Why is “Christian Music” a separate category altogether? This may be a touchy subject, but one which I find interesting and one I just don’t understand. Okay, let’s break this down. Every name for genres of music describe the actual style of the music, rather than the content. Rap, country, rock, jazz, classical. They all refer to the style of the bands or artists in that category. Christian music on the other hand could be rock, pop, country or whatever style and still fall in the “Christian” category.
I’ve been trying and trying to think of another genre that categorizes bands based on content rather than style and I just cant think of another one. At least not on the same mainstream scale. Last time I checked they didn’t have an Amish only radio station (joke intended).
I may sound like it, but I don’t have a problem with real “Christian music” or rather “worship music”. The part I find interesting and fail to understand is why a band who has Christian beliefs gets lumped into the Christian category. What makes a band a Christian one? As soon as they mention Jesus, are they a Christian band? As I recall Brand New has a song named “Jesus” and they don’t get lumped into the genre with bands like Relient K, Hawk Nelson, Emery, and others. I’m not arguing whether it’s good or band to get that label, I’m still trying to figure out what or who determines those things.
I know there are a lot of bands that don’t want to be labeled “Christian” because that alone would cut off part of the fan base. Some people hear that about a band and won’t listen to them or won’t give them a chance based on that.
Good music is music that is honest. A band’s thoughts, opinions, and feelings on love and life will come out through the lyrics. Some people believe in God, some don’t. Some people believe in faith and hope, and some don’t. Some people like rock and some like rap.
