I think we can all agree on the most important song of 1996, but I wasn't listening to that at the time, or whatever runners up you might mistakenly believe worthy to supplant it. But this post isn't really about that argument. This is about what I remember from that era. Christian music gets a bad rap for derivative sound, bland lyrics, and uninspired production values. Let's not kid ourselves here. That's largely accurate. But a lot of it is also the soundtrack of my youth, so for better or worse, there is a huge nostalgia factor as well.
I'm starting off with a cheat. Phil Keaggy released two instrumental albums in '96, one called Acoustic Sketches, and the other called 220. I didn't listen to either of them at the time, but they are both great while also very different from each other.
Now, on to the stuff that got radio play. I didn't have money for CDs, so the local Christian radio station's evening rock and alternative program was my main source.
The Big Names
Audio Adrenaline released their 3rd album bloOm in 1996, and it opened with Secret, a somewhat formulaic grunge-influenced tune which I admit remains a sort of guilty pleasure. I also still dig I'm Not the King and their cover of Free Ride by the Edgar Winter Group.
Newsboys are an Australian pop/rock band, and 1996 saw the release of their 6th album. Infamously iconoclastic Steve Taylor contributed to the lyrics, resulting in something a bit more clever than the usual in my opinion. The album art with its 1950s aesthetic and the XPAC-400 air car photo also stand out from the crowd. Highlights include the blatantly evangelical Reality, which blends the parable of the prodigal son with a more contemporary story of a runaway who joined the circus. This eclectic album also includes the bizarre eulogy song Breakfast, the title track featuring some very peculiar wordplay in the lyrics, the grungier Cup O' Tea, and the slow build of Lost the Plot demonstrating Taylor's habit of skewering Christian self-righteousness.
DC Talk didn't have a 1996 release, but it was probably one of the top 3 bands in Christian rock alongside Audio Adrenaline and Newsboys. It is also interesting to note that the latter two bands are now led by members of DC Talk.
New Blood
3rd Wave Ska was big in the mid-90s, and The Adventures of the O. C. Supertones was the debut album from one of the biggest bands to bring that sound into the Christian music scene. The Supertones often lean toward a rap/ska blend. This first release is a bit rough, and Matt Morginsky's vocals are odd, but ska is always fun.
Five Iron Frenzy also technically dropped their first album in late '96 as an indie release. Also rough around the edges, I think it holds up better musically and lyrically. They like to slaughter sacred cows in a way slightly reminiscent of Steve Taylor, although they tend to target nationalism and commercialism instead of Christian hypocrisy. They also like to be silly, though. I dig it all.
Another band new to the Christian music scene was Skillet, and it is the only one of these three to tour and record consistently since then, although lead vocalist John Cooper is the only member remaining from this album.
If you prefer more sophisticated rock, Dogs of Peace released their first album, Speak, in 1996. The second album heel dropped in 2016, so album 3 should arrive in another 13 years or so at this rate.
But then again, that band is more of a supergroup than a new band, so does it really even belong in this category?
Lesser-Known Bands
I recommend PFR's 1996 release Them without reservation. At times it sounds slightly Beatles-esque, and at other times quintessential 90s post-grunge and alternative. A lot of songs only have a couple verses, a chorus, and some kind of instrumental break or bridge.
Ghoti Hook was a big fish (get it?) in the small pond of Christian pop-punk. Song titles don't always have any obvious connection to the lyrics, but there is some high-energy stuff from their 1996 album Sumo Surprise. Lyrics tend to be simple and straightforward, but punk isn't supposed to be complex or obscure, right?
And I'll close with some weirder stuff: Joy Electric experimental synth pop.
This post has been a bit of an experiment inspired by browsing through my music library. Were you in the Christian music scene in the 90s? Is this all completely new to you? What are your impressions or memories? Should I dig into my CDs and MP3s to cover personal nostalgic highlights from other years? Chime in with a comment!
