DOCSLIB.ORG

God's Not Dead

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
God's Not Dead ______________________________________________ NEWSBOYS- GOD’S NOT DEAD - Some things never change, and chief among them is God’s supernatural living presence on the magnificent earth He created; His active and loving attention toward people in every nation. On a human level, one related constant is the enduring Christian pop band Newsboys’ desire to intentionally praise this God at every turn, countering to some degree those cynics throughout history who don’t believe faith and reason can coexist. Boldly energized by 2010’s runaway best-selling Born Again record, its three No. 1 radio hits, and a headlining slot on the world’s biggest tour in first quarter 2011 (playing to more than half a million people), Newsboys are back in earnest with God’s Not Dead, an apologetics megaphone of sorts that will rock the worship music scene well into 2012. This rock-driven set finds soulful front man Michael Tait and his steadfast band mates Jeff Frankenstein (keys), Duncan Phillips (drums), and Jody Davis (guitars) enlivening today’s most embraced modern worship anthems, putting their signature touch on songs that have recently topped the Church Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) chart. Along the way Newsboys introduce several new originals co-written by enthusiastic producer Seth Mosley, tunes as joyous and heart stirring as the ones you already know. At the album’s core, God’s Not Dead celebrates victory over centuries of philosophical thought that has taught otherwise. Friedrich Nietzsche once proclaimed, “God is dead.” But, as Newsboys’ friend and pastor Rice Broocks likes to say, “A funny thing happened on the way to the funeral.” From Asia to Africa to America, belief in the all-knowing and all- powerful Creator has surged in recent years, a truth Newsboys are ready to amplify. “If God’s not dead, then let’s worship Him,” declares Michael. “We serve a living God!” Throughout the band’s award-winning, envelope-pushing history, expressions of worship have always been evident in any given Newsboys track listing. Sometimes they’ve even dominated an entire gold-selling album as on Adoration nearly a decade ago. When Tait joined the group in 2009, he and the other three ‘boys—the true heart of the quartet, having played together since 1994—wanted fans to know that worship emphasis would never change. In fact, plans for God’s Not Dead began before Born Again was released. “There are so many things I love about being a Newsboy—we really are a band of brothers—but the biggest one is that our music always shares the gospel outright. The message is unchanging whether you look at a song as rock or worship,” says Tait. That message is strong and clear on the brightly syncopated “Your Love Never Fails,” an unmistakably Newsboys-arranged pop interpretation of a worship favorite that proclaims: You stay the same through the ages / Your love never changes / There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning. It’s also there on reverent runs through the Hillsong hits “Forever Reign” and “Mighty to Save” and Gateway Worship’s “Revelation Song,” all familiar songs to a point, until these guys stoke each one with their own passion. “You can call this a modern worship record, but we’re also very direct about making it work as pop and rock,” Michael explains. “We try to be seamless in connecting those styles and just want to make the best possible version of these great songs that we can.” Their mission is surely accomplished on the roaring title track, which reunites Tait with Kevin Max, both formerly part of the multi-platinum trio dc Talk. Written by Daniel Bashta, it prays God will: come shake the ground with the sounds of revival. And hearing two friends sing together again after many years apart does bring an air of renewal. NEWSBOYS “ I honestly forgot how great a singer Kevin is,” admits Michael. “I was listening back to the track and just had to tell him: ‘Dude, you delivered. I know why dc Talk worked.’” The match up with Max went so well that Newsboys invited him back into the studio to sing on “Second to One” the edgiest cut on God’s Not Dead that shouts: I am second to One / the Savior / to live is to die / to fall is to rise. The raucous piece was inspired by the band’s tie to I Am Second, a ministry that reaches out to struggling people and encourages them to live first for God. Another original, “The King Is Coming,” may be the most moving selection of the entire bunch, an epic worship declaration from Newsboys that powerfully states: Split the sky with Your glory / Bring to life an awakening / Burn away everything that’s not for You. “I think it’s the best song ever, and I can say that because I didn’t write it,” Tait laughs. “The lyrics cast such an intense visual, and the band’s playing is just ridiculous. On a record full of No. 1 worship songs, for this new one to stand out really says something.” Michael’s genuine exuberance about the work done on God’s Not Dead is right in line with the charismatic lead singer he has become. In relation, Wes Campbell, Newsboys’ longtime manager and ministry partner, can tell stories the humble Tait will not. “When he joined the band, Michael was naturally nervous about captaining the Newsboys ship and taking on the preacher-type role, not having been that guy in dc Talk,” Campbell says. “But a couple of years into this, veteran Christian event promoters are telling me, ‘That’s the best presentation of the gospel I’ve ever heard.’ He takes crowds from laughter to silence with his testimony: a sister taken by AIDS, a brother in prison. People see he’s not a star on stage, just a real life guy who needs a Savior like everyone else.” Tait concludes, “Yeah, I love the music, but I find myself looking for the end of the song now because I’m so anxious to share the message. At the end of the day, because I have been through some things, I just want people to get it so bad. The black guy over here, the white girl over there: I just want them to get it.” Have you got that? God’s not dead, and neither is today’s most resilient and audience engaging worship- meets-rock-and-roll band. Look for Newsboys living out the message of God’s Not Dead as they plan their most ambitious tour yet in 2012. # # # www.Newsboys.com www.Inpop.com .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Losing My Voice 1P.Indd 3 6/14/19 12:50 PM Losing My Voice 1P.Indd 4 6/14/19 12:50 PM Losing My Voice to Find It MARK STUART STORY
    losing my voice to find it Losing My Voice_1P.indd 3 6/14/19 12:50 PM Losing My Voice_1P.indd 4 6/14/19 12:50 PM losing my voice to find it MARK STUART STORY MARK STUART Losing My Voice_1P.indd 5 6/14/19 12:50 PM © 2019 Mark Stuart All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means— electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other— except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. Nelson Books and Thomas Nelson are registered trademarks of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund- raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e- mail [email protected]. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.Zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.® Any Internet addresses, phone numbers, or company or product information printed in this book are offered as a resource and are not intended in any way to be or to imply an endorsement by Thomas Nelson, nor does Thomas Nelson vouch for the existence, content, or services of these sites, phone numbers, companies, or products beyond the life of this book.
    [Show full text]
  • 16-17 R Dorr
    Music, Millennials, and Mission Mobilization Rachel Dorr “Give me the music of a nation, people to go overseas. He founded I “Beyond the Gates,” based on the Jim and I will change the mind of that CARE MINISTRIES and has trained Elliot story. Jars of Clay have long nation.” a variety of Christian musicians. been spokespersons for the suffering -- Plato The message of God’s global Body of Christ with Open Doors In- reign is nonetheless conspicuously ternational and Prayer for the Perse- “There is a whole generation that missing in much of today’s Christian cuted Church. DC Talk produced two the church has lost – the sight and music, although the picture is chang- powerful volumes called “Jesus Freaks,” sound generation. MTV has cap- ing. Frank Fortunato, music director containing true stories from many na- tured them, but the church hasn’t.” for Operation Mobilization, observes, tions of radical and costly discipleship. -- Ed Basler, “There has been a gradual growth, Some mission-minded groups are founder of Souled Out particularly in the last ten years, in the dedicated to train musicians, whether increase of songs about worship among to minister in their own culture or Some may suspect such claims to the nations.” to prepare for cross-cultural service. be exaggerations, but we must ac- For example, the “Passion” CDs are Karen Lafferty directs YWAM’s knowledge that musicians are a power- “Musicians for Missions,” working to ful infl uence on the millennial genera- selling like hotcakes; these focus on God’s glory and provide some global train and mobilize “grassroots” musi- tion, for good or for evil.
    [Show full text]
  • June 1, 2016 Dear Customer, Please Be Advised That the Titles On
    June 1, 2016 Dear Customer, Please be advised that the titles on this Summer 2016 Deleted Titles list will be DELETED from the Capitol Christian Distribution catalog effective Wednesday, June 8, 2016. These titles will no longer be available for orders on or after that date. All return authorization requests for these titles must be submitted no later than Sunday, August 7, 2016 and all physical returns received in our Jacksonville, IL Distribution Center no later than Thursday, October 6, 2016. As a reminder, you may request your return authorization online 24/7 at www.capitolchristiandistribution.com. Please remember to update your point of sale (POS) system to reflect these changes. If you have any questions about this information please contact your Capitol Christian Distribution sales representative at 1 (800) 877- 4443. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best Regards, Greg Bays Executive Vice President Capitol Christian Distribution CAPITOL CHRISTIAN DISTRIBUTION SUMMER 2016 DELETED TITLES LIST Return Authorization Due Date August 7, 2016 • Physical Returns Due Date October 6, 2016 RECORDED MUSIC ARTIST TITLE UPC LABEL CONFIG Amy Grant Amy Grant 094639678525 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant My Father's Eyes 094639678624 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant Never Alone 094639678723 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant Straight Ahead 094639679225 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant Unguarded 094639679324 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant House Of Love 094639679829 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant Behind The Eyes 094639680023 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant A Christmas To Remember 094639680122 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant Simple Things 094639735723 Amy Grant Productions CD Amy Grant Icon 5099973589624 Amy Grant Productions CD Seventh Day Slumber Finally Awake 094635270525 BEC Recordings CD Manafest Glory 094637094129 BEC Recordings CD KJ-52 The Yearbook 094637829523 BEC Recordings CD Hawk Nelson Hawk Nelson Is My Friend 094639418527 BEC Recordings CD The O.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Premier Productions and Newsboys Announce All New BIG CHURCH
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Premier Productions and Newsboys Announce All New BIG CHURCH NIGHT OUT TOUR This Fall; Strategic Partnership with Pandora Radio Big Church Night Out Takes Over Pandora's Christian Contemporary Station July 5th-July 13th Public On Sale Friday, July 14th at 10 am Nashville, Tenn. (July 5, 2017) - Premier Productions and GRAMMY® nominated Newsboys announce the all new Big Church Night Out Tour. With nearly fifty shows across the U.S., each night will foster a time of worship, ministry and unity. Joining the tour will also be Sidewalk Prophets, 7eventh Time Down, Derek Minor, Blanca, Adam Agee from Audio Adrenaline, illusionist Brock Gill, worship leader Jamison Strain, and Jeremy Willet. "When families, friends, and neighbors take time out of their busy lives to come together and join as one in worship, that is the church," says Newsboys Michael Tait. "That is the makings of one BIG night, and we could not be more thrilled to be a part of it." Powered by Pandora and CCM Magazine, the tour will offer a chance for rejuvenation in exchange for the chaos and business of everyday life. In anticipation for the tour, Big Church Night Out will be taking over Pandora's Christian Contemporary station from July 5th to July 13th offering a pre-sale to listeners as well as in-depth interviews from Newsboys front man, Michael Tait. Kevin Sparkman, editor of CCM Magazine shares about the upcoming tour, “Go Big. Real big. A night-out that everyone needs!” Hitting the East Coast, South and Midwest, the tour will begin in Montgomery, Alabama and make its final stop in Charlotte, North Carolina.
    [Show full text]
  • The Liberty Champion, Volume 11, Issue 23)
    Scholars Crossing 1993 -- 1994 Liberty University School Newspaper 4-26-1994 04-26-94 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 11, Issue 23) Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/paper_93_94 Recommended Citation "04-26-94 (The Liberty Champion, Volume 11, Issue 23)" (1994). 1993 -- 1994. 24. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/paper_93_94/24 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Liberty University School Newspaper at Scholars Crossing. It has been accepted for inclusion in 1993 -- 1994 by an authorized administrator of Scholars Crossing. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ^^"" _J J B Nonprofit org. ' ' U.S. Postage liversity, Lynchburg, Va. Tuesday. April 26,19926,19944 , Vol. 11, No. 23 LJS . va INSIDE: SGA to sponsor IN THE NEWS: Student senate will be ratifying the new Student Government Association constitution, on Thurs­ 'Spring Fling' party day, April 28. Page 2. By IVETTE HASSAN nal exams." Party include: airball for 18 Champion Reporter He also added that "we want people, bouncy boxing, gyro, CAMPUS C ALENDAR! Students encouraged to to leave the students in a good horizontal bungee run, dunking Liberty University's Student m help clean up the Liberty University campus. SG A will offer note at the end of the year." booth (with administrators, fac­ Life office will hold its second special prizes to students who participate. Page 2. "(The Block Party) is a time ulty and staff), two portable bas- "Block Party" on Saturday, May at the beginning and at the end ketball hoops and several 7, in the DeMoss parking lot, of the year where students can pingpong tables.
    [Show full text]
  • Christian Rock Concerts As a Meeting Between Religion and Popular Culture
    ANDREAS HAGER Christian Rock Concerts as a Meeting between Religion and Popular Culture Introduction Different forms of artistic expression play a vital role in religious practices of the most diverse traditions. One very important such expression is music. This paper deals with a contemporary form of religious music, Christian rock. Rock or popular music has been used within Christianity as a means for evangelization and worship since the end of the 1960s.1 The genre of "contemporary Christian music", or Christian rock, stands by definition with one foot in established institutional (in practicality often evangelical) Christianity, and the other in the commercial rock music industry. The subject of this paper is to study how this intermediate position is manifested and negotiated in Christian rock concerts. Such a performance of Christian rock music is here assumed to be both a rock concert and a religious service. The paper will examine how this duality is expressed in practices at Christian rock concerts. The research context of the study is, on the one hand, the sociology of religion, and on the other, the small but growing field of the study of religion and popular culture. The sociology of religion discusses the role and posi- tion of religion in contemporary society and culture. The duality of Chris- tian rock and Christian rock concerts, being part of both a traditional religion and a modern medium and business, is understood here as a concrete exam- ple of the relation of religion to modern society. The study of the relations between religion and popular culture seems to have been a latent field within research on religion at least since the 1970s, when the possibility of the research topic was suggested in a pioneer volume by John Nelson (1976).
    [Show full text]
  • Contemporary Christian Music & The
    PLAYING THE MARKET: CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC & THE THEORY OF RELIGIOUS ECONOMY by Jamie Carrick B.A., The University of Calgary, 2007 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS in The Faculty of Graduate Studies (Religious Studies) THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (Vancouver) October 2012 © Jamie Carrick, 2012 Abstract Contemporary Christian music (CCM) is a fascinating and understudied part of the religious vitality of modern American religion. In this dissertation the theory of religious economy is proposed as a valuable and highly serviceable methodological approach for the scholarly study of CCM. The theory of religious economy, or the marketplace approach, incorporates economic concepts and terminology in order to better explain American religion in its distinctly American context. In this study, I propose three ways in which this method can be applied. Firstly, I propose that CCM artists can be identified as religious firms operating on the “supply-side” of the religio-economic dynamic; it is their music, specifically the diverse brands of Christianity espoused there within, that can allow CCM artists to be interpreted in such a way. Secondly, the diversity within the public religious expressions of CCM artists can be recognized as being comparable to religious pluralism in a free marketplace of religion. Finally, it is suggested that the relationship between supply-side firms is determined, primarily, by the competitive reality of a free market religious economy. ii Table of Contents Abstract . ii Table of Contents . iii List of Figures . iv Acknowledgements . v 1 Introduction . 1 1.1 Introduction . 1 1.2 Religion & Popular Culture .
    [Show full text]
  • Praise & Worship from Moody Radio
    Praise & Worship from Moody Radio 04/28/15 Tuesday 12 A (CT) Air Time (CT) Title Artist Album 12:00:10 AM Hold Me Jesus Big Daddy Weave Every Time I Breathe (2006) 12:03:59 AM Do Something Matthew West Into The Light 12:07:59 AM Wonderful Merciful Savior Selah Press On (2001) 12:12:20 AM Jesus Loves Me Chris Tomlin Love Ran Red (2014) 12:15:45 AM Crown Him With Many Crowns Michael W. Smith/Anointed I'll Lead You Home (1995) 12:21:51 AM Gloria Todd Agnew Need (2009) 12:24:36 AM Glory Phil Wickham The Ascension (2013) 12:27:47 AM Do Everything Steven Curtis Chapman Do Everything (2011) 12:31:29 AM O Love Of God Laura Story God Of Every Story (2013) 12:34:26 AM Hear My Worship Jaime Jamgochian Reason To Live (2006) 12:37:45 AM Broken Together Casting Crowns Thrive (2014) 12:42:04 AM Love Has Come Mark Schultz Come Alive (2009) 12:45:49 AM Reach Beyond Phil Stacey/Chris August Single (2015) 12:51:46 AM He Knows Your Name Denver & the Mile High Orches EP 12:55:16 AM More Than Conquerors Rend Collective The Art Of Celebration (2014) Praise & Worship from Moody Radio 04/28/15 Tuesday 1 A (CT) Air Time (CT) Title Artist Album 1:00:08 AM You Are My All In All Nichole Nordeman WOW Worship: Yellow (2003) 1:03:59 AM How Can It Be Lauren Daigle How Can It Be (2014) 1:08:12 AM Truth Calvin Nowell Start Somewhere 1:11:57 AM The One Aaron Shust Morning Rises (2013) 1:15:52 AM Great Is Thy Faithfulness Avalon Faith: A Hymns Collection (2006) 1:21:50 AM Beyond Me Toby Mac TBA (2015) 1:25:02 AM Jesus, You Are Beautiful Cece Winans Throne Room 1:29:53 AM No Turning Back Brandon Heath TBA (2015) 1:32:59 AM My God Point of Grace Steady On 1:37:28 AM Let Them See You JJ Weeks Band All Over The World (2009) 1:40:46 AM Yours Steven Curtis Chapman This Moment 1:45:28 AM Burn Bright Natalie Grant Hurricane (2013) 1:51:42 AM Indescribable Chris Tomlin Arriving (2004) 1:55:27 AM Made New Lincoln Brewster Oxygen (2014) Praise & Worship from Moody Radio 04/28/15 Tuesday 2 A (CT) Air Time (CT) Title Artist Album 2:00:09 AM Beautiful MercyMe The Generous Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction
    Introduction SpringHill Winter Teen Retreats are for Junior High and Senior High students in your group. Where else can your group tube down a giant snow hill, enjoy an awesome band, and experience God all in one day? Your students will conquer challenges on the indoor climbing wall and within their own hearts. At SpringHill Winter Teen Retreats, fun and faith come together to grow your group and every student in it. CONTENTS Retreats Schedule Lineup ............................................3 Promotional Schedule ...............................................8 Promotional Materials ...............................................9 SpringHill | 7717 95th Ave. | Evart, MI 49631 | 231.734.2616 2 Retreats Schedule Lineup We take students out of their everyday routines, giving them freedom to experience God in profound ways through fun activities, challenging moments, inspiring speakers, and awesome bands. There are ten different Winter Teen Retreats to choose from based on grade, different speakers, and bands. Select the best option for your ministry. JANUARY 13–15 Junior High Speaker: RO Smith RO and Mindy met as co-workers at Springhill Camps in Evart, MI. They have been married for 13 years and recently became parents to a beautiful baby girl named Eleanor Lane. RO and Mindy currently serve at Bel Air Church in Los Angeles, CA. RO is the RO Smith Director of Youth Discipleship and Mindy is the Senior Director of Children and Youth, including oversight of the church’s accredited preschool. As part of their call to ministry in Los Angeles, they desire for families to “follow Jesus every day and everywhere with everyone.” RO and Mindy are enthusiastic sports fans and love to spend time outdoors with Eleanor and Scout (their adorable dog).
    [Show full text]
  • Contemporary Christian Music and Oklahoma
    - HOL Y ROCK 'N' ROLLERS: CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND OKLAHOMA COLLEGE STUDENTS By BOBBI KAY HOOPER Bachelor of Science Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma 1993 Submitted to the Faculty of the Oklahoma State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE August, 2003 HOLY ROCK 'N' ROLLERS: CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC AND OKLAHOMA COLLEGE STUDENTS Thesis Approved: ------'--~~D...e~--e----- 11 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My sincere appreciation goes out to my adviser. Dr. Jami A. Fullerton. for her insight, support and direction. It was a pleasure and privilege to work with her. My thanks go out to my committee members, Dr. Stan Kerterer and Dr. Tom Weir. ""hose knowledge and guidance helped make this publication possible. I want to thank my friend Matt Hamilton who generously gave of his time 10 act as the moderator for all fOUf of the focus groups and worked with me in analyzing the data. ] also want to thank the participants of this investigation - the Christian college students who so willingly shared their beliefs and opinions. They made research fun r My friends Bret and Gina r.uallen musl nlso be recognii'_cd for introducing me !(l tbe depth and vitality ofChrislian music. Finally. l must also give thanks to my parents. Bohby and Helen Hoopc,;r. whose faith ,md encouragement enabled me to see the possibilities and potential in sitting down. 111 - TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Page 1. INTRODUCTION Overview ofThesis Research Problem 3 Justification Definition ofTerms 4 [I. LITERATURE REVIEW 5 Theoretical Framework 6 Uses and Gratifications 6 Media Dependency 7 Tuning In: Popular Music Uses and Gratifications 8 Bad Music, Bad Behavior: Effects of Rock Music 11 The Word is Out: Religious Broadcasting 14 Taking Music "Higher": ('eM 17 Uses & Gratifications applied to CCM 22 111.
    [Show full text]
  • John James Newsboys Testimony
    John James Newsboys Testimony Robert machine-gunned her bout concavely, she hypothesizes it penally. Fourfold Casper reconvened no oxidizes:unmalleability he premiss stoop inappreciativelyhis theopathies aftermischievously Antonino insolubilizingand clockwise. peremptorily, quite Elysian. Unpastured Isa Ccm bands including code. Christmas in my New England 1620-120 American. Thompson had heard. WAY Nation waynationofficial Instagram photos and videos. Testimony from John James lead vocalist of the Newsboys from 195 to 1997 Electricity or moist we're decrease a Celebrate Recovery post-hurricane title at. In testimony whereof I hereunto subcrtbe my nam and affix my official teal tkls SEAL. The Newsboys have star gold albums and military have sold over twenty million. A special testimony from John James former lead singer of newsboys. Deliver their testimony because a bystander Heidi Gardner faints at every. After Phyllis's testimony Eve calls Jane to do stand and asks her boy give her puppy She says that circumstance she was married her lay was Annette Dubois but. Following is testimony he may have. JMGriffith James Johnson James Tuft a James H Hamlen Jane L Stanford Jennie Sweeney John Palmer John Smith. The current study step is a high afterwards became great hall and learning how old to its execution wednesday, messed up in which stars jon voight and john james testimony. John James Interview John James 2010 Jesusfreakhideout. Up for killing in our desires so far as well established by taking fire zone was concluded that emerged was slightly wounded by general policy, musical sensibility or homeless. Edwards v People 151 Colo 262 Casetext Search Citator.
    [Show full text]
  • An Examination of Contemporary Christian Music Success Within Mainstream Rock and Country Billboard Charts Megan Marie Carlan
    Pace University DigitalCommons@Pace Honors College Theses Pforzheimer Honors College 8-21-2019 An Examination of Contemporary Christian Music Success Within Mainstream Rock and Country Billboard Charts Megan Marie Carlan Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/honorscollege_theses Part of the Music Business Commons An Examination of Contemporary Christian Music Success Within Mainstream Rock and Country Billboard Charts By Megan Marie Carlan Arts and Entertainment Management Dr. Theresa Lant Lubin School of Business August 21, 2019 Abstract Ranging from inspirational songs void of theological language to worship music imbued with overt religious messages, Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) has a long history of being ill-defined. Due to the genre’s flexible nature, many Christian artists over the years have used vague imagery and secular lyrical content to find favor among mainstream outlets. This study examined the most recent ten-year period of CCM to determine its ability to cross over into the mainstream music scene, while also assessing the impact of its lyrical content and genre on the probability of reaching such mainstream success. For the years 2008-2018, Billboard data were collected for every Christian song on the Hot 100, Hot Rock Songs, or Hot Country Songs in order to detect any noticeable trend regarding the rise or fall of CCM; each song then was coded for theological language. No obvious trend emerged regarding the mainstream success of CCM as a whole, but the genre of Rock was found to possess the greatest degree of mainstream success. Rock also, however, was shown to have a very low tolerance for theological language, contrasted with the high tolerance of Country.
    [Show full text]