Recognizing Okay
by Ted Slater on 11/21/2007 at 10:13 AM
Switchfoot, David Crowder, Reliant K, Jeff Caylor.
What do these names all have in common? The answer: Christianity Today has recognized them as having released among the best Christian albums of 2007. Jeff's album, Okay, was rated #5, ahead of the others in my paragraph 1 list.
Jeff traveled with the Boundless team to the recent Godblog conference, doing some guest blogging here on The Line. We were roommates during our time there. While winding down for the night, and getting ready for the day in the morning, we'd chat about music and relationships and stuff. Though he's a very proficient songwriter and musician and worship leader, I appreciate his humility and vulnerability. He's a really cool guy, and I'm glad we're co-workers and friends.
You can read CT's original review of Jeff's album, check out Jeff's Web site, listen to the songs, or pick up a copy of the album for yourself at Amazon or CD Baby.
1. Steve Watters said the following at 3:51 PM on Nov 21:
Kudos to CT for recognizing top-notch indie talent and stretching their rankings beyond established artists. I already thought Jeff was an amazing guy, I just had no idea how broad his talent was until I sampled his music. It's definitely worth trying.
2. Leah said the following at 7:12 PM on Nov 21:
I love Switchfoot and Relient K. Not a huge fan of what I've heard of David Crowder. And afraid to say I've never heard of Jeff Caylor! :)
3. val said the following at 7:28 PM on Nov 21:
its actually relient K, not reliant K
these guys are amazing--I've been a fan myself for many many years!
you realize that this could spark up a really big conversation on the christian music market, right? all with relient k having switched to mainstream..
ive been reading flo paris' blog and she had some interesting points on tbhe subject, as did switchfoot in the magazine breakaway (for teenage guys)
seen as they are both in the 'secular' music market
4. cn said the following at 10:19 AM on Nov 23:
There are some really interesting things going on in how believers are creating music. Recently I heard an mp3 of Lou Engle saying that this generation is beginning to care less about having a nice cd or about labels, but instead about having a voice... one that will influence heaven instead of men. You can hear the mp3 here:
http://www.myspace.com/therealsummeroflove
its called Music Revolution.
Also, any of you out there who are looking for a more artistic sound that still floods with the Spirit of God, check out John Mark McMillian... especially his song "How He Loves." Another poetic believer is Stephen Roach. His newest album is "Closer to the Burning." If you're into intercessory Worship then Misty Edwards and Jonathan David Helser are great! :)
5. cn said the following at 12:12 PM on Nov 23:
Val, thanks for mentioning Flo Paris's blog. I just read it and was refreshed by her desire for purity and excellence of art in the pursuit of her calling. :) Check out the artists I listed on my previous post. I think you'll like them!
6. Kellie said the following at 10:03 PM on Nov 24:
From the Christianity Today article I was happy to see Caedmon's Call and Sara Groves on the list. They're two of my favorites!!!
7. Rhonda said the following at 9:27 AM on Nov 25:
I'm a Starfield fan myself. Or, check out Jon Buller on iTunes, his Lord of Everything song is great.
8. Nick said the following at 10:28 AM on Nov 26:
From the article it seems like the only reason Switchfoot was mentioned is because of TBL. Not quite sure what they have done recently that qualifies them as a "Christian" band. It seems like even when they have the opportunity to share the truth, their answer comes back empty.
I'm not bashing them, it just doesn't seem like they are trying to do anything more than raise questions they aren't answering.
9. Leora Gardner said the following at 2:31 PM on Nov 26:
Like Ted, I've also had the privilege of getting to know Jeff Caylor more personally and walked with him through the creative process as he worked on his debut album "Okay."
What Ted didn't elaborate on in his post is how Jeff consistently seeks inspiration for his music in everything he does/experiences (most recently he's been inspired by a 20/20 special on Guinness World Record holders and the tallest man alive) and writes his ideas in one of the many little black notebooks he has lying around.
He then begins the production for most of his songs at his house (sometimes in an insulated closet) and even let me play the violin on a few songs on the album. Jeff's prayerful and attentive, imaginative and always tries to think outside the box. I happen to know he's working on his second album right now (and that if you ever see him perform, you'll get to watch him play a song blindfolded, a tribute to Houdini of course).
His album "Okay" can be purchased at a reduced price on his website.
10. Jo said the following at 4:10 PM on Nov 26:
Nick said: "I'm not bashing them, it just doesn't seem like they are trying to do anything more than raise questions they aren't answering."
Firstly, yes, you were bashing them.
Secondly, I have no strong feelings about Switchfoot, but I think some Christians are way too harsh with their criticism of Christian bands. Raising questions is a HUGE step towards giving answers. Jesus frequently responded to the pharisees and crowds with questions. Encourage people to think about an issue rather than immediately giving your own 'answer', and they are often far more likely to take the questions seriously. The arts are all about raising questions, so it's pretty natural that Christian music should be as much about exploration as it is about discovery. There's a place for both approaches, but why are we so quick to condemn bands that take the more subtle route? We don't need to automatically question their motives.
I used to feel, like you, that 'Christian music' should always be about God, but why? Music that comes from a general position of faith and trust in God may not always be about God, but it will (hopefully) always be godly. Look at Psalm 88, and think about how you would respond to it if it was the lyrics of a modern popular song.
Sorry, nothing personal - just been thinking about this stuff recently.