday, 24 September 2009
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David Crowder Band: Not Your Average Church Music
If you checked Twitter at all in the last day or so, you may have noticed the term “#ChurchMusic” was a trending topic. And if you wondered why, it wasn't because people suddenly decided it was time to air their opinions on the topic of hymns and worship songs; it was to celebrate the release of David Crowder*Band's fifth album, the aptly named Church Music. While the name suggests a variety of song types and inspirations, one thing Church Music isn't, ironically, is traditional church music. The purpose of their album, as described in their press release, is to “prompt listeners to recognize the continual evolvement of music within the Church as well as transport them to an awareness that we exist within the very presence of God, therefore allowing Church Music to happen anywhere.”
This isn't the only unique quality of the album. The press release also states that “the 17 songs on the album play continuously from beginning to end with one song blending into the next.”
Church Music is already receiving critical acclaim. The album landed David Crowder*Band a spot in USA Today's Fall Music Preview. According to JesusFreakHideout.com, “this is far and away the best worship record of the year, perhaps the best overall record of the year and a career highlight.”
Christianity Today has some even more interesting things to say about the album: “If there was ever an artist who could bridge the worlds of CCM and the music that delights both critics and discerning music fans without compromising his strong beliefs, David Crowder is it. And if there is an album to make that push into the mainstream, Church Music is it.”
After 6 GMA Dove Awards and 17 nominations, is it time for a David Crowder*Band crossover? It certainly wouldn't be the first time a worship song has made it into the mainstream. A few years ago, the band MercyMe found themselves in the mainstream spotlight with their song, “I Can Only Imagine.” We'll have to wait and see whether the same happens again with David Crowder*Band.
The band celebrated the release of Church Music on Monday with a sold-out show in their hometown of Waco, Texas. Their next sold-out show is in Los Angeles later this week, and the Church Music Tour will hit a total of 32 cities nationwide this October. Other acts in the tour include Danyew and Seabird.
The album is currently in the top five albums on iTunes and Amazon.
If you've already picked up the album, what do you think of it? If not, would you consider buying it based on the acclaim it's already received?
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- From: modernmelody
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Comments (15)
by far... their best yet... a far cry from A Collision and Remedy... more synth-based... but lyrically all the more personal and poetic as far as Crowder and Co goes... I highly recommend this one... partly because I'm biased since they are dear friends of mine... but they also make REALLY good music...
I've always been fond of David Crowder's music, and it's been a couple of years since I've heard his voice -- which I must say is very unique among Christian musicians. I will definitely give this a look.
This album is amazing. It's unlike any other worship music - it actually has deep lyrics that are seldom happy-cheery (much like the Psalms), it spends a significant time in minor keys, and it uses synths besides the usual halo pad and piano-string sounds that can be found in way too many worship songs. Plus, it's got covers of both John Mark McMillan (I'm stoked that JMM is finally going to receive more attention after this) and Flyleaf. And I don't think I noticed a single U2-copy guitar line on the album (though I've only listened to it once so far). Why can't more church music sound like this?
Sadly, I wasn't impressed. Nothing they have produced has been as creative as A Collision. But I felt the same way about Remedy at first and now I like that album. I don't think it's groundbreaking but it's a decent album. Maybe I'll think the same about Church Music someday. I hope so.
BTW - Everyone should do a favor for themselves and check out their Rockumentary episodes on YouTube. So stupid. So funny.
It's hard for me to believe that anything will trump A Colission (whichis one of my favorite albums of all time). I will be picking this up soon, however--along with it I need to grab the new Muse album and new Derek Webb.
Actually, my former church played DCB every now and then, they like to play the sort of new songs that are written everyday and are not prejudiced to only the old songs.
I've had a tough time getting into it. I'm much of of a fan of acoustic guitars than synthesizers and programmed beats. I've been a little disappointed both with this record and Derek Webb's for that reason. It's more that I prefer their earlier styles. I'm hoping that this is just an experiment for both of them.
I understand some of the sentiment that the change they have made might not be for the better. After having read a lot of the praise it received, I listened to some clips on iTunes and wasn't sure whether I agreed with what the critics were saying. I do, however, appreciate when musicians who are so established in their niche take the time to experiment with new sounds, instruments, etc. This might be one of those albums you just have to hear a few times before you get it, so I'll have to give it more of a fair chance before I write it off.
It's okay, though I've never been a huge fan. His voice somewhat irritates me.
Wow you people have alot of negative things to say, you wannabe crtics How about showing some support christians. I for one like it so far, and I'm sure I'll like it more as I delve more into it. He's definitely showing creative effort.
BTW Think they should stay in the category of Christian music. For them to go completely mainstream might have some initial benefits but doing so would in turn loose respect from their current base. Its why we listen and the theme of this album,
“prompt listeners to recognize the continual evolvement of
Church Musicmusic within the Church as well as transport them to an awareness that
we exist within the very presence of God, therefore allowing
to happen anywhere.”
Fo shizzle
There is no "Christian" music. There's just musicians making music. If it couldn't survive outside of that bubble, then it's just not that good. Sorry, man.
It was definitely weird hearing the constant synthesizers and not the more acoustic tones DC*B usually has but I love synths. The lyrics...goodness, some of them are chilling but in that good way that lets you feel God's presence strongly. You can definitely hear the growth of the band and their willingness to do some different things while really maintaining their sound. Is it "better" than "A Collision" or "Remedy?" Maybe not BETTER but it's different and I like it.
eh. never been a fan. and it doesn't look like I ever will be.