# Looking for religious music that isn't typical of religious music **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 18, 2007, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302 "2007-07-18T20:15:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2007, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/41 "2007-07-19T21:21:57Z")
Wow. Just on a whim, I YouTubed “Flood Jars of Clay”. I don’t usually care much for the garage band sound, but that really is quite good. ---
**Author:** ![robardin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/43a26b/32.png) [@robardin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robardin)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2007, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/42 "2007-07-19T21:33:49Z")
There’s also **Kanye West** ’s hit from two years ago or so, _Jesus Walks_. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2007, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/43 "2007-07-19T23:54:41Z")
1980’s band Mr Mister had some very Christian songs: “Power Over Me” from _Go On…_ & “Kyrie” from _Welcome to the Real World_ are some of the most obvious. Dana Glover’s album _Testimony_ is pop, or maybe soul–or is it gospel?–that brushes up against being “contemporary Christian,” but isn’t quite: “Rain” is probably my favorite track. Midnight Oil has a few, very ambiguous, possibly Christian songs: “Drums of Heaven” from _Earth & Sun & Moon_ may be, & the tracks “Maralinga” & “Somebody’s Trying to Tell Me Something” from _10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1_ sound a bit like it. For much less reverent takes on religion, I have a soft spot for Depeche Mode’s “Blasphemous Rumours,” & to a lesser extent, John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” & “God.” Dweezil Zappa’s band Z put a nifty song called “Loser” on the album _Shampoohorn_ which is a parody of religious faith, but could almost work sincerely. (That album also has “Jesus Clone” & “Them” which are _really_ anti-Christian.) ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2007, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/44 "2007-07-20T00:31:46Z")
[QUOTE=Enright3] Yeah, I know there are a lot of athiests, agnostics, and others out there. With all due respect, I don’t need really care to hear your replies if they’re knocking the above request. [/QUOTE] Maybe you’re not interested in entering into this discussion at all, but why do you assume that atheists are likely to have a particular problem with your request? I have no trouble reconciling my atheism with my strong interest in particular fields of religious music. Edit: I suppose I should also contribute an example, so I’ll go for Ms Dynamite, _Judgement Day_. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/45 "2007-08-14T04:11:43Z")
[QUOTE=GorillaMan] Maybe you’re not interested in entering into this discussion at all, but why do you assume that atheists are likely to have a particular problem with your request? I have no trouble reconciling my atheism with my strong interest in particular fields of religious music. Edit: I suppose I should also contribute an example, so I’ll go for Ms Dynamite, _Judgement Day_. [/QUOTE] The only thing I assumed is a proven fact if you read these boards; and that is for every opinion someone has an opposite opinion. In this particular thread I was looking for something specific, and asked that others be positive. I see where I singled out the group I thought would most likely cause problems. I should have just left it at “Please offer positive replies only”. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/46 "2007-08-14T07:28:32Z")
How about Marc Cohn’s _Walkin’ in Memphis_? “Tell me are you a Christian, child?” And I said, “Ma’am, I am tonight.” ---
**Author:** ![Big\_G](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e4f/32.png) [@Big\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_G)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/47 "2007-08-14T12:08:48Z")
Anything by **Matisyahu** , I would recommend _King Without A Crown_ from the album “Live at Stubb’s” as a good example. It’s Jewish reggae, and just about every song is religious. ---
**Author:** ![EdwinBirdsong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c89c15/32.png) [@EdwinBirdsong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwinBirdsong)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/48 "2007-08-14T13:23:40Z")
Check [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=420556&page=2&pp=50) for more info. Some really unusual bands are mentioned towards the end. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/49 "2007-08-14T13:44:28Z")
There’s (Jethro Tull’s) Ian Anderson’s [Divinities: 12 Dances with God](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divinities:_Twelve_Dances_with_God). Very good instrumental stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/50 "2007-08-14T16:06:55Z")
Well, if you’re going to go with Jars of Clay, let me recommend my favorite tracks. I used to listen to these guys religiously (pardon the pun) back in my Bible Thumping Days, and I still pull them out once in a while because they really are an amazing musical talent, with excellently well-crafted lyrics. Seeing them live was probably one of the most powerful religious experiences I ever had. ‘‘Art in Me,’’ about trying to sell records that sing about God: \*Broken stained glass windows and fragments ramble on Tales of broken souls and eternities been won As critics scorn the thoughts and works of mortal man My eyes are drawn to You, and now once again In Your picture book I’m trying hard to see Turning endless pages of this tragedy Sculpting every move, You compose a symphony And plead to everyone, ‘‘See the Art in Me.’’\* And my personal favorite, about not measuring up to God’s Will and struggling with faith, ‘‘Worlds Apart’’: _I am the only one to blame for this Somehow it all ends up the same Soaring on the wings of selfish pride, I flew to high, And like Icharus I collide With a world I tried so hard to leave behind…_ \ - Take my world apart I am on my knees Take my world apart Broken on my knees…\* \ - For all I am, for all You are What I need and what I believe Are worlds apart.\* The song ends with what sounds like a plaintive, rambling prayer. Very moving. ---
**Author:** ![toadbriar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bb73d2/32.png) [@toadbriar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadbriar)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2007, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/51 "2007-08-14T20:42:45Z")
Don’t think I saw a mention of _Jesus Was Way Cool_, by King Missile. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Ryle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8dc957/32.png) [@Mark\_Ryle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mark_Ryle)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2007, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/52 "2007-08-15T12:05:21Z")
\*Up Where We Belong \* (music Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie, lyrics Will Jennings) is from An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes performed the hit version, but there is another version that convinces me the song’s essence is religious. It bridges the religious/secular chasm to the complete satisfaction of both types of listener. The religious version I am familiar with is performed by BeBe and CeCe Winans. The first line is changed slightly from Cocker’s “Love lift us up where we belong,” to Winans’ “Lord lift us up where we belong.” I once (probably in the 1980’s) saw it performed on Jim Bakker’s PTL (Praise the Lord) Club, sung with such feeling and fervor that it choked me up, at a time I had no religious leanings. Joe Cocker tries to sound African-American, but when you witness a black man sing this song with feeling it is truly impressive. The first line: > [@](#): > > Who knows what tomorrow brings > In a world few hearts survive ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2007, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/53 "2007-08-15T19:10:13Z")
I"m loving these suggestions. I’m working my way through them. In particular I’ve really enjoyed the Johnny Cash Gospel Album. Thanks everybody for the great songs. ---
**Author:** ![cbawlmer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@cbawlmer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cbawlmer)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2007, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/54 "2007-08-15T20:58:26Z")
I’m glad you like the Cash album! ---
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2007, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/55 "2007-08-15T21:39:16Z")
Ry Cooder did a very nice turn of _Jesus Is On The Mainline_. He also did an old song called _Always Lift Him Up_, about helping out a friend who’s down on his luck, mostly of his own doing. I get dewy-eyed every time I hear it. Shane Hagan’s _Listen To The Rain_. ---
**Author:** ![Katriona](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/katriona/32/113_2.png) [@Katriona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katriona)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2007, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/56 "2007-08-15T23:48:03Z")
I like The Call. It’s subtle, or maybe I’m just dense. I’ve liked them since the late 80’s, but I didn’t realize they considered themselves a Christian band until recently. Now that I know it’s a big ol’ :smack: duh! ---
**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:** [August 16, 2007, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/57 "2007-08-16T01:58:36Z")
[QUOTE=Katriona] I like The Call. It’s subtle, or maybe I’m just dense. I’ve liked them since the late 80’s, but I didn’t realize they considered themselves a Christian band until recently. Now that I know it’s a big ol’ :smack: duh! [/QUOTE] Good call! 😉 I don’t think they ever considered themselves a Christian band _per se_, but at least some of the members, including lead singer/songwriter Michael Been, are Christians, and it does come through in some of their lyrics. They’ve recorded a lot of really good stuff (including “Let the Day Begin,” which Al Gore used in his 2000 Presidential campaign). ---
**Author:** ![Abby\_Emma\_Sasha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e68b1a/32.png) [@Abby\_Emma\_Sasha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abby_Emma_Sasha)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2007, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/58 "2007-08-16T09:14:18Z")
There’s “God, Give Me Strength”, by Elvis Costello. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2007, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/59 "2007-08-16T19:48:56Z")
There’s “Drop Kick Me Jesus Through the Goalposts of Life”… Also, almost everything from Alice Cooper’s albums “Brutal Planet,” “Dragontown,” and “The Last Temptation” is Christian without whacking you over the head with it. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2007, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302/60 "2007-08-24T03:00:04Z")
OK, I haven’t listened to everything that’s been suggested yet, but I now want to amend my original request. Which of these songs listed (or not yet listed, of course) would meet the following criteria… - preferably male voice - easy to sing a cappella by a group of men (meaning fairly simple words, simple melody, etc.) For example, a previous men’s group at my church (CHRP for some of you Catholics out there) sang [You Are My King (Amazing Love)](http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000B66PRA001003/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_003/002-0637315-9503211) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-religious-music-that-isnt-typical-of-religious-music/412302.md?page=4)