"In Search of Atypical
Some astute readers have noticed that we've been throwing around the term "typical CCM" in a few of our recent reviews, and e-mailed us asking what we mean by that. Well, simply put, it means that a lot of today's Christian pop/rock sounds the same. Obviously the typical CCM sound today is different than that of the '80s, or even the '90s. But if I told you that something closely resembles the sound that currently dominates Christian radio, you'd probably have some idea of what we mean by typical.
"Corporate rock" is a label that was bandied around a lot in magazines and interviews back in the '70s and '80s. It's a term that I've gradually come to understand as I've grown older (and hopefully wiser). Though I don't see that phrase used as much today, I think the distinction is as applicable as ever. Basically, it refers to music made by a marketing plan rather than a spirit of creativity. Instead of self-expression or artistry, corporate rock is based on trends and shaped to model what has worked before.
Some would argue that all pop music is crafted from a corporate mindset. I disagree. Good pop music stands out through strong songwriting and a memorable performance. Corporate pop/rock often shapes the songwriting and performance to fit a format. It was a big revelation to me, 10 to 15 years ago, when I learned that different remixes of radio singles are shopped to varying radio formats—different than what you'd hear in the album version available in stores.
Not that all corporate rock/pop is bad. Bands like Foreigner and Journey were described as such back in the day, but today people have fond memories of their polished production and hook-filled melodies. It was the abundance of bands just like Foreigner and Journey that revealed a typical/corporate sound. Today it's the same when we hear an abundance of artists resembling U2, MercyMe, Coldplay, and Chris Tomlin—all were comparably original or unique when they hit the scene, but since then a lot of others have mimicked their sound.
How then would you define atypical CCM? Ask yourself, what is it that makes an artist stand out? What makes their sound distinct? How are they unique?
Everyone would probably answer those questions a little differently, but I believe they're essential for getting at the root of what you like personally. And they're certainly applicable to this week's new album reviews.
Richie McDonald left the multi-platinum country group Lonestar last year to spend more time with his family and pursue a solo career that more openly shares his faith. But instead of taking a relatively different approach with inspirational country, he's crafted an inspirational pop album that closely resembles Mark Harris and NewSong. And though the lyrics are encouraging and well-intentioned, they're a rather formulaic expression of faith.
By comparison, Brooke Fraser's solo debut truly stands out. Fraser is one of the lead singers and songwriters for Hillsong United. But instead of releasing another worship album, her Albertine album clearly expresses her faith in a personal way that's more understated than her work with Hillsong. Stylistically, she's similar to Sarah McLachlan and Nichole Nordeman, but she makes it her own through her songwriting and impressive vocals.
The difference between these albums showcases the difference between delivering a nuanced record and following a pattern. As with Albertine, you can hear similar uniqueness in the retro-gospel/soul debut from The Murrills, a family of singers presented by Donald Lawrence. There's also some distinctiveness to B. Reith, a rapper from Milwaukee blending soul with hip-hop. If you want to play music critic or A&R executive yourself, try the new Underground Sound album, a collection similar to WOW that compiles 15 of the best independent Christian artists—you'll find some sound more typical than others, just like Christian music in general.
In addition, don't miss our new interview with veteran worship leader Tommy Walker, who has some interesting things to say about reflecting your church through the music, and why modern worship has been a bit of a Catch-22, musically speaking. Also check out our latest installment in the "What's in a Label?" series, featuring Gotee Records. And be sure to read this week's Scoop news round-up for the latest on Steven Curtis Chapman's family, as well as some tragic news regarding Nicol Sponberg (formerly of Selah).
God bless your week,
Russ Breimeier
ChristianityToday.com"
http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/
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