One of the original prompts for this blog is my discomfort around the idea that God only speaks to us through certain media: Christian music, Christian novels, Christian movies (and especially the 'sanitized' versions of mainstream movies - I am offended). I don't think God has selected "end of the dial" channels or methods to reach us and for us to reach out to one another with messages of comfort and connection and even challenge.
One of the artists who really struck me this way is the band Daughtry, fronted by Chris Daughtry, 4th place finisher in Season 5 (2006) of American Idol. He has since gone on to a high level of success with his band that he formed after his stint on Idol. The band is clearly a rock/pop act with a great deal of commercial and artistic success, but some songs - notably "Home" from the band's eponymously titled debut album - got some cross play on contemporary Christian music stations. The band's intent, however, does not appear to be primarily religious.
That said, I have listened extensively to their music, the aforementioned album being one of my go-to's when running or mowing the lawn (not both at the same time), and I believe there is a strong Christian influence, whether intended or not, in their music. Lyrics to the chorus of "Home" describe "... going home, back to the place where I belong, and where your love has always been enough for me." While there is a clear love song vibe here, the undercurrent of a general love and belonging fit a Christian ethos. Another song on the album, "Breakdown," begins with "Open up the book you beat me with again, and read it all one sentence at a time." While not a feel-good song that would play on K-LOVE, Daughtry is clearly exploring themes of rejection a quest for a deeper meaning that many within (and sadly, without) today's church struggle with.
Daughtry's music may not strike the same chords with every listener; I certainly admit that I bring my own experiences and perhaps even biases to my interpretation of their music. However, I don't think it's out of line to suggest that others may have similar reactions to their - and many others' - music and messages. Several songs and artists would lend themselves to deeper exploration in future posts; I'd love to hear discussion and suggestion of those artists of any generation or genre whose work has inspired or challenged readers' faith and philosophy.
Let the nominations begin ...
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