Review: "Church Music" by David Crowder Band

The Latest from One of Christian Rock's Most Innovative Artists

Nov 9, 2009

"Church Music" represents an exciting new direction for the imminently popular CCM group, but looses some of its most endearing traits along the way.

The David Crowder Band has been one of the most popular Christian music groups since their first major album, Can You Hear Us?, in 2002. Critically acclaimed in both Christian and secular circles, David Crowder's worship anthems have also made their way into churches around the world. Church Music, released on September 22, represents a new musical direction for the band.

A New CCM Beat

One of the elements that makes DCB so popular is their innovative style, especially in the realm of electronic and programmed music. Songs like "Do Not Move" on A Collision with its layering of loops and synth parts have been a staple of the groups repertoire. On Church Music, the band takes their programming skills to a whole new level incorporating both techno and hip-hop style beats into several of its songs. 2/3 of the 17 song album are tracks driven by processed beats.

Techno and Hip-Hop: Hit or Miss for David Crowder

The effectiveness of this new style is mixed musically. The techno based songs feel as if they run together a bit, making them all a bit forgettable. The most effective of these songs is "The Nearness" which combines both traditional techno sounds and beats with the live band feel seamlessly. Others like "Eastern Hymn" and "The Veil" lack much creativity beyond their generic programmed sounds and beats, though they certainly don't lack energy.

Better is the band's use of more classic hip-hop styles. These appear less frequently on the album than the techno flavored songs, but offer a refreshing change from the usual Contemporary Christian fare. "The Shadows" is easily one of the best tracks on the album and the title track, "Church Music - Dance (!)" could easily become a club mix with widespread appeal.

Lyric Simplicity: Something's Missing on Church Music

Sadly one of the biggest disappointments with the new album is the lack of David Crowder's unique lyrics. Crowder has been praised on previous albums for lyrics that cut to the heart without regurgitating old cliches. But Church Music lacks such penetrating expressions of both the Christian message and everyday life. Instead most of the lyrics are rather repetitive, as in the chorus of "Oh, Happiness": "Oh, happiness. There's grace, enough for us and the whole human race."

Ironically, the one song that sounds most like the previous work of DCB is "How He Loves". With lyrics like "He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane, I am a tree bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy." this song is reminiscent of "Wholly Yours" and "Everything Glorious". Sadly this is not written by Crowder but by Christian indie musician John Mark McMillan. While a worthwhile cover of an excellent song, as far as the album goes it only serves as a brief reminder of what's missing.

David Crowder Still Shines Through

While Church Music does represent new ground for the groups, David Crowder's fingerprints are still all over the project. All of the tracks run together, transitioned with the beats and loops making the whole CD sound a bit like a modern rock opera. And the end of the album flows right back into the beginning giving it a circular feeling that represents the band's incredible attention to detail.

A bit of a surprise is the cover of Flyleaf's "All Around Me". The group has revamped it with a definite David Crowder Band feel, slowing it down to a piano ballad complete with programmed loops and violin descant. It is an interesting, if not entirely effective, addition to an already daring project. An effort that should at least be applauded for its creativity.

Church Music: The Right New Direction

For all its faults one certainly cannot criticize Church Music for being a safe project. DCB has certainly chosen to push the envelope in terms of standard Christian music fare. Hopefully in the future they will not lose so much of the music soul that built their legions of adoring fans as they pioneer new music avenues.

The copyright of the article Review: "Church Music" by David Crowder Band in Christian Rock/Pop Music is owned by Steve Wilburn. Permission to republish Review: "Church Music" by David Crowder Band in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.