REVIEW: Jars of Clay “Good Monsters” (HM)

September 3rd, 2006 | Reviews | Source: HM Magazine (6)

Good Monsters is Jars 7th full studio album of new material and it’s being kicked off with a little bit of controversy. Apparently some of the “gatekeepers” in the Christian music world are getting their feathers ruffled over a comment made by Jars lead vocalist Dan Haseltine (posted on the website jarchives.com) in which he said, “Don’t be surprised by the contemporary Christian music industry…They have created a monster and now they do not know how to kill it gracefully. And even though it is a monster, most times its motives are to become a very good monster.” From that I gather that the title of the new Jars of Clay album is a not so veiled reference to the Christian music industry, and probably the entire evangelical sub-culture in general. Fine by me. He’s acknowledged that they’re a part of it and isn’t being hypocritical, just stating something that is all too true. […read more]

2 Responses to “REVIEW: Jars of Clay “Good Monsters” (HM)”

David
September 3rd, 2006 23:59
1

I’m not a huge fan of Christian artists whining about this “Christian music bubble.” The argument is just so lame in my opinion. I mean, of course Christian music is going to live in its own world. The very message goes against everything else in mainstream media today. Purity. Faithfulness. Loving thy neighbor. Treating people with respect. The list goes on and on. There’s nothing wrong with Christians making entertainment for Christians. I don’t know. I’d like to hear some other opinions on this.
Ali
January 24th, 2007 18:19
2

I sort of understand your point david, but I also realize that there is a stigma about being a “Christian Band” it’s a lot harder to get the crowds, and if you’re trying to bring light into the world, you need to play for the lost. The lost don’t necessarily want to listen to a Christian band preach at them, but they’re more likely to listen to a band who doesn’t overtly have an agenda. Sort of like Switchfoot, the Fray, etc.