Having spent seven summers as a teenager at a Christian camp leading worship I know a bit about Christian music.  I know the best of it inspires like nothing else on the planet.  I also know the worst of it is, unfortunately, most of it. 

            That is why I undertake a special project every few years for the members of Saint James’ youth group.  I spend 4 or 5 hours on iTunes (free software available at apple.com/itunes) surfing from Christian band to Christian band looking for the best of the best to give out as recommendations. 

            Having finished the latest iteration of this project only last week I am thrilled to announce there are some truly great Christian bands making exceptional music today.  I would like to share with you the names of a few of those bands. 

            (The iTunes software mentioned above lets you listen to free 30 second clips of any of these bands you would like to hear.)

            The DAVID CROWDER BAND has up to the moment, impressive production values, fine examples of musicianship and great songwriting.  This group is not what you will expect if your idea of Christian music was formed by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith – two huge names from decades ago.  This band could take on anyone singing popular music today and have a great time doing it.

            VOTA is another band that combines state-of-the-art production with musicianship and flair.  They sound an awful lot like Maroon 5, if you’ve heard of that band.  In this case the similarity works in their favor.  Syncopated rhythms and driving vocals make listening to these folks a really good time.

            CHRIS TOMLIN makes albums that you might call worship records. Hip and smooth with a great voice, he uses his talents to create immersive, emotional songs of praise able immediately to touch the heart.  Far from being cloying, though, the best of his music is strong and fresh.

            HILLSONG UNITED creates live worship albums recorded in the presence of thousands. The electric passion of the crowds is compelling as their voices are heard singing along in seriously inspired worship.

            GROUP 1 CREW is about as far from what you would expect of Christian music as possible.  Would you believe it’s Christian Hip Hop / Rap?  Would you believe it’s foot-tapping, heart-pounding good?  Check them out, if only for kicks.  You might be surprised!

            FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI is on the opposite extreme from the Christian rap mentioned above.  Her sunny, fresh, clear voice singing over crisp acoustic guitar is about as close to a perfect spring breeze as you’ve heard.  Many of her songs are just plain nice.

            STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN has been around for a while.  I put him in the Easy Listening category -- perfect if you are looking for quality music easy to listen to and not too demanding on the mind or ear.  He’ll make you feel good.  Warm and fuzzy. Much of his work is first rate. 

            Other groups I liked included NEWSBOYS (for an idea of their sound, imagine waterskiing behind a cigarette boat on water smooth as glass), CHASEN (like jogging with a friend through sunflowers), BRANDON HEATH (like mid-September in college with nothing to do but enjoy being alive), ZOEGIRL (like sipping lemonade in the spray of a massive waterfall), and LEIGH NASH (like standing barefoot on good farm soil, feeling the earth solid and warm under your feet).

            If it has been a while since you gave Christian rock a chance, now is a great time to spread your wings.  If you listen for even a little while you’ll be amazed… when you go back to “regular radio”.  Those folks sing about the most depressing things. 

            For a nice change, give happy people living balanced, centered lives a chance to sing to you about joy, love and forgiveness.  Before long they might not be singing to you any more.  They’ll be singing with you!