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Your Feedback
Comments? Concerns? Questions? We'd love to hear from you: Music@ChristianityToday.com
No Mo Radio
Posted 04/01/09
I love listening to the radio channel on your website, but for the past few days, it has not been available. Would you please check into this and offer some suggestions as to the cause? I have also bought merchandise and CDs from your website due to listening to the music. It is wonderful and commercial free! Thanks.
Elsie Sellers
Editor's note: Thanks, Elsie, for your support. We decided to pull the plug on the radio due to an ever-tightening budget due to the recession. If the economy turns around, we might bring it back someday.
Too Bossy?
Some readers were miffed by our coverage of Bruce Springsteen's new album.
Posted 02/25/09
I can't understand why you would devote 60 percent of your newsletter to a secular artist. Bruce Springsteen and his "occasional nod to the real Boss" is not what people are interested in. Springsteen's form of godliness is just what Paul was speaking about when he referred to the Jews in Romans. It is probably just enough to make him feel good about himself, but is it doing anything substantial for the kingdom.
Chris Buckalew
Posted 02/25/09
While I appreciate longevity in marriage and enjoy hearing singers' tributes to their spouses, I feel obligated to mention the fact that Bruce Springsteen's and Patti Scialfa's marriage was the end product of an adulterous affair begun while Springsteen still was married. While it's important to have till-death-do-we-part marriages, let's encourage each of our fellow belivers to "rejoice in the wife of (their) youth" (Proverbs 5:18).
Laura Long
Posted 02/25/09
Bruce Springsteen and his wife of 18 years! Did you know they cheated together on his first wife?
Julie Alvarez
Editor's note: Yes, we knew that Springsteen committed adultery two decades ago. Does that mean we can't recognize the fact that he's celebrating a longtime (and apparently faithful) marriage now? Plenty of Christian artists have sin in their pasts too; should we thus discount anything they're singing about now?
Flaying the Fray?
Posted 02/25/09
I'm tremendously disappointed with your review of The Fray's new record. I understand that Josh Hurst's review is solely opinion, but the way he bashed The Fray and the things he called them out for were, in my opinion, completely baseless and borderlined on rudeness.
If Hurst would've actually researched the story behind this record, he would've realized that lead singer is doubting his faith and growing through that doubt. If you really study the lyrics, you can see the incredibly deep thought and meaning that went into the tracks on this record. So wouldn't it make sense to show some Christ-like mercy here?
I admire Hurst as a reviewer, but I'm in disagreement with the message he put across with this review.
Logan Leasure
One Star for The Fray?
Posted 02/11/09
Your Fray review has me scratching my head. One star? Really? I've listened to this album about five times now and, to be honest, it's not that great. I wasn't a big fan of their first album either, but one star is too drastic. Three stars would be much more accurate, I think. None of the songs are actually bad. None of them are that good either. But still, I'm enjoying it as background music while I work.
Corey Davis
Posted 02/11/09
I want to show appreciation for the review of the recent album by The Fray. It seems that among the Christian music audience, bands can often get away with a clichéd sound, so I thank the reviewer for calling a spade a spade. I also am pleasantly surprised to see someone commenting on the vagueness of The Fray's lyrics. When music is marketed toward Christians (as The Fray is), I think there should be some solidly Christian lyrical content. We don't need lyric police, but a good amount of what is sold under the banner of 'Christian music' is so vague that something needs to be said about it. Thanks to reviewer Josh Hurst for that insight.
Mark Murphy
Posted 02/11/09
I gather that reviewer Josh Hurst did not make any attempt to research The Fray's influencesor intent for their new album. For instance, you criticized the single "You Found Me," but lead singer Isaac Slade explained the meaning in a recent blog post. He wrote, "It's about the disappointment, the heart ache, the let down that comes with life … and the hope that I still have." A lot of us can relate. And so, it seems that Mr. Hurst lacks knowledge of what the general public likes. While you may give The Fray 1 out of 5 stars in a review, what is that when the majority of Americans are confident in the band's songwriting and musical ability?
Rebecca Frogley
Russ Rocks!
Editor's note: Russ Breimeier, who had overseen Christian Music Today for the better part of a decade, was one of 10 people recently laid off at Christianity Today International due to difficult economic circumstances. Russ announced this news in a recent newsletter, and we've received a ton of e-mail in response. Here's a sampling.
Posted 02/03/09
I'm sad to see Russ go. I've enjoyed the overall content on CMT, and liked reading and respected his views and opinions in the reviews and these newsletters. I think the USA and the world are going to see more hard changes over the next couple of years, but we can count on God being the same: faithful to and caring for each of his children. He knows our needs and only he can meet them.
Mike Hawver
posted 02/03/09
No! Russ can't leave!! You are probably getting millions of these e-mails but count my husband and me among the many who have been blessed by his insightful and inspired ministry. Russ's newsletter brought us back into Christian music and we've looked forward to its arrival in our inbox every week. Even the kids gather around for new downloads. Russ will be sorely missed. May God bless him.
Allyson and Mike Kuczmynda
posted 02/03/09
just want to tell you that you have been a blessing in my life and that all the messages i have read have given so much wisdom and understanding to comprehend God's words through music and more... indeed, i really thank God for creating this way to bless many lives. i really wish you the same and let you know that when God takes away something from you is just because he wants to give you something much better. and many wonderful things will come to your life. lots of hugs and my best wishes for you. keep going bro. and thanks for sharing those great articles.
yours sincerely: Emma Osorio
posted 02/03/09
I can't believe this is ending. A huge loss. I will miss Russ and his writings. A big loss for Christian music as well. Russ was my trustworthy line to what was out there and worth checking out. Most of all I am sorry for the loss of his job. I will pray that God will lead him to fulfilling employment.
Michael Avolicino
posted 02/03/09
I was very sad to read about Russ's departure from Christian Music Today. In a genre where a lot of press coverage leans toward cheerleading, I have always appreciated CMT as a site that casts an objective eye on faith-based music. I hope and pray that Russ will find his next calling soon, and it will be something we can once again enjoy reading.
Rich Copley
posted 02/03/09
Russ always offered a fresh and realistic perspective in everything he wrote. He wrote with depth and insight, and his reviews opened me up to new artists that I wouldn't have even given a shot. I will lift Russ up in prayer, and I am sure he will land on his feet somewhere.
James Witkowski
posted 02/03/09
Russ is the kind of guy I wish I could have talked with face to face. His insights and critiques of music helped me look deeper to the music I listen to. His contribution to Christian Music Today will be greatly missed.
Frank Purvis
posted 02/03/09
Russ has been a true inspiration who has challenged me in my walk with the Lord and in the endeavor of music. He will be greatly missed by readers and by the whole Christian music scene. He definitely raised the bar musically and lyrically for this industry. Russ is a true genius, and I thank him for serving here faithfully for the last nine years.
John Yany
A Rush of Enthusiasm
Posted 09/10/07
Thanks for your review of Rush's new album from a Christian perspective. I've been an on-again-off-again Rush fan for 30 years. As a Christian that whole time, I've lamented Peart's clear declarations of unbelief over the years, going all the way back to the song "Free Will" from the 1980s. It's always been sad to me, because Peart is obviously an unusually sensitive soul. He discerns an awful lot of truth in life, and yet never seems to see The Truth. As I'm sure many music fans often do, I've sometimes wished I could sit down with him a while and talk about matters of faith. But alas, he's probably heard it all before, or at least thinks he has. I just wonder if he's ever personally known any truly thinking Christians. I will continue to pray for Neil Peart.
Morgan Trotter
Posted 09/10/07
Excellent piece! Thoughtful, intelligent, well written and not condescending. Well done.
Frank King
Recommendations to Rethink Reviews
Posted 09/10/07
I feel your comments concerning Casting Crowns' The Altar and The Door and Hillsong's Saviour King are very harsh and critical. Based on your reviews I would neither buy nor withhold from buying Christian CDs. I wish I knew what you based your reviews on—it seems that whoever reviews CDs does not seem to like either of the abovementioned artists and that's a pity. I and many others feel very blessed when listening to these albums. These are artists that hear from God and record accordingly. If the truth be known, there seems to be very little difference between Christian reviews and secular reviews—altogether too harsh and not fair to either the readers or to the artists. How about positive reviews and changing who reviews CDs?
Ann Reeson
Posted 09/10/07
We were surprised reading the article about the last Hillsong album in your website. It is written in a negative perspective and it shows the subjective opinion of the author. A serious [publication] like you cannot afford to publish such articles, which aim to form a certain impression in the reader, rather than offering an objective review that lets readers make their own conclusions. These articles look unprofessional and are not in the spirit of Christian ethics.
Tsvetomir Genchev
Posted 09/10/07
Concerning your review of Lindsey Kane's Move Me Aside, it is very disappointing that the Christian music industry acts no different than the mainstream industry. When did we become so high and mighty to judge someone on what God has blessed? I'm appalled that your web site wrote something so scathing about a girl who has God's anointing on her. Why are you trying to shoot down what chance she has? For your information, underground music generally has a better following. If you want to put her back there, by all means please do so. God will still use her immensely.
Emily Marie
Crowning Casting's Achievements
posted 09/04/07
I read your review of Casting Crowns' new CD and was shocked by how hard and unfair you were. I went to their release party last night and it blew me away. It was not a thrown together album as you implied. It was thought provoking and people can really identify with the meaning of the songs. Unfortunately, too many artists sing what people want to hear instead of getting to the nuts and bolts of life. Mark Hall listens to what God is telling him! Maybe if you had been there last night your critique would not have been so harsh! Everyone in the band is so genuine and they totally walk the talk. You never mentioned the bonus track on the CD. Mark and Megan sing a song in Korean which will give you goose bumps. You wait: this album will go platinum as well!
Kara Rebitch
posted 09/04/07
You're right: I am one of those hardcore fans you mentioned, and I completely support this album. Maybe they were doing something different this time; maybe it wasn't about the ones who already listen and love their music, but rather the ones who don't listen or have never heard—the ones who need a certain word or chord that stands out and catches their attention. Not to say that the previous ones didn't, but God is constantly challenging us and molding us so that we may become who he wants us to be. Who are we to say, "No, we prefer it this way." Step outside the box and see the big picture! It isn't about what you think it should be, it is about how God wants it to be.
Maranda Edgar
Defending Discernment
posted 09/04/07
I'm e-mailing you specifically because of Russ Breimeier's commentary "Defining? Or Descerning?" I work as a music department head in a prominent Christian bookstore from Saskatoon, Canada. I constantly get presented with the argument of "Christian music"—what it is and what it means. So when I saw the commentary, I was greatly moved and fully appreciative. I not only completely agree with what Russ had to say, but it's caused me to use this commentary as an in-store tool/resource in determining what [music to bring into the store]—it's already inspired some great questions and responses here. The debate about so-called "Christian music" will never end and will never stop bugging me. Thank you for a great resource and an amazing commentary on an issue that will [unfortunately] always be point of division in Christendom.
Luke Johnson
Hallelujahs for Head's Testimony
posted 08/20/07
I am so inspired by the story of Brian "Head" Welch. I am a 27-year-old male who has also fallen victim to the nothingness of meth. And I have a beautiful 4-year-old daughter who I am now fighting to get back due to circumstances following that addiction. I've got to say it's not easy, but I know that Light will shine, and I know the fight is well worth the prize. Thank you, Mr. Welch, for being a role model for us dads that choose the wrong road. I hope and pray to be with my daughter soon, and as happy as you look with yours.
Andy Telles
posted 08/20/07
I think you did an awesome job with the Brian 'Head' Welch interview! These are the kind of interviews today's youth needs to read and hear about. He got to a point where no one could do anything to help him, but God was knocking on his heart's door as the only answer. I believe God will use him mightily in the music business to touch other musicians who are dangling at the end of their ropes and have nowhere or no one to turn to, except God.
Loretta Partida
posted 08/20/07
I am so encouraged by this article. My grandson is a Korn fan, much to my dismay. I purchased the book for him, and I think the Lord will use this to bring him back to the Lord. Thank you so much.
Carolyn Scroppo
posted 08/20/07
Thanks be to God for you and your witness, Christian Music Today! I love how you are able to accept Christians with tattoos, foul language, long hair, whatever. Too often we spoil our chance to witness by judging.
Vicky Yant
We reserve the right to print and/or edit any letters we receive. We cannot reply to every e-mail. Reader opinions on this page do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Christian Music Today.
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