The younger generation of Christians is embracing music with a harder edge, according to a popular magazine for Christian teens that announced in its latest issue its readers' top music choices.
For the past few years, singers from traditional pop/rock favorites claimed top positions in Ignite Your Faith’s annual readers' choice awards, dubbed the Golden Ear Awards.
But this year, a majority of the 5,000 magazine readers who voted, aged 13 to 18, leaned in favor of hard rock bands bumping down pop and soft rock groups. The results are published in the April/May issue.
The trend is most evident in the award's Best Vocalist category.
John Cooper of Skillet won the Best Male Vocalist – a title that bounced between Jason Dunn (Hawk Nelson), Matt Thiessen (Relient K) and Jeremy Camp in previous cycles of the awards. Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch placed second.
The Best Female Vocalist category welcomed its first ever winner from a hard rock band: Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf. The frontwoman beat out former holders of the title, Tricia Brock (Superchick) and Alyssa Barlow (BarlowGirl).
"That one surprised me most," said Todd Hertz, managing editor of Ignite Your Faith, to The Christian Post. "I did not think our readership would go in that direction."
Meanwhile, pop artist Rebecca St. James, who placed third in that category in 2006, moved down to fifth. Any lower than fifth would have placed her only in the honorable mention list.
Hertz, who oversees the Entertainment part of the 100,000-circulation magazine, said he sees three main factors that account for the readers' shift in musical preferences.
One factor is loyalty, he said.
Skillet fans, who call themselves "panheads," are "ferocious in their loyalty to this band," explained Hertz. "They are always flocking to support this band."
The fans are loyal to the point that they voted for John Cooper's wife Kori Cooper in the Best Female Vocalist category even though she was not a nominee and for Skillet in the Best New Artist category when the rock band has been around for years, he noted.
Secondly, Hertz said the recent results show a shift in the types of music that appeal to young people these days.
"I think it comes from mainstream culture. Harder rock appeals to younger kids, whether it helps get out the feeling or emotion...I'm not sure what it is," he shared, adding that what was once considered rock is now considered Pop music.
And lastly, the magazine's managing editor believes the iPod culture has allowed teens to access a variety of musical genres instead of only hearing songs selected by radio stations.
"Christian music is more diverse than it’s ever been," Hertz added.
Voting for the Golden Ear Awards were held last November.
The magazine, part of Christianity Today International, is currently gathering votes for its Golden Remote Award, which recognizes the most redeeming TV character. Voting will be open until May 8 with the results announced in the Sept./Oct. issue.
In February, readers weighed in for the Golden Nacho Awards, selecting the most redeeming movies. Those winners will be revealed in the June/July issue.
According to Hertz, a bulk of the content from the magazine caters to young readers' entertainment interests.
Last November, Ignite Your Faith launched "THE HEROES OF ROCK," an online cartoon series starring popular bands. The first episode's special gueststars Superchick members who performed their own voiceovers. The latest episode, slated for release at the end of April, features Hawk Nelson and a special music artist, whose identity is yet to be revealed, said Hertz.
The winners for Best Vocalist are listed below:
Best Male Vocalist
1. John Cooper, Skillet
2. Trevor McNevan, Thousand Foot Krutch
3. Matt Thiessen, Relient K
4. Jeremy Camp
5. Jon Foreman, Switchfoot
Honorable mentions: Mark Hall, Casting Crowns; Jason Dunn, Hawk Nelson
Best Female Vocalist
1. Lacey Mosley, Flyleaf
2. Alyssa Barlow, BarlowGirl
3. Tricia Brock, Superchick
4. Krystal Meyers
5. Rebecca St. James
Honorable mentions: Plumb, Bethany Dillon
Christian Post reporter Katherine T. Phan contributed to this report.
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All tings should be looked at in light of scripture - the Bible is explicit in when you say yes to Christ you say no to the world. What does rock music do? What emotions, movement, senusalness does it bring one to? People who say music is amoral have never studied music or its effects on people. Music is the one thing Satan uses on a regular basis to blind people and to cause such dissention. The Bible says make no provision for the flesh - much music today causes movement which takes the observer to a place that is less than godly. It's not about what a person likes, it's about what would honor Christ. Study His word and His standard and see what He expects.
coffee - not so much ... I'm a teenager and I have listened to Modern and Old Music ... Hymns , Rock , etc ... but I prefer artists such as Don Moen , Michael W. Smith , Hillsong and the like ....
<<The traditional hymn only crowd are generally right wing republican, think Iraq was a great idea, and are usually upper middle class, if this is all they have to worry about...............then this country is IN BIG TROUBLE.>>
Not so, Reformed Traditions who are interested in preserving the beautiful, rich, intelligent and classical hymns are just as socially liberal, are discusted with the current administration, and come from all class variations. What the Reformed Traditionalist stand preserving is TRADITION. Rock music, Metal etc. used in nonreformed, nonmainstream churches are trying to appeal to their youth, with little regard for those who have successfully kept the TRADITIONS. These music programs trying to attract the youth, will still see the falling away- it isn't the music that keeps one coming back or serving God according to the Pew Reports, and the Barna Institute findings.
As one growing up with classical music as well as hymns, I think it's woeful that the latest generation of kids has limited its choice of music extremely. The author said that there is a great diversity of Christian music available, but that's a meaningless statement. Most Christian stations covet the younger audience, PLUS because of modern technology, youth can and are listening to only what they absolutely love.
Teens are not the only ones. I am near 60 & I still dig good rock type music. I think a lot has to do with content more than any thing: who & what is lifted up. I don't often re-listen to songs that have no redeeming qualities. Plus I like a lot of the great praise music that is coming out. I Can Only Imagine is a great song! Got me thinking about how I will react when I am honored to be at Jesus'
feet.
One problem Christian critics have is calling attention to things they do not like to such a degree that too much attention is payed to something like the Harry Potter series that these kinds of things receive free publicity & stimulate curiosity.. Many times not paying so much attention may be the best course. Being led by the Holy Spirit is the key.
Any body remember Larry Norman? I liked him & the 2nd Chapter of Acts. One rocked his message, the others sang a lot of praise. I go both ways with Christian music.
If songs lead away form the Lord they do not have to be listened to. God Be with!!
David Wilkerson wrote a book back in the 70's, entitled, "Set the trumpet to thy mouth." I highly recommend it.
"Logically music like some of the main stream rap out there contradicts God and the Bible in every possible way..."
Yeah I remember coming across this one day in the store. I love how he's wearing a cross and not but a couple inches away his Explicit Content. Yeeaaaahhh..... <.<
http://www.phawker.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/50cent_newcoverhigh.jpg
ShuckCreations,
I understand that completely. My point was that I've had people condemn me for listening to music other than worship music (even though it's not bad). Trance/Techno songs hardly even have lyrics in them so it's really hard for them to be sinful in the first place. I've even had people condemn me for listening to Christian music that sounded like secular music out of their own ignorance.
So my point is I believe a lot of (mostly adults) people should calm down and actually look into the music teens listen too before actually condemning it. Logically music like some of the main stream rap out there contradicts God and the Bible in every possible way, but not all of it is bad.
Article: One factor is loyalty, he said. Skillet fans, who call themselves "panheads," are "ferocious in their loyalty to this band," explained Hertz. "They are always flocking to support this band."
The fans are loyal to the point that they voted for John Cooper's wife Kori Cooper in the Best Female Vocalist category even though she was not a nominee and for Skillet in the Best New Artist category when the rock band has been around for years, he noted.
Loyalty? Actually, it sounds like idolatry.
Josh, it depends on the contents of the song. If it suggests things against God or if it's full of cursing and what not then obviously that would not be something to listen to. Also sin is something you put before God. (can't remember what verse or I'd post it here) So if you're music going to a Rock concert instead of going to a bible study you were invited to, or if the music itself makes you do things you shouldn't it would be considered a sin.
I stopped listening to several bands of my teenage years simply because they reminded me of past situations and made me angry. Wrath is bad so I replaced those bands with Christian alternatives. There are a lot of Christian bands that you would be suprised sound almost exactly like secular ones.
Ok my 2 cents. XD
JC,
Is any music that does not worship God wrong then? What if the song speaks of one's own personal struggle with sin and how they fell? Is it then a sin because it does not directly worship God? I strongly disagree with those who enforce on me the idea that I should only be listening to music that worships God (Yes I'm a teen and it happens a lot). What's sinful about listening to a good trance song?
This makes sense...
Spoken is my favorite!
The traditional hymn only crowd are generally right wing republican, think Iraq was a great idea, and are usually upper middle class, if this is all they have to worry about...............then this country is IN BIG TROUBLE.
solascriptura: well said
Even better if you read Colossians 3:16 and 17 together
It is easy to take shots at this kind of music but sadly this isn't the true issue because there are just as many Christian artists who play and sing the "acceptable" forms of music and live like the devil in divorce, adultery, smoking, and drinking.
I have seen this first hand - the problem is not a style problem - if people want to condemn young people maybe they should ask them why this is happening - if you want young people to be biblically discerning then maybe we should have taught them well from the start in our churches.
Maybe as parents we should have taught them well in our homes, but we haven't (and I am generalizing because there are those who have)
Throwing one verse out of context like a molotov cocktail does not teach the Word of God it makes the Bible a weapon used to promote our own agendas
Intergenerational worship of God should be our goal - but that comes with a price - it means not being selfish and getting my way and my experience out of church - it means loving those around you - and casting aside the so called niches of music that plague the Christian church
And for anyone who is militantly hymn only - Read Colossians 3:16 - are hymns the only required form of music by God? In fact we would be sinning if we did only use hymns.
And this is not a leave the kids alone argument either - because everything is not well with our disaffected youth
Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals. (1st Samuel 6:5)
The real question here is simple: Does this music glorify God?
If so, what's the issue? If not, then this is the issue.
Beloved, one important thing I've learned about music, especially in His house, is that we need to sing to God, not at God. I believe this is one of the highest forms of praise that one can offer. It is a sweet incense to Him. Where two or more are gathered, He is there.
In unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the LORD saying, " He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting," then the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud (2nd Chronicles 5:13)
Yes smbga please explain rather than saying those who listen to Rock are an abomination! Music is music and if you read these artists lyrics there is no dishonouring God.
Jeremiah 51:51
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain
http://polemos.net/Articles/The%20Name%20of%20the%20Lord%20in%20Vain.html
what do you want to say smbga?
Rock is sin?
Jeremiah 32:34
For a true hard rock group with a Christian background check out As I Lay Dying. Although people like to label them devil's music, it's only out of their ignorance to actually try to understand any of the lyrics in the groups songs. Their lyrics are wonderful, vocals are outstanding, and the skill with the guitar is outmatched. Truly a good band.
While Skillet and Thousand Foot Krutch are indeed harder bands than what is played on typical CCM radio, they are still fairly "pop metal." The truly heavy, screaming, growling bands are still well outside the mainstream -- and thankfully so. Skillet is about as heavy as you want without the music being the dominating factor.
Inhale Exhale, Demon Hunter & Emery
....to name a few more. XD