“Worship music is the logical conclusion of Christian adult contemporary music—not just unappealing but unbearable to anyone not already in the fold. Every song follows the same parameters. It opens gently, with tinkling arpeggios or synthesized harp glissandos that portend the imminence of something celestial in glacial 4/4 time. In the second verse, the band—invariably excellent players—soft-pedals in, gaining volume to the bridge. And then the chorus. Heavens, the choruses. They could put U2 out of business for good, they’re so huge. Another verse. A middle eight. Then, a breakdown when the audience takes over singing. Another massive chorus. Fin.
This isn’t music to appreciate; it’s music to experience.”
- Andrew Beaujon, Body Piercing Saved My Life
Earlier in the year I read this fascinating book by Mr. Beaujon. He’s a non-christian music journalist who dives into the word of christian rock. At one point, he attends Gospel Music Association Week in Nashville, and writes the above words to describe his experience with worship music during a time of worship at the beginning of the week. He later skips out of the concert (after taking all he could bear) and writes his own mainstream Christian song: Continue Reading…
