by Jared Garrett

Created on: May 05, 2008

Creed. Switchfoot. Collective Soul. Sixpence None the Richer.

Four huge bands united by one theme: moments of Christianity in their songs. Sure, these moments are few and far between, but when Scott Staap of Creed sings, "Can you take me higher? To a place where blind men see? Can you take me higher? To a place with golden streets?" there's no doubt left that teens can get something uplifting from this popular music.

But have you ever wondered why fully Christian bands don't make it into the mainstream music scene very much? The reason for the usual lack of mainstream popularity of Christian music is quite simple, really. It's because Christian music far too often is cheesy, too wordy and preachy, harmonizes too much, and offers little to nothing of the unexpected.

This has been true for years, but it's time to renew our hope in Christian music. There is some great stuff out there these days! Sure, you still have people like Avalon, Bob Carlisle, and Nicole Mullen whose stuff pretty much all sounds the same and makes music lovers want to bang their heads against the wall, but I promise that the bands I'm going to mention are actually good. Teens have no reason to dislike them, due to their creativity and skill with their music, the lack of preachiness in their songs, and the catchiness of their music.

Here's a list for you to try out.

*Jars of Clay
This band has been going for quite a while, with some substantial success at times. Their first album was self titled, and it may actually be their best work to date. Songs like Flood, Liquid, and Like a Child actually received significant radio time. These guys keep the preachiness far away from their tunes, with their lyrics usually filled with figurative language like metaphors and allegories.

What is more, these guys can jam. It's clear that Jars of Clay isn't out to preach from a pulpit. Instead they are about the music and put their hearts and devotion into what they do. This band is one you must try out.

*DC Talk
With their popular song "Jesus Freak", these guys broke into the scene for good reason. Their style is actually similar to POV and other good bands like Linkin Park, but their subject matter is clean and nicely uplifting. Definitely worth a try.

*Amy Grant
Okay, she's actually huge. She has done back up for tons of bands and several duets with Peter Cetera of the huge band Chicago. Amy Grant is an immensely talented artist, there is no doubt. For those who love rock and roll, she might not be the right choice,

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