Are Modern Worship Songs Boring?

 

 

 

This video has been doing the rounds on Facebook recently. It is very funny, but is also sadly true in many cases. It is a parody that I believe makes some serious points (some of which Worship Music songwirters may find uncomfortable). But there are times when we need to be given a bit of a wake-up call.

 

Has worship music become so formulaic and pretictable that it has become boring? Are we sacrificing content and creativity in order for the songs we write to 'fit' the mould? 

 

I feel especially with the lyrics that common stock phrases are used again and again in numerous worship songs that it is sometimes difficult to tell them appart. Melodically, I also feel as a songwriter that there is a danger of getting stuck in the rut of my favourite chord progression, which in turn means the meoldy will be limited in the possible variations it can make on a theme.

 

I am personally trying to explore different sounds, more on a personal level at this stage before bringing them into the corporate church setting. Different instruments: a banjo, a udu drum and various odd percussive instruments for example. I have also recently written a song with the following structure: Verse 1, Chorus 1, Verse 2, Chorus 2 (x2), End - no bridge in sight! I have had to explain to many people that this is actually my intention - it is on purpose!

 

Come on church! It is time to break the mould. I believe this is where the vitally important role of songs written by and for the local church become so valuable. In my experience the music 'industry' likes what it knows will 'sell' - hence at the moment we are getting endless repetition of sounds and stock prhases, because they know it is a safe bet to back - it will sell to the worship consumer.

 

We need to move beyond being mere consumers of worship music. We need to become creators, to become inovators. If we are to push lyrical and musical boundaries don't expect the 'industry' to understand what you are trying to do. This is why doing it within the local church is where it will happen - from the ground level. Be content with your unique sound. You do not have to be like everyone else or to sound exactly like a copy of the latest worship CD. Worshippers of God, shake off the dust of the same-old stuff. We serve a creative and magnificently resourceful God. Step out in faith. Explore the sounds. Create new melodies. Break the mould!

 

Discussion Points:

• What really irritates you about worship music at the moment?
• Do you think modern worship songs are boring?
• How can we change - become more creative?
• Share some examples of bands/songwriters/churches who are getting it right in your opinion.