Issue #28
08-27-2004
by Michael Janke

Got a burning question? Trying to understand recent events? Need clarification on a rumor? Want to know how and why things happen the way they do? Ask CMCentral!

Welcome back to Ask CMCentral. I am your host and answer man, Michael Janke. Currently on my hot list: Hillsong London's Shout God's Fame, Something Like Silas' Divine Invitation, Rachael Lampa's Rachael Lampa, Bebo Norman's Try, and Watermark's The Purest Place.

Do you own that Something Like Silas album, Divine Invitation, yet? If not, you are missing out on one of the best and most original vertical alt/rock/worship records you'll ever have the chance to hear.

"Neither the group nor the individual members of Phillips Craig & Dean believe in a modalist approach to the Trinity. They believe in the existence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - the 'Three in One'."

Thankfully every major Christian ministry that has addressed this issue with us directly has come out in support of PCD based on the facts and personal discussions with the guys.

If you were to attend their concert, you would find they address the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the present tense at different moments throughout the event. They believe that when Jesus was on earth, God the Father was absolutely reigning as scripture notes in Heaven. When Jesus prayed in the garden, He was speaking to His Father. This is definitely not consistent with a modalist belief, but it is consistent with the beliefs of the individual members of PCD.

I will let those words speak for themselves, and hopefully this helps to clear up a lot of the confusion that is out there on this.

On with the questions.

Q: I've heard conflicting information regarding the title and sound of Smitty's new project which comes out on Oct. 26th. I read one article that seemed to indicate a more rock oriented project direction. In that article Smitty said: "I don't want to just make another record and follow in that direction of 'Oh, this is the next Smitty pop thing'...I would rather quit and go do something else. I want to make something stellar." In that article other things seemed to indicate a more rock-oriented direction as well. Other sources , though, indicate that it will be a pop album. In regards to the album title, at most places I've seen it listed as Healing Rain, but then others say that according to his manager it is still going to be called Fly To the Moon. Can you shed some light on these two questions of mine? Thanks.
Hank

A: The title of the album is Healing Rain, which is also a song and the album's lead single. It was co-written by Martin Smith, of Delirious. I have not heard the project, but I have heard a few songs from it. From what I have heard myself, and from the buzz I've heard, it seems that musically Healing Rain will be pop/rock. I think the confusion comes from the definition of terms. In some circles, "rock" simply means contemporary; that is, relevant to the current music scene. It does not necessarily indicate music that would be on the play list of a rock format station. Also, "pop" can be used in different ways. "Pop" can refer to teen pop (a la Jump5), it can refer to Top 40 radio, it can refer simply to anything that falls in between an inspirational sound and rock and roll. And it can also refer to the entire world of popular music, as opposed to, say, classical music. Depending on the context of those quotes, and whom they were being told to, it could be easy to be confused. The final product should simply be Michael W. Smith returning to his pop/rock roots. "Healing Rain," the song, will be a nice blend of his worship sound with pop sensibilities, but the album on the whole will be the Smitty of old, pre-Worship.

Q: Jadyn Maria album was supposed to come out early last year, but I heard it was postponed because of the whole war thing. Then it was changed again. do you have any info?
John

A: Jadyn's album has been pushed back more times than the Dallas Cowboys' defensive line, it seems. Her album is now scheduled for a February 2005 release. I am told that it was delayed because Jadyn has singed a new endorsement deal, and they wanted to time the album's release to better work with her new endorsement. What is she endorsing? I think it's the Alf Season 2 DVD boxed set, but don't quote me on that...

I'm kidding. Though I'd endorse Alf if I had the chance. He's one funny alien.

Q: Hey, whatever happened to you doing the concert reviews? You have like 6 or 7 of them and the last one was like in '02. How come you don't do anymore?
Derick

A: We just did a review of the One Nation Tour. But the main reason is that I live in San Diego, California and for some reason Christian artists do not choose to come through my town very often. And the rest of the CMCentral staff hasn't had any opportunities, either. When it comes to concerts, we're pretty much at the mercy of promoters. However, you can look for coverage of the Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, and Chris Tomlin tour in October, as I will be attending that show for sure. If you want to read more, encouraging your favorite Christian artists to stop in the greater San Diego area would be a great start. And if Mandy Moore ever comes through town...

Q: Actually I was just wondering if you knew of any place where I could get music tracks. What I mean is I really like some of the Third Day songs and other groups too and would like to be able to sing them to the actual music (for church) instead of working with sheet music. Do you know of a place where I can get this?
Marisa

A: Any Christian retailer worth its salt will have a good selection of accompaniment tracks. If you do not have one near you, visit Christianbook.com and search for the song you are looking for by title.

Q: Why aren't Christian artists speaking out on marriage? The only Christian of influence I hear speak up is James Dobson. Why aren't Christian music artists speaking out for our marriages? Is there a reason they haven't?
Joyce

A: Hmm. I'm not sure that really is the case, Joyce. I believe that artists talk about marriage quite a bit. However, since they are musical artists, their focus tends to be more on their art, rather than any one particular subject. But it is there. Steven Curtis Chapman's last album, All About Love, was an entire project devoted to his wife. Married artists bring up their spouses quite a bit - everyone from Michael W. Smith to the Point of Grace women to Christine Dente. The difference between them and Dr. Dobson is that Dobson's job is related to counseling and families. He's supposed to deal with that sort of thing, where as a musical artist, no matter how important the issue of marriage is to them, still has to write songs, tour, and record.

Q: What do you think about the Kanye West song, "Jesus Walks?" Many of the lyrics seem really positive, especially when criticizing how rappers make songs about "anything but Jesus/That means guns, sex, lies, and videotape/But if I talk about God my record won't get played." But there is also profanity in the beginning verse. Thoughts?
Sarah

A: In life, we are all on a journey, as CS Lewis has pointed out. That journey tends to be either towards God or away from God (slowly or quickly, either way) It seems that Kanye West, on his journey, is headed towards God. Is he there yet? Probably not. But none of us are where we really want to ultimately be. Should you listen to his music? That's for you to decide. Here's a little article that might help you make a more informed decision.

Q: I know I'm probably obnoxious in this question, because I've asked it many times, and you might feel like I know more than you… but do you have ANY idea when Anointed is coming out with something new? Any rumblings in Nashville? It seems they've dropped off the face of the planet.
Andrew

A: It looks like Anointed is currently in the studio working on a release for next year. Brown Bannister is producing.

That wraps up this issue. Keep the questions coming, to ask@cmcentral.com. I'll be back in a few weeks with a new AskCMC for your reading pleasure.
Michael Janke

There is a new section of CMCentral for Missing Artists. It's quite thorough and updated, so please visit there before you send me any new questions on missing bands. I will not answer any question that can be answered by clicking over to that portion of the site unless there is breaking news of some sort.

Please include your name with all submissions. No name, no answer. If your e-mail subject is descriptive it has a better chance of catching my attention. All questions are subject to editing. Not all questions can be answered due to editorial and other considerations, and personal replies are not possible.