First, I'd like to say I'm not a big fan of country. That's not to say I don't like some country... it's just that given the choice, I would pick something else to listen to. My wife introduced me to modern country and I'm quite impressed at how many bands have overtly Christian songs. I like the fact that country isn't so uptight about Christian lyrics as pop and rock is, especially the country radio stations - they have no problem playing totally Christian songs.

There's christian alternatives to rock, metal, techno, pop, new wave, etc... It seems country is the only genre that doesn't need to have a Christian alternative. Quite possibly cuz many country bands in the secular world already have a Christian overtone. However, some bands have great Christian songs, then the next song on their album is all about cheatin' drinkin' and pickup trucks...



What's your take on country and Christianity ?

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But seriously once every 5 to 12 years I hear one country song I can tolerate....in small doses. I used to really like some of Bonnie Raitt's stuff, but mostly from her "blues-rock" era.

I have to confess that I can't hardly tell the difference between most modern country and pop lately.

The lyrics of Collin Raye's "What if Jesus comes back like that" are quite profound:

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He came to town on an old frieght train
He jumped off in the pouring rain
Everybody said he's insane
Just a low down no account hobo

He made his bed beneath the county bridge
The city folks said "Hey, that's not his."
They signed a petition, they're gonna get rid
Of that low down no account white trash.

What if Jesus comes back like that
On an old freight train in a hobo hat
Will we let him in or turn our back
What if Jesus comes back like that

She was born into drug abuse
She couldn't help what her mama used
It wasn't like she got to choose
Now she's layin' there all alone

Got a monkey on her back
The Nurses say they never saw a smile like that
Doctor says she might stand a chance
If somebody takes her home

What if Jesus comes back like that
Two months early, hooked on crack
Will we let him in or turn our back
Oh, what if Jesus came back like that

Nobody said life is fair
We've all got a cross to bear
When it gets a little hard to care
Just think about Him hanging there

He came to town on a cold dark night
A single star was his only light
The baby born that silent night
A manger for his bed

What if Jesus came back like that
Where will he find our hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
What if Jesus came back like that
Yeah what if Jesus came back lik that
Will he cry when he sees where our hearts are at
Will he let us in or turn his back
Hey what if Jesus comes back like that
Oh what if Jesus comes back like that

what do you guys think of Randy Travis's transition to christian music?

its still country, but but he has released a bunch of albums.

I confess I like a couple of his songs

I'm not a great fan of his vox, but I love Randy's lyrics. He definitely knows the Lord, it ain't for show. I love the lyrics in his marital faithfulness songs too (esp "On the other hand")

And of course his most widely known "3 wooden crosses" is a very clever song.

Again, not my style of music, but I have an appreciation for him.

I sorta like his vox. Depends on the song. Sometimes it can get whiny.
I also have to be in the right mood for country (which is not that often!)

His lyrics are very good!

I think Randy has a fantastic voice, but I'm really hard pressed to listen to much country music at all.

#1 - I wouldn't go to a Dixie Chicks concert if someone paid me

#2 - Rachel Rachel is not country.... but yes, that would be a tubular reunion concert !

I just don't do any country music. I was force-fed that for too many years growing up and haven't missed it at all since.

I love music from almost every genre. Almost. Sorry, but no offence to those who do like it, I just cannot listen to rap. Not that big on Jazz either.

That being said, my first love is good, ole fashioned Rock.

But I do enjoy country. Bands/artists that come to mind.

- Alison Krauss and Union Station. Ron Block is a born again believer with them

- Randy Travis. Especially his 'Gospel' releases

- Brush Arbor.

The thing that makes it so easy for country artists to switch to gospel, or any type of faith based music, is that most of them started singing in church. When I was playing country full time, I worked with one guy who would sing Amazing Grace in night clubs. Funny how the drinking, cussing and fighting would stop when we did that number...lol

Blake Shelton recently took the awesome song "God Gave Me You" from Dave Barnes and has released it to country music stations. It's becoming quite the hit for both Christian and country genres.

One of the best country acts to do something faith based though is the duet between Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. Watch the video below. If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then you don't have much of a heart/soul...


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Easy to spot the believers in the crowd versus the non-believers. The younger 'stars' are sitting there bored while some are in tears. Watch how Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Kristian Bush (Sugarland) and Miranda Lambert react to the song.

Then there's the classic "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton. The song will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up...



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Being the resident 'country bumpkin', I am glad I could clear all this up for you folks... lol

Response to Carrie: DANNNNGGGGGG !!!! She's got lungs ! I enjoy her tunes when my wife and I go on trips, but that one's incredible !

And I've always loved "He's Alive", no matter who sings it. (Who doesn't like Dolly though ? She's a trip)

Played in a couple Christian Country bands over the years (more like Southern Rock than traditional Country. ) I like some of the more roots rock oriented "new country" stuff a LOT.
Here are a couple clips I played on.
David Jones and Kountry Mile in 2006 Coverd Bridge fest Oneonta Alabama. We had just hit the #1 spot on the Powersource national chart when we did this. Unfortunately it was a miserable show as the fest organizers thought there was only going to be folks singing with TRACKS are ran the stage off a single 30 amp circuit! This was the only tune of the show that we got through without tripping the breaker!
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This is one I did with a Group called Big Praise.
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Just wanted to jump on some of what sabidoo said:

sabidoo wrote:

The thing that makes it so easy for country artists to switch to gospel, or any type of faith based music, is that most of them started singing in church. When I was playing country full time, I worked with one guy who would sing Amazing Grace in night clubs. Funny how the drinking, cussing and fighting would stop when we did that number...lol

I think a lot of it also comes from the country audience, which is incorporates a lot of the "God 'n guns" crowd. Even if they aren't believers themselves, many of them were raised with a respect for God and an awareness of his significance. I grew up with a stepfather who was a bluegrass fiddler/mandolin player who spent some time in a lounge band (strange brew there). Anyway, the singer was an amazing talent and they would always do an Elvis-inspired "How Great Thou Art" in their sets that made the drinking and cussing stop as well.

Quote:

One of the best country acts to do something faith based though is the duet between Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. Watch the video below. If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, then you don't have much of a heart/soul... Easy to spot the believers in the crowd versus the non-believers. The younger 'stars' are sitting there bored while some are in tears. Watch how Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Kristian Bush (Sugarland) and Miranda Lambert react to the song.

Several things here:

1. I took the tear to the eye thing as a challenge--you win.
2. "How Great Thou Art" is easily the greatest praise song ever written.
3. It is also easy to spot the people who have an inkling of what talent is in that audience: Carrie Underwood has an incredible voice and Mr. Grant there is truly a gifted musician that chooses to fly under the radar and let other people have the spotlight. I think this is what really separates artists from pop stars: artists share a mutual respect for each other, pop stars are about getting more face time.
4. I'm glad that after all these years of trying, the Judds were finally able to get their hair to match.

Quote:

Then there's the classic "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton. The song will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up...

Sho' does.