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| Keeping You in Tune with Today's Music Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Ah, I always figured one of these days we'd get around to discussing Katy Hudson again. No, not Kate Hudson, the actress—Katy Hudson, the Christian artist. Doesn't ring a bell? Not surprising, I suppose. Despite a strong review on my part, her self-titled debut in 2001 failed to make much of an impression in Christian music. I happened to love that album, as did some of my co-workers; we named it one of the best albums of 2001 and declared Katy one of the year's best new artists. But, as noted, her career went nowhere at that time and seemed to stall once her record label closed shop. Now, Katy was always a little quirky. Because of her rebellious streak, you might even call her the quintessential preacher's kid (stereotype two, according to Wikipedia). Friends and colleagues have confirmed as much to me from interviewing her or seeing her in concert. Some of you may also recall she dated Matt Thiessen of Relient K for a while, and I've heard stories of her antics from those who saw her at the band's shows, describing her as a wild child who would do anything for attention. How right they were. For a while, Katy continued to float around the industry, and even sang backing vocals for a few Christian artists, including Amy Grant. Upon moving to L.A. in pursuit of a music career, she developed a reputation for heavy partying while also gaining attention from mainstream producers, record labels, and media. After a few deals failed to pan out, she eventually landed a contract with Capitol. Today she's riding the top of the charts with a hit single. Oh, by the way, at some point Katy grew tired of having her name confused with actress Kate Hudson, so she changed it to Katy Perry. Aha, now some of you recognize her. Yep, she's the one with that bratty song "Ur So Gay," mocking her metrosexual ex-boyfriend. Now she's making waves with "I Kissed a Girl," detailing her supposed first lesbian encounter. My, Katy sure has come a long way. (No, we won't be linking to her song or video here. It's receiving enough attention elsewhere. But do check out this spot-on review of her album One of the Boys at All Music Guide by Stephen Thomas Erlewine.) I've known about Katy's ascent/descent for some time now, keeping tabs on her career with great interest and great disappointment. Since Christian Music Today offers a lot of history online, people have put two and two together through search engines and our articles to inquire about Hudson/Perry. ABC.com even interviewed me about Katy this past week, asking for a reaction to her rise to stardom and her trashy music. Not all my comments made that interview, naturally, so here's a summary of my full take. Katy's songs and actions are deplorable and self-serving, no question, and as someone who recommends music to Christians for a living, I can't dissuade you enough from One of the Boys. But don't expect a big outcry from the Christian community since Katy was never a big name in Christian music. It's not as if we're talking about Rebecca St. James or Krystal Meyers falling away, and even Leslie Phillips was fairly established in Christian music before the controversy that sparked from switching to the mainstream as Sam Phillips. That still doesn't lessen the disappointment I feel, not just because Katy's relying on shock value more than talent, but also because she's abandoned the Christian lifestyle and perhaps even her faith. My heart goes out to her family. The ABC interviewer asked me if Katy's actions made Christians wonder if she was ever really a Christian. I don't look at it that way. Regardless of whether she was before or not, she's not acting like one now. That doesn't negate the faith she may have had as a child, nor does it put her beyond the reach of God's grace today should she choose to reclaim that faith. (She certainly wouldn't be the first Christian artist with a tumultuous past.) As a fan of her first album, I can't help but recall Katy's song "Growing Pains"—click here for the lyrics. And I believe she's still a work in progress. God willing, we'll get the news that Katy Hudson/Perry has finally grown up. And until then, it couldn't hurt to say a little prayer for that day to come, right? Enjoy this week's new content. We've got a terrific interview with Songwriter of the Year Cindy Morgan. Also, many of you have been asking for it, and now it's finally up: a Glimpse of God piece on Coldplay's new album, Viva La Vida. Plus, check out new reviews for new rock band Capital Lights, modern worship artist Joel Augé, worship leader Clint Brown, the long-in-the-works follow-up from Sarah Sadler, and soulful alt-pop artist Trevor Davis, plus an indie spotlight for the band Fellow. God bless America,  Russ Breimeier ChristianityToday.com To reply to this newsletter: music@christianitytoday.com advertisement
 Capital LightsThis Is an Outrage (Tooth & Nail Records) Modern rock/power pop  Joel AugéOn the Blue (Integrity) Worshipful alt-pop/rock  Clint BrownFall Like Rain (Tribe Music Group) Worshipful contemporary gospel/CCM  Sarah SadlerWhere It Started (Audioluxe Records) Acoustic pop  Trevor DavisNothing Ringing True (Mirth Records) Soulful alternative pop/rock  FellowFellow EP Modern rock | more reviews |
Free to Fly Cindy Morgan discusses newfound independence with the release of Beautiful Bird, as well as "How You Live," the Point of Grace hit that earned her recognition as Songwriter of the Year at this year's Dove Awards. GLIMPSES OF GOD Coldplay Some are dismissing the lyrics on Coldplay's fourth album as meaningless, but abstract spirituality and biblical references clearly play an important part throughout Viva La Vida. The Scoop Artists release album for suicide prevention; Rush of Fools prepares follow-up album; Donald Lawrence to record live album in July; and more.
Introducing … Laura Story Though best known as the worship leader responsible for "Indescribable," there's more to Story's story, including her husband's medical scare, inspiring many of the songs on her national debut. A Quarter Century of Cornerstone Christian culture's premier "alternative festival" celebrates its 25 years of music, seminars, arts, and community—not to mention "muddy and dusty" camping. The Scoop Legislators designate September as Gospel Music Heritage Month; Donations continue to pour in for Steven Curtis Chapman's charity; New projects from Chris Tomlin and Bart Millard; plus much more.
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Alive & Transported, DVD & CD
In Christ Alone, CD
Thy Kingdom Come, CD
I Can Only Imagine, 3 CDs
