God makes all things new. Even the music we listen to.
Consider the music of our youth. For me it’s the classic rock of the 60s and 70s.
But I’ve recently discovered a new (old) obsession. It’s the Christian music of my “spiritual youth.” My spiritual youth was in the late 80s and 90s. So CCM tunes from that era are my favorites. They’ve been laying dormant in my Spotify for years and this week I was for some reason drawn to them.
I was a baby Christian. These years also represented my childhood in Christian radio. So many memories of artists. Third Day, DC Talk, Whiteheart, Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, The Choir, Rich Mullins, Wayne Watson, Jars of Clay, Michael W, Jon Gibson, Petra, Steve Taylor, Big Tent Revival.
I’m just getting started. Music is so vast, it’s impossible to accurately describe it in a genre, much less a list of specific artists. But the more I dug into it, the more I found. It’s a seemingly endless treasure trove of classics that more than once have gotten me through some rough spells.
One thing I notice about these old Christian songs is the often longer length. It’s not uncommon to see 5 minute songs, or even 6. One minute long intros are not out of the ordinary. You rarely see that anymore. Especially in radio.
The temptation is to put a value on styles. This isn’t to qualify one generation over another. The songs today are shorter. Fine. I happen to prefer many of these longer ones. It’s not necessarily better. Just different. Do I like them because they’re longer? Older? I don’t know, but I have an idea.
People ask, “Why do you like or dislike a song?” I don’t believe there’s a good answer for that. It’s like asking, ”Why do you like blue?” “Why do you prefer baseball over boat shows?” What’s the deal with your obsession with cats?” (Gratuitous disclaimer: Lois is only coincidentally obsessed with cats.)
We just like them. I like Hey Jude. I don’t know why.
But I think if there is an answer, it’s less about the style, beat, or length. It’s about the era, and where we were when we first heard it. Those songs from our childhood, teens, or young adulthood will always be special. Again, I don’t know why. I guess it’s because it’s such a pivotal stage in our development.
I say it’s the same when you’re born again. The songs of my Christian youth are speaking to me in a fresh new way. I’ve felt such a peace through them. It’s like trying to describe…well, why I like blue.
All these Christian classics are “reborn” on my playlist! And I’m so grateful for them.
Again.