A Road Less Travelled

I don’t really like most Christian music. Unless the artist is royally ticked off at the Church, doesn’t put his music under the label of Christian or was inspired by Rich Mullins (or is Rich Mullins) then my default setting is ambivalent with leanings towards dislike. Yes, I know this is unfair. I mention this so that you all understand where I come from. And so that when I say that One Day by Anthony Hopp is truly excellent Christian music you understand that this is unusual for me to say.

Anthony Hopp works at Samaritan Ministries with Seth. I’d only ever heard him sing at the Christmas party where he and one other are very, very funny. Just recently, though, he released an album that was done mostly single-handed. Anthony doesn’t say anything new in his music, but he expresses the old truths so beautifully. The title track One Day is fantastic, but my favorite song on the album is simply called Hymn. I listen to it twice each time I listen to the album and tear up each time. The songs are all very melodic sometimes with some electronic influences, sometimes with gospel influences. The lyrics are not complex, but contain such truth and love that they are powerful and moving.

I had a weird thought progression about this album. I was listening to it and I thought “This is truly excellent.” And then I thought “Hey, it’s a local, Christian, indie artist making something truly excellent. That’s cool!” And then I thought “Hey, I think having local, Christian, indie artists making truly excellent music is important. Like, I tend to think that the Christians around those artists should support them.” And then I thought “I’m a Christian near Anthony and I like his work. I could give him money!” So I did. I sent some money to work with Seth and he came back with a CD for me. An even trade I think.

In a few days you should be able to buy the album here. Until then unless you know someone who works at Samaritan I fear you are out of luck. However, Anthony does have a MySpace page where you can listen to some tracks off the album. Sadly, you can’t hear Hymn nor can you read the lyrics so you will simply have to trust me that it is that good.

So, does this album change my default position on Christian music. Probably not, but it does go on the list of exceptions to the rule. I hope you go listen and I hope you like what you hear as much as I did.