Religious Music the sneaks up on you

[Marswolf]

OK...This is a weird subject for me. I am definitely not a Bible thumper. I'm barely a Methodist

I'm looking for music of a religious nature that is not entirely and overtly religious. This is the song that doesn't start by telling you that you are a sinner bound to burn in hell. It describes a situation that you might fit into.

I'm definitely not looking for music that talks about being washed in the blood of the lamb.

I'm looking for gospel music that sneaks up on you.

Examples are:

Ghost Riders in the Sky

Long Black Train

and my absolute favorite: The Brothers Four : The Waves Roll In

In short I'm looking for religious songs that are not overtly religious.

I am looking for religious musics that you don't immediately recognize as religious.

Edited August 31, 2008 by Marswolf

[midtennchip]

I'm not sure this fits the bill, but you might like it anyway (particularly if you like James Taylor).

http://www.jimcoleonline.com/store.htm

For a good preview of his music, scroll down to the "Live in Cincinnati" CD and click on "I Can Trust in You" and "Wayward Son". Just to see how much like James Taylor he really sounds, also click on "You've Got a Friend".

[Marswolf]

I'm not sure this fits the bill, but you might like it anyway (particularly if you like James Taylor).

http://www.jimcoleonline.com/store.htmsee how much like James Taylor he really sounds, also click on "You've Got a Friend".

Thanks, He does indeed sound a lot like James Taylor. I've been a Taylor guy since the 60's.

I guess I'm looking for someone who may be religious, but that isn't the entire focus of their lives.

It's hard to refine.

I'm looking for folks who are into religious writing and maybe performing but who are really good writers.

[Guest Ghostrider]

I think there is a lot of music that is religious (even if it's not intended to be).

It's not religious, but I've recently rediscovered how much I enjoy a-capella, and it's near religious clarity when done correctly.

You might try a little "straight no chaser" and see if it does anything for you...

[ShaunM]

P.O.D (payable on death) is a christian rock band, I know you have heard of them.

[Guest cw38305]

Here are a few that I like, Day of Fire, Disciple, Big Daddy Weave, Lincoln Brewster, Chris Rice. These artist range from hard rock to easy rock. I know that a couple of these groups will go and play in bars. They are liked by christian and nonchristian.

[Smith]

I think you are describing U2. Anything from Joshua Tree on fits the bill. If you like James Taylor try Phil Keaggy. It's doesn't "sneak" up on you but he is regarded as on of the finest guitar and writing artist across the board. In fact Eddie Van Halen was noted as citing him as the best guitarist he knew of in the 80's

[Guest sermon8r]

http://www.apologetix.com/

:koolaid::koolaid:

[Smith]

I'd also recommend from a few years ago, Collective Soul. Jeremy Camp is also a good one. some of his stuff gets air time right now.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

[jgrauman]

+1 for Jeremy Camp, few of my favorites; let it fade, i'll take you back, i still believe

Jeremy Camp Links

Edited August 31, 2008 by jgrauman

[Marswolf]

Some good replies here. Lots of these folks I've never heard of. Have to go dig up some recordings.

I've just found much of the Goodman style gospel music to be monotonous and sometimes depressing. Pretty much Cokesbury Hymnal stuff with more theatrics. Much of the "new" gospel is the same, just with a heavier beat and often not well written.

I'm looking for well-written music that doesn't just come out and tell you that inless you are "saved by Jesus" that you are going straight to Hell without passing "Go" and collecting $200.

[G27]

If you like straight-ahead/classic rock, check out Thieves & Liars...

[PackinMama]

Mars, you should give these guys a shot: http://music.yahoo.com/ar-294296---The-Call

These guys date back to the late 80's-90's and their music is just absolutely powerful. You can listen to some sample tracks free on the above link.

Everywhere I go, I Still Believe.....two of my favorites.

[NuTcAsE]

http://www.myspace.com/carlmaplesonb2

This is my supervisor He's written most of these, some are covers. His music is kind of a bluesy, Appalachian/folky, bluegrassy mix. He calls it "BLUE FUSION". Interesting lyrics, some deal with religion and life, some pose questions, "Harvey Mize" is a good story, I call it an "Appalacian Murder Ballad". Check it out if you like it holler at me.

[fizik]

check out jars of clay, i listened to them for years before i realized it was religious.

[Guest Grout]

I always Highway to Hell had a religious meaning.

[Rightwinger]

check out jars of clay, i listened to them for years before i realized it was religious.

+1 on Jars of Clay. Find Cademon's Call stuff as well. God of Wonders!

One of my favorites is a classic christian singer but this one gets your feet tapping as well. The song is "Dive" by Stephen Curtis Chapman.

[Guest db99wj]

check out jars of clay, i listened to them for years before i realized it was religious.

P.O.D (payable on death) is a christian rock band, I know you have heard of them.

Wow, didnt' know that, good day, learned 2 things!

[Guest MidTNShooter]

:rock:

Yes !! Stryper !!

Also Look into Michael Sweet (The lead singer) has put out some good, less heavy metal albums. His latest is too gospel for me. I like Christian rock that has great geetars and a drum kit that lights up the arena.

I would recommend going into a record store that has headphones to test and tune your choice. Try Lifeway on Broadway and Ninth.

Stryper........ Hehehehe ......... They went Stryper on us !

MTS

[skipsfirearms]

I'm looking for well-written music that doesn't just come out and tell you that inless you are "saved by Jesus" that you are going straight to Hell without passing "Go" and collecting $200.

If it's well written Christian music and it does not talk about Jesus or being saved, then it might not be Christian music.?????

[shaftbass]

I'm not a religious guy at all, but there is a christian rock band called Pillar, and they just plain rock. I can't remember how I found it, but they sound great.

[ame]

[/ame]

You can find a better quality mp3 on limewire or elsewhere.

[bubbiesdad]

Though they have broken up, Creed is a good example.

[Guest anvil]

check out the Mighty Jeremiahs. They will sneak up on you. I

believe one of them was a member of the Kentucky Headhunters.

[Guest Fuel]

I'm not a religious guy at all, but there is a christian rock band called Pillar, and they just plain rock.

+1 on that.

Try Mat Kearney and MuteMath. Kearney's first album has more religious overtones than his latest but doesn't beat you over the head with it. I find MuteMath to be one of the most impressive bands I've heard in quite a while. Truly awesome stuff. If you didn't realize that the band members had religious backgrounds you might miss the references in their music. Very well done. Check out "Control" from their MySpace page:

http://www.myspace.com/mutemath