BU Reviews: Christian Rock Part 2: The Present

Christian Rock of today has significantly changed from that of the past. For one there is a whole lot more in the genre then there was when it first started, and a whole lot more being recognized by the mainstream.

One artist, Skillet, is making strides in the mainstream. They signed on to the mainstream label, Lava/Alantic in 2005 as well as keeping with their Christian label, Ardent. They have been featured in many magazines such as: November/December issue of HM and the December issue of CCM, as well as features in Billboard, Christian Music Planet, Metal Edge, and Drum! Magazine. In the mainstream world they have toured with band such as, Shinedown, Three Days Grace, Saliva, and Finger Eleven.

A band that was on the forefront of the Christian Rock movement was Newsboys. Newsboys started in 1985. They are currently on the “Go Tour” promoting their new CD, Go, with the bands Kutless and Stellar Kart as openers. Newsboys, hailing from Australia, have toured all over the world. They have had some mainstream attention. In their 22-year career they have sold over six million albums. They are known for their live shows, where drums are spinning at 90-degree angles, light shows, confetti canons and so much more.

I think people are more accepting of the genre now. As Bill Lawson, the radio dj, of 88.5, WJIE's Christian Rock Program on Friday nights, said, "Just because people have tattoos, spiked hair, or have this or that, we can’t classify them as not Christian. If you listen to the lyrics of the music, to the words, it’s all the same. It’s still glorifying Christ just in a little harder way."

Heres a slide show of some pictures of Christian Rock Artists