Traditional vs. Contemporary Music
Having been co-director of the Life Teen choir at my church for over eight years now, I must admit I am somewhat biased in my appreciation for CCM and its place in the mass. Whenever we choose to play a song by Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, or one of the many Hillsong groups, the music adds an amazing quality to the overall aura of the celebration, an experience that is rarely achievable with traditional songs—such as those done in the style of Gregorian chant for example. The reason for this is the “layering” of the music, which consists of multiple guitars, bass, percussion and vocals coming together to form a truly special stereophonic prayer. Although it may just sound like “those damn kids and their ‘rock’ music” to a more traditional parishioner, the combination of the powerful instrumentation and the spiritual lyrics, which is an element that is often overlooked or even completely ignored, proves to be a moving encounter with the Holy Spirit.
This is not to say, however, that traditional church music does not have its time or place in the Holy Mass. Quite the contrary, there are certain songs by Bob Hurd, Jaimé Cortez and other traditional Catholic musicians that do an amazing job of providing the congregation with feelings of solemnity and serenity which are crucial to the celebration. My first foray into church music was when I was ten years old with a children’s choir, and I distinctly recall singing simplified, “kid” versions of traditional church songs. Although I enjoyed my short two years there, I also remember feeling somewhat limited and bored with the music we sang. As a result, when I was provided the opportunity to assist the youth choir when I was 19 and help them improve, I quickly accepted. I saw the chance to not only help and teach others—which is a defining characteristic of my life—but also to be involved in music that was both reverent and enjoyable to young people.
Setting the Tone
Perhaps the most common issue traditionalists have with CCM in the Mass is the claim that the expanded instrumentation and “popular tone” of the music creates a less spiritual, even disrespectful environment in the church and the Holy Mass. While I will concur that those who do not have the ear for or experience with CCM would have some difficulty accepting its religious practicality, I would also ask that they attempt to listen to a wide variety of music and read its lyrics in order to properly develop their opinions.
For example, Matt Maher’s “Lay It Down,” Chris Tomlin’s “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and Hillsong United’s “With Everything” are, in my humble opinion, incredible songs that do a nearly unparalleled job of balancing traditional music’s humble spirituality with contemporary music’s youthful exuberance. All in all, there is merit to both sides of the argument, and I can clearly understand and accept both viewpoints. As far as I’m concerned, however, if it is true that song is prayer twice, then I merely ask God to accept my double offerings while I play my electric guitar using heavy distortion. Amen, and thanks be to God.