Musical Influences Part Deux
Now that I had been introduced to this genre of CCM it was time to wade deeper into the stream and discover new artists. Amy Grant was easily the most recognizable name at the time but it wasn’t until much later that I actually purchased any of her albums. With a few exceptions, I seem to have an ear for male artists and wonder if that is common tendency for others based on gender. Do I prefer the sound because of being a guy? Is it a sign of gender prejudice? Me? No way, at the time I could sit and stare at - I mean listen to - Heart, Pat Benatar, Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks all day long.
I would come across others who were already immersed in the CCM stream and purchase based upon their recommendations. Some of my early purchases were Benny Hester, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Russ Taff, Matthew Ward and Sandy Patty. I can still see my cassette tape case and remember it growing and expanding one cassette at a time as did my appreciation, taste and discernment.
I would soon discover, however, there is such a thing as bad CCM.
6 Responses to “Musical Influences Part Deux”
I’ll go back to Keith Green. I remember reading an article that he wrote on CCM. He said his biggest fear about CCM (he wrote this in the early 80’s) was that CCM bands would attempt to send a message such as, “Look, we’re just as loud and good as the secular bands,” to the neglect of what should be the message of CCM - reminding us of Jesus and our walk with Him.
Say it ain’t so!!!
I’m still in shock that you were a classical music buff. I never got one inkling of that in all those years. To think of all those conversations we missed!
As for CCM….I find it hard to avoid bad CCM. Most of it is bad. I wish most of these artists wouldn’t try to be CCM and instead just make excellent music — both musically and content, as cwinwc points out — and let it be called what it may.
So is your Sons of the Pioneers collection CCM or OCM?
I’m a David Crowder Band kiind of guy myself. Sorry I missed you at P’dine. Greg did show up for my class and then you didn’t show! Maybe next time.
Peace.
Green, Grant and 2nd Chapter of Acts, along with Phil Keaggy… Those were some of my first encounters… But the first one to “stick” in my head was B.J. Thomas singing “Going home”. A bit hokey now, but I still like it.
I think it comes down to what is easy for you to sing along with. Amy was in my range. Rich Mullins, yes. Michael W. Smith? Too high, actually, so I prefer his instrumental albums. I like Mercy Me, Selah, there are some good ones out there that could compete against their secular counterparts. Most, I agree, could not.
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