We recently took a road trip to San Jose with friends to watch a competition of the nation’s top gymnasts. During the six-hour drive, we listened to some of my 14-year-old daughter’s CDs. Away from computers and telephones, I could concentrate on lyrics, enjoy the musical talents of the artists and better understand the musician’s philosophy. Maybe young people really don’t listen to lyrics and it’s just a parent obsession. But once or twice during our road trip, when a poignant song came on, the car seemed to get quieter and I wondered if the girls were listening to the words too. Songs are powerful and stay with us. I can’t get My Sharona out of my head after hearing it played loudly over the sound system at an outdoor autograph party in downtown San Jose. Years ago when I heard that song blaring at a high school basketball game, I don’t remember being so bothered by the singer’s apparent disrespectful attitude towards his girlfriend. What a contrast in philosophies between My Sharona and Lose My Soul by Toby Mac. That’s one reason I was grateful for the CDs we listened to on the drive home; we heard great musicians offer entertaining songs. After 12 hours of listening, I’ve compiled my top 5 picks:
1. Portable Sounds by Toby Mac. It’s good music and even entertaining, especially when Toby Mac’s young son sings with him on Trudog. I like Made to Love for its reminder that God chose us before creation, changing our hearts from people who hate God to people who love God. And the last line is a good one to stick in our heads because it reminds us of God’s love for us. But I’m most impressed by the song Lose My Soul. Toby Mac quotes Matthew 16:26 as he tells his listeners that he wants to be a better husband, father, artist and disciple of Christ.
2. Waking Up by Bethany Dillon. She’s almost a folk singer yet this album offers a variety of music styles. My favorite is You Are On Our Side, about Jesus being a friend to sinners. I can’t listen to it without weeping. The title track is upbeat and joyful and meshes with a popular theme at Bear Creek Church – enjoying God and finding our contentment in Christ alone.
3. Joy Williams by Joy Williams. She has an amazing voice. The daughter of a reformed Presbyterian camp director in Mount Herman, Joy Williams also has solid lyrics. One of my favorites is a soul-searching song called Do They See Jesus In Me.
4. Genesis by Joy Williams. She recorded this album after she got married about three years ago. My favorite song is Hide because it describes what we’re trying to accomplish in our home group: taking risks, being honest about our sin and weaknesses and learning how to show the compassion of Christ. Joy Williams talked about this song and sang it at Studio B in Indiana. www.liveatstudiob.com
5. See The Morning by Chris Tomlin. This album is joyful and worshipful. A favorite is Uncreated One because the lyrics shine the spotlight on our awesome God. It’s the kind of song to remember throughout the day, especially when we get a warped view of ourselves or our circumstances. Chris Tomlin offers a heavenly perspective.