In the post "Guard Your Heart (How to Keep Yourself from Sin)," I discussed the importance of listening to GOD-focused music.
People sometimes ask me for recommendations of good, positive music, so I thought I'd address that today.
Musical taste is one of those very personal, unique things in life that varies wildly between individuals.
What appeals to one person is appalling to the next.
Chances are, some (if not all) of the music that I enjoy you won't, and vice versa.
Before we dig into my personal favorites, let me offer a few up-front thoughts.
(1.) Remember Intent
The purpose of listening to GOD-focused music is three-fold:
- To keep your mind centered on Him during the day;
- To replace [or minimize] a negative worldly influence of mainstream music with a positive influence, filling the void of simply "turning off the bad source;" and...
- To teach and speak GOD's truths to your heart through the avenue of music, which significantly aids in retaining what you learn.
(2.) Style Impacts Availability
The type of music you enjoy will also impact the range of sources you have available to you.
For example, if you enjoy what is often referred to as "gospel music," you will have a very wide selection.
If, however, you prefer to listen to acapella gospel, you'll have a much more narrow selection list.
Similarly, if you enjoy lighter, more "pop" style music, you'll have a wide selection. But if your preference is hip-hop/rap, you'll be more limited because there are less artists in that sub-genre.
(3.) Radio Helps
When you're new to the "Christian" genre of music, radio is your friend.
Find a local AM/FM radio station that plays gospel or Christian music.
They are less well-known, but still readily-available in most larger cities.
Use Pandora or other Internet radio to listen from a computer, smartphone, tablet or other Internet-connected device (or vehicle).
If you have a satellite radio service, such as SiriusXM, there are a few channels on there you can listen to. Personally, I find The Message channel pretty enjoyable.
My Recommendations
Now, as far as my personal recommendations, I enjoy acapella gospel, but I most often listen to what I would call "Christian rock."
This ranges from softer soothing music, to heavier rock-n-roll bands.
So I'll list some of my favorites among this spectrum.
If you enjoy softer music, check out:
- Addison Road
- Barlow Girl
- Casting Crowns
- Chris Tomlin
- Matt Redman
- MercyMe
- Needtobreathe
- Newsboys
- Rush of Fools
- Sanctus Real
- Tenth Avenue North
- Third Day
If you enjoy harder, louder music, check out:
- Decyfer Down
- Disciple
- Flyleaf
- Kutless
- Pillar
- Red
- Seventh Day Slumber
- Skillet
- Switchfoot
- Thousand Foot Krutch
If you enjoy rap/hip hop (I don't, so my knowledge is very limited in this regard), check out:
- Lecrae
- Toby Mac
If you're brand new to Christian music, this list should get you started.
In future posts, I plan on highlighting specific albums and songs that are special to me.
If you're an experienced GOD-focused music listener, I want to learn from you. What artists do you enjoy listening to and why?
