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Music within our lives A few days ago I got to thinking about music and how it's involved in our daily lives. It's exhibited in every culture, is used for enjoyment, praise to a "higher power", and various other things relating to a daily life. I'm curious as to what genres of music have not only been an influence in your life, but which you currently relate and listen to the most. What initially got my interest in this is, during a recent service at the church I attend, as is customary, we come before the Lord in prayer. Followed by worship and praise to Him in song prior to the sermon of that day being taught, as well as afterward. And like a good many churches, our church enlists a projector that displays the lyrics for each song or hymn displayed on a wall as it's being sung. Ok, ok, I'll get to the point!  Most of us have either memorized the lyrics to our favorite songs and songs we're familiar with, or will use a hymn book or projected lyrics like I mentioned to sing along. But how many have actually READ the lyrics? Sang the words, and MEANT every one of them? "Experienced" the words with more than just head and heart, but from the Holy Spirit residing within? Myself, I was once a fan of most Rock and Roll music, including some of the more extreme "Heavy Metal" style music. But after actually reading and listening to the lyrics I was more than astonished, I was disgusted and embarrassed at the lyrics that I had been singing along to all those years!  It's safe to say, I stopped listening to that music immediately. Over the past year or so my musical tastes have been more towards instrumental music, artists like Lindsey Sterling (violinist) and Pavlo (Spanish acoustical guitar). Very soothing, and is what I stream from my phone while at work. My Christian based musical tastes are in bands like Stryper and Petra (I like the guitar riffs  ), and others like Chris Tomlin, Kutless, and a few others.So while we are all similar in that we are all of the Lord, please keep in mind that He has also blessed each of us with our own personalities. And being so we will have differing views and musical tastes resulting from our individual circumstances, and how we were raised. This isn't about who worships and praises our Lord "correctly", or who's musical tastes are in line with His will. So please, let's play nice in our comments. 
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I'm not much into classical artists like Chopin or Beethoven, but have heard a couple of pieces that I did enjoy. As far as music goes. It reminds me of something the son of my x-wife (he has ADHD and is an Aspie) once said (no offense intended to the mentally challenged); Quote:R.A.P = Retards Attempting Poetry. I nearly wet myself when he said that! So, is there any other particular artist, song or hymn that is a favorite for you?
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I like quite a few hymns as well, just not all of them. To me some hymns are very monotone and droning, and seem to lack "heart". The lyrics can be fine, but the melody and how the hymn itself is arranged can be so monotonous . I've been exposed to a bit of Celtic music over the year by friends. It's interesting and different, but is something that never instilled a desire in me to learn more about it. About the only time I hear bagpipes is when I go to a "Fallen Officers" event put on by the Choir Boys M.C. (you can Google them), which each year honors Police officers who have died in the line of duty. I as well don't just latch onto any artist or band claiming to be Christian. If the lyrics even lean towards what the Lord wouldn't approve of (vulgarity, sex, drugs, violence, etc.), then it's something I won't listen to. There's enough of that garbage in everyday life that I have to turn away from, I won't intentionally bring it into my life via music. I'm going to check into Rich Mullins and see if his style of music interests me. Perhaps he will be another artist that I can add to my growing favorite music file.
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Mercy Me is another recent favorite of mine. I stream Pandora radio at work, which has helped expose me to a lot of artists and bands (some good, some bad) that you simply won't hear on most mainstream radio stations. I know what you mean, because "I Can Only Imagine" is one that always gets me teary eyed (I need to start bringing tissues to church with me  ), as will "How Great Is Our God".
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i agree with SOH i find a lot of contemporary christain music appeals to the emotions, is false doctrine or is something that caters to the feel good mentality so prevalent in the church today. I am somewhat careful both in Christian and Secular music nowadays what i listen to. There are many out there that are true to the Word of God though. If you recognize the good from the bad, then you know which to avoid listening to. If you look hard enough into anything, you're bound to find some "bad apples". 
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