Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music [With CDROM]

Christian rock is adored by a few but is generally ignored within the world of pop music at large and within most segments of Christianity (outside a little ghetto of "evangelical" Christians who sometimes think they are the only ones). Now, in one fell swoop, that has changed forever. Mark Allan Powell is a world-famous theologian and also a professional rock critic who has worked in the secular field for over 30 years. With this book, for the first time in history, Christian rock is being taken seriously within wider parameters of both religion and culture. He didn't need to do this, and I guess he's not getting anything for it (donating royalties) but he offers it to church and society as "a gift-and as a tribute to some people (the artists) who have made (his) life more meaningful and enjoyable." What's most important is that the book is a critical resource, not just a collection of press releases. Powell provides all the necessary info about every artist and then also summarizes major reviews of their work that have appeared in the Christian media (gripes from some reviewers about Powell being too "opinionated" fail to notice that 98% of the "opinions" are those of other critics, which he merely reports). Such attention to critical reception is absolutely essential for Christian music ever being taken seriously outside of its own little fan club. Powell obviously loves this music and strives to put a positive spin on every artist, even those who have been trashed by other critics. Still, he is more interested in promoting Christ than any particular singer or band, much less himself or his own ideas. .... The book is a simply incredible achievement that will be deeply appreciated by all but the most small-minded.

I am having such a wonderful time catching up with "old friends". I say "having" because it would take almost the whole 7 years Dr. Powell spent writing the book, to actually read it from cover to cover. It is full of anecdotes, information, backgrounds and the trivia that connected all of us who worked so hard to make music that told our generation about Jesus. While we are covered "warts and all", as one reviewer has said, the author was careful to check out facts and only publish information that was already public knowledge - there is no dirt-digging, backbiting or tabloid aspect to the reviews. Reading it on the CD-ROM is especially nice since every mention of reviewed artists is highlighted and linked to their portions, and all artists with current websites are linked to their parts of the book, so jumping around within genres or groups is quick and easy. I'll be interested in how it goes for the publisher to have provided the CD-ROM with the book, since its inclusion no doubt has made the "used" copies so easily available. Thanks for all your work, your humor and your tender spirit, Dr. Powell.

This book is an absolute treasure-an incredible achievement! Over 1900 entries containing everything that anyone could ever want to know about any artist even remotely connected with Christian music. There are full, lengthy entries on all of the big name Christian stars (Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk, Amy Grant, etc.). There are also appropriate listings of mainstream artists whose recordings have sometimes dealt explicitly with matters of faith (Creed, U2, and lots of different country and R & B stars). There are reminiscences and updates on long-forgotten Christian artists from years ago-including those who only made a single album and then disappeared. And, best of all, there are major articles on the critics' favorites-edgy artists who don't get a lot of attention in the official Christian music scene but who have made some of the best music the field has to offer. If you're a Christian music fan-this is the book you've been waiting for! If you're skeptical about the whole Christian rock thing-well, then, this book is really for you! The author realizes that there are vast differences in quality and style-he knows that many of his readers will only like a smattering of what he includes. He doesn't try to sell the music, but he helps you find which of the artists will be most to your liking. He also has an uproarious sense of humor that makes reading the book a delight. He obviously loves the music but he doesn't take it too seriously. He is witty, provocative, and never, ever forgets that rock and roll (even Christian rock and roll) is supposed to be fun!

This book is a treasure chest of information about major and minor musicians in "contemporary Christian music." The author also includes "cross-over" artists, such as Sixpence None the Richer, and mainstream artists who often explores spiritual themes in their music, such as U-2. If you've ever listened to any of this music, you'll enjoy reading this; I started flipping through, intending to just check out a few groups I liked, and I ended up completely engrossed for hours!The author does throw in his two cents about various artists, but I thought his opinions were a hoot!