Observations of the Evolution of Rock Music from the 1980's to Present

In our culture and society, observing music can tell us alot about the times in which we live, the condition of our society, and even about ourselves. That was no less true in the 1950's and 60's than it is today. Attitudes are communicated through many media, but none so clearly as in music. I first noticed this when I was a teenager, because music indelibly impacted my life. Let me explain some observations I've made over time about music...

Having "been there" in the '80's, I can say that most of the hair bands had a "positive attitude." Their cry was, "sex & drugs & rock -n- roll! YEAH!" But their over abundance of happy go lucky wailing and jamming over the length of the decade became so self indulgent and arrogant that it got old and cheesy. Can you say "Motley Crue?" Someone could also point out "Twisted Sister." We can probably add Krokus, WhiteSnake, maybe G&R, and a host of others.

Finally, in the early 1990's, along came a brooding, introspective, unkempt rocker who let loose another cry. It was no less self-centered, but it was anything but positive! Kurt Cobain cried out, "Sex & Drugs & Rock-n-Roll! WHATEVER!" And the "grunge" era was born. It became about the music again -- a dark, negative, and tightly wound Rock that didn't care about -- and even hated -- the Glam Rock of the hair Bands. With Nirvana's "Smells like Teen Spirit," grunge was off and running...

Then came Pearl Jam and their "Jeremy," and Queensryche whose evolution from the 80's to the 90's gave us "Silent Lucidity," along with the Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden and others. As the 90's came to a close, Cobain finally ended his misery with a shotgun to his head (he was married to Courtney Love, after all!) and grunge gave way to a musical form best described as Alternative Rock, or "New Rock," which kept much of the tightness of the musicality in Grunge, but these band's learned to "have fun" again, or to be at least a little upbeat and positive sometimes. The Foo Fighters, Creed, and Three Doors Down represent a good cross section of these bands.

But, music is not static. And Rock -n- Roll is always evolving. It's art reflects society and in some sense prods it on -- whether the message is good or bad. While leftists had every reason to be happy in the Clinton 90's, the music of this crowd tended to be downcast and dark. And in light of the challenge of our days, it's no wonder the bands of today sound and "uncertain trumpet," or rather, lead guitar, that alternates between vicious anger, vile living, and sometimes almost spiritual positivism.

Music has been said to "tame the savage beast." But I believe it can also "inflame the savage beast." That's why if we ignore it, we do so at our own risk. But at the same time, if we LISTEN to it, we do so at our own risk as well.

JDW

c . 2008, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Music with a Message - Everything by Lifehouse

Lifehouse is an alternative rock band. They have had several "hits" in the popular FM Alternative radio format. But two members of the band -- the two that do the most writing --
Jason Wade and Sergio Andrade, are Christians. Their music and lyrics have been described as "profoundly lyrical," and they aren't disengaged, as they attend the Vineyard Church in Malibu, California.

That by no means indicates that they are "on board" with the "institutional church" as it exists today. Wade in particular points to the divorce of his parents when he was 12 as the time he became accutely aware of, and angry about, the way the church treated those who didn't conform, and couldn't forgive. Perhaps that's one reason they reject the title, "Christian band." though Wade and Andrade are open about their faith.

Since 2001, I have enjoyed their music, and especially their lyrics. While they aren't overt in an "in your face" way, listening to the words crafted within the flow of their gifted musicianship will clearly show where these guys are spiritually. Their lyrics speak of something -- SOMEONE -- greater than themselves. Below are the lyrics to a song from their first CD released in 2001, No Name Face. I understand it was written during their youth group days, as a praise song. The words make it clear -- and the music sets the perfect tone. Give it a listen online sometime. I think you'll be blessed.

Everything

Lifehouse

Find me here
And speak to me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me to the place
Where I find peace again

You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the light to my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything

And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this

You calm the storms
And you give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You still my heart
When you take my breath away
Would you take me in take me deeper now

And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this

And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this

Cause you're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
You're everything, everything
You're all I want
You're all I need
Everything, everything

And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better any better than this
And how can I stand here with you
And not be moved by you
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this
Would you tell me how could it be
Any better than this