Collide Magazine

Keeping Christian Music Alive

Daniel Darnell - Originally posted Monday, September 29, 2008 -

Over the past few years, several trends have hinted at the fall of the Christian music industry, calling its future into question. In our July/August issue, Scott McClellan explored this issue in his article, “Is Christian Music Dying?” Though the future of Christian music may be uncertain, one thing is for sure: There’s still good music out there. Here are some of the artists we think represent hope for the Christian music industry. By no means is this an exhaustive list, just a few Christian bands that make great music.

Robbie Seay Band
www.robbieseayband.com
These Houston natives have been making music for over a decade, and they’ve finally received the acclaim they deserve with their newest release, Give Yourself Away. The raw voice of Robbie Seay and the musical musings of his band make for an alternative worship style that is edgy and honest. Their single “Song of Hope” recently reached number seven on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs chart, though the album has been out for almost a year.

Starfield
www.starfieldonline.com
This Christian rock/worship band from Vancouver, Canada is making a name for itself in the States. Not only do they deliver great music, but they also integrate a powerful message. Their albums take an honest look at life, God, and the in-between while including tasteful riffs, catchy melodies, and worshipful songs. Though they’ve already released their third album, Starfield is just beginning to figure out their band’s identity. Check out their newest release I Will Go and be amazed.

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Seabird
www.seabirdmusic.com
Unlike an actual sea bird, the sounds that come from this Cincinnati group will make your ear buds dance. The piano-rock group debuted with the release of their album, ‘Til We See the Shore. Their catchy Britpop melodies, honest lyrics, piano riffs, and grungy vocals create a unique sound that could be compared to bands like Ben Folds, Keane, Aqualung, and even Coldplay. Piano-rock lovers will relish Seabird.

David Crowder*Band
www.davidcrowderband.com
Probably the most widely known worship/rock band around, Crowder and his gang continue to produce a unique and progressive sound. More than just a big-name touring band, most Sundays they lead worship at University Baptist Church in Waco, TX. Crowder’s honest lyrics convey his personal experiences with big topics such as death, hope, fear, and love. They’re also the only group to receive a five-star rating from COLLIDE (for their Remedy album).

Leeland
www.leelandonline.com
In the last few years this young group from Baytown, TX has taken the Christian music scene by storm. Lead singer/songwriter Leeland Mooring was just 17 when his band released their critically acclaimed debut album, “Sound of Melodies.” One GRAMMY nomination and four Dove nominations later, Leeland offered more amazing music on their sophomore release, Opposite Way. Their indie/rock sound is radio friendly; yet edgy enough to help them stand out in a crowded market.

Derek Webb
www.derekwebb.net
Webb has proclaimed God’s honest truth, minus the sugar coating, since he left Caedmon’s Call to pursue his solo career. His songs are honest, biting, and often convicting. Ranging from folk to alternative to alt-country, Webb’s music will get your foot tapping as you contemplate the heavier side of life. Recently Webb became a music business entrepreneur with the launch of a new music sharing site, NoiseTrade.com.

The Afters
www.theafters.com
The Afters are yet another band from Texas (anyone notice a trend here?). They started off playing small shows at a Dallas venue called The Door and have grown into a CCM favorite. Their major-label debut, I Wish We All Could Win, earned the band a huge following, and their single, “Beautiful Love,” became the most downloaded Christian song on iTunes in 2006. The Afters’ sophomore album, Never Going Back to OK, shows a lot of maturity and sets a high precedent for future albums.

Jon Foreman
www.jonforeman.com
Renowned as the lead singer/songwriter for Switchfoot, Foreman recently released a four-EP solo project. Entitled Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, Foreman modeled each EP after its respective season, carefully crafting melodies and tones that reflect the corresponding seasonal mood. Switchfoot fan or not, Foreman’s beautiful arrangements and candid lyrics show you a different side of him and leave you wanting a fifth EP.

Hillsong
www.hillsong.com/music
When it comes to contemporary Christian worship music, one name stands above the rest: Hillsong. For more than a decade, worship music from Australia’s Hillsong Church has permeated churches worldwide (“Shout to the Lord” being their most famous). Their powerful songs declare truth in a manner only Hillsong can and their newest release, This Is Our God, is no exception. It’s filled with moving worship and catchy melodies that linger long after you’ve turned off your iPod.

Needtobreathe
www.needtobreathe.net
With their sophomore release, The Heat, gaining steam, this South Carolina rock band is making a name for itself. Led by brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart (two of the manliest names ever) Needtobreathe is a breath of fresh air to Christian music. Melding southern rock/blues sounds with soulful, piano driven ballads, Needtobreathe manages to capture raw, honest and even worshipful moments in their songs.