# Folk Christian Music **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 20, 2014, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875 "2014-10-20T01:37:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/1 "2014-10-20T01:37:00Z")
Now that I’m getting back to my faith, I’d occasionally like to listen to some Christian music that isn’t, well, God awful. 😛 Something more uplifting than classic rock on Sundays. And I know we have posters on the board that are fans, so I’m hoping someone can hook me up. (Even with past searches too. I can’t ever get stupid Tapatalk to pull anything up.) My first go round in the 80s, had me listening to whatever came down the pike. I was into Amy Grant, Whiteheart, Petra, etc., although Stryper was too hard for me. Yeah, I’ll take a minute to let that sink in. Anyway, these days I think I’m interested in some alternative type stuff, and if our song leader’s choices are representative, folk maybe or the spiritual version of Lilith Fair. I like thoughtfulness, guitars, and for it to be mostly on the upbeat side (however, I wouldn’t turn it down if it’s really just awesome in general), to name a few things. No matter what though, I’m not interested in it being preachy, fundamentalist or anything hardcore doom and gloom hellfire. I had enough of that growing up. Blargh. So, If’n ya know something you wanna share, lay it on me. You’re suggestions will be much appreciated. Thanks much. ---
**Author:** ![puddleglum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puddleglum/32/137_2.png) [@puddleglum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puddleglum)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/2 "2014-10-20T01:48:38Z")
Phil Keaggy is a renowned finger style guitar player who does Christian music. Micheal Card does stuff I would characterize as folky. If you have not heard the DC talk cover version of “I wish we’d all been ready” I recommend that. Sixpence none the richer might fit the style you are looking for. I don’t have many recent recommendations but you might want to try those. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/3 "2014-10-20T02:04:29Z")
If you’re at all interested in 60’s style folk, try to find the old albums of the [Montfort Mission](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KCWof5B4vg). They were a group of seminarians from St. Louis who actually got [signed to a major record label.](http://www.theancientstar-song.com/2010/05/montfort-mission/) Just imagine “folk Mass” and you’re there. ---
**Author:** ![wedgehed](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8edcca/32.png) [@wedgehed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wedgehed)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/4 "2014-10-20T02:28:04Z")
I haven’t followed Bruce Cockburn for many years now, but I’m fairly confident that most of his albums up thru _Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws_ had a Christian mysticism vibe to them. I went searching for a Bruce Cockburn video & found him & Phil Keaggy [performing together!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q0fbewWqlM) ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/5 "2014-10-20T02:37:56Z")
Excellent suggestions! I remember Phil Keaggy from back in the day, but then, he wasn’t pop enough. \< smack \> I’ll definitely check out Card and Cockburn, and I really like the story behind Montfort Mission. I even think I’ve got some Sixpence, too. Anyway, off to check out iTunes. You guys are the best. ETA: It was here that someone introduced me to Pedro the Lion. I really thank whoever that was. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/6 "2014-10-20T03:13:00Z")
Jars of Clay? They had a hit with a song called "Flood’ back in 1995, but they’re still sufficiently popular that it apparently caused a bit of a tizzy in the Christian fundamentalist community when the lead singer sent out [some tweets apparently supporting gay marriage.](http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/in-the-line-of-fire/43605-the-shattering-of-jars-of-clay) ---
**Author:** ![sisu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@sisu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sisu)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/7 "2014-10-20T03:49:45Z")
Gregorian Chants always work for me or how about a bit of this? [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oyAuockfZQ](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oyAuockfZQ) ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/8 "2014-10-20T09:27:12Z")
I’ll add a vote for **Jars of Clay** , and add _Cathy Burton_. Also **Brooke Fraser** ’s first couple of albums have a christian ethic with a pop/folk sound. I haven’t heard her new album, but it apparently has a more electronica feel. Brooke is a kiwi who got her start recording with Hillsongs in Australia. For a rockier feel, **Casting Crowns** and maybe **Dustin Kensrue**. Look for his acoustic covers on youtube. Oh and if you want light pop folk with classy vocal harmonies, try **Daughters of Davis** - sisters from Winchester who went busking for two years round the UK in a panel van. They now tour in Otis, a campervan supplied by the UK Caravan Club (I’m guessing they used a lot of club sites while touring). ---
**Author:** ![SalGal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/db5fbb/32.png) [@SalGal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SalGal)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/9 "2014-10-20T14:21:03Z")
You might try these (who are not exactly _folk_, but just fun music): Jimmy Needham Francesca Battistelli David Crowder (both as DC Band and whatever he is now) Folk Angel Shane and Shane Third Day, who are great Southern Rockers 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![as\_u\_wish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@as\_u\_wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/as_u_wish)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/10 "2014-10-20T14:30:40Z")
I am currently enjoying John Waller (earthier sound) and Citizen Way (quite “pop” but wonderfully orthodox lyrics…). You might check out Big Daddy Weave as well. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/11 "2014-10-20T14:52:20Z")
Although I’m a Christian, I generally have little use for “Christian” music. One of the few folkie Christain musicians who’s often interesting to me is John Michael Talbot. ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/12 "2014-10-20T15:35:43Z")
Lazarus was a folk trio back in the day. I’m pretty sure their lovely LP is long out of print, but you can [listen to it here](http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nYYNGd2ETVc&list=PLgCgTDz29sr9kP8xLdIXsP_a6_-iV8YsQ). Beautiful harmonies. ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/13 "2014-10-20T15:44:59Z")
Sorry, missed the edit window. All 8 lazarus songs are on YouTube, but it won’t let me link to the playlist for some reason. Here is one. https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYYNGd2ETVc?feature=oembed&wmode=opaque&list=PLgCgTDz29sr9kP8xLdIXsP_a6_-iV8YsQ If you like it you can find the others by clicking the links with the same album cover onthe sidebar. ---
**Author:** ![joyfool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@joyfool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joyfool)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/14 "2014-10-20T16:28:30Z")
These are awesome. I’m posting in a hurry right now, but I promise to be back later and let everyone know what all I’ve found from your suggestions. Keep them coming and thanks! ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/15 "2014-10-20T17:35:35Z")
Not a folkie but Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy’s rendition of “[Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gYuEXsKsiU)” is gorgeous. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/16 "2014-10-20T17:45:04Z")
I’m a big fan of the Lost Dogs. [Here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKmehRl3lB0) and [here](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aiH5EGZ6I4) are a couple of samples. ---
**Author:** ![Quercus\_alba](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quercus_alba/32/4061_2.png) [@Quercus\_alba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quercus_alba)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2014, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/17 "2014-10-21T23:45:03Z")
Not explicitly Christian, but definitely folk-y and faith-influenced: [Over the Rhine](http://youtu.be/hPxGJTC0SYM) Alison Krauss, too, has a very folksy sound, and lots of songs that are positive–know nothing of her faith system, however. [Alison Krauss - Simple Love - YouTube](http://youtu.be/At06d1sBlaE) ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2014, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/18 "2014-10-22T21:26:19Z")
Another possible suggestion: [Mark Heard](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Heard), a singer-songwriter who died in 1992 at the tragically young age of 40. Or see the tribute album [“Strong Hand of Love”](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strong_Hand_of_Love:_A_Tribute_to_Mark_Heard) or some of the artists who appear on that album (which include Phil Keaggy and Bruce Cockburn, mentioned upthread), or the [documentary video here on YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8VnG-iXTY0). (Although, his songs may not all be as “uplifting” or “upbeat” as you’re looking for. His songwriting frequently reflects the vulnerability, sadness, and struggle in the human condition.) ---
**Author:** ![FriarTed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/friarted/32/1052_2.png) [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/19 "2014-10-23T01:43:15Z")
Another vote for John Michael Talbot, and add one from Michael Card. Also, Maire Brennan of Clannad (she’s also Enya’s sister) and the group IONA. ---
**Author:** ![Cuckoorex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ad7895/32.png) [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2014, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875/20 "2014-10-23T15:23:07Z")
While no longer a believer, I once loved: [Acoustic Shack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2uKQi1Q4_8) [Over the Rhine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98fO4r-GzM0) (seconded from Quercus alba above) [Mo Leverett](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vG6ZffbgrU) and my personal favorites, [Waterdeep](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HldPgX2-zc&list=PLB8A9C1A3699DB9FF&index=2) (Don Chaffer & co.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/folk-christian-music/701875.md?page=2)