Aaron Greer Band’s “Agents of Change”: A Review
GENRE: CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
RECORD LABEL: SMALL TOWNE RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 18, 2008
RATING: 2 OUT OF 5
Nutshell Version:
Aaron Greer Band’s “Agents of Change” is not going to change a thing. In fact, when it comes to Christian music, “Agents of Change” is more of the “same ‘ole, same ‘ole” that makes people cringe when you mention that you appreciate Christian music. Even though this album is designed with Christians in mind, that does not mean that creativity should not evolve. My advice would be to find ways to make the sound a little more experimental and/or culturally relevant (ala David Crowder) and explore/dwell on deep problems that plague this world because of its fallen state, dive into Scripture (especially the Psalms), and then pick up pad and pen to write a worship song that will move people to tears, repentance, and their knees. Just…don’t put out another album like this.
Full Version:
Aaron Greer Band’s “Agents of Change” is not going to change a thing. In fact, when it comes to Christian music, “Agents of Change” is more of the “same ‘ole, same ‘ole” that makes people cringe when you mention that you appreciate Christian music. I’m not saying the music is bad. Greer’s ability to get a record deal amidst the crowded marketplace of Christian music speaks to his talent and tenacity. However, the music here pales in comparison to other artists in the same genre, such as MercyMe or Casting Crowns. Furthermore, even though this album is designed with Christians in mind, that does not mean that creativity should not evolve.
First, the music here is on par with mid-90’s Twila Paris. Just because Paris was considered a “success,” this should not be considered a compliment. Essentially, the musicianship on this album with its over-reliance on nasally crooning, tambourine, light guitar picks, and “instrumental twists” (i.e. you think they’re going to do one thing, but they wait another 30 seconds to actually do it), is rather pitiful. Greer’s voice is what it is. Michael W. Smith is nasally, too. He’s done pretty well for himself. But, Smith arrived on the scene at a particular point in time when Christian music sucked and he has evolved as the genre has gained substance and notoriety. “Agents of Change” is about ten years late to the proverbial concert.
Second, the lyrics are bland and surface-level. Albeit, this is worship music, it doesn’t move or speak to me the way a David Crowder, a Chris Tomlin, or a Jeff Johnson Band does. Here is what I mean, the Crowders, Tomlins, and Johnsons of this world tap in to more than just the praise side of worship music. They also tap into the mysterious and sometimes even into the painful. Greer’s music seems to me to espouse the idea that God is good (true) and therefore life is good also (not necessarily always true). The lyrics on “Agents of Change” conjure images of thirty and fortysomething suburbanites with arms lifted high, eyes closed, and smiles plastered on their faces, pretending for an hour that their lives are not filled with pain, suffering, and questioning. While there is something to be said for praising God in the storm (ala Casting Crowns), Greer uses many words and lacks depth while people like Tomlin uses few words and a person is dared to get to the bottom of the poetry. For instance, compare Greer’s lyrics from “You’ve Been Here Before” with Tomlin’s “Blessed Be Your Name.” Greer sings, You’ve been down the road I’m walking before/And all the pain I’ve felt, I know you’ve felt more/And even on the worst day, you’re still worth living for… However, Tomlin sings, You give and take away (2x)/My heart will choose to say/Lord blessed be your name. Greer relates to Jesus and says, “Hmmm…I can do this because Jesus went through worse.” Tomlin says, “God is in control of this situation. Everything is by his will, even my painful situation.” One is theologically correct, but is more of the same old thing. One flies in the face of our modern notions of a God who does everything according to our timetable and demands.
Look, “Agents of Change” is certainly going to appeal to a certain segment of Christian music lovers. Much to my chagrin, that segment is pretty darn big. So, Greer is likely going to do well, despite what I say. So, since he is going to do well, my advice would be to find ways to make the sound a little more experimental and/or culturally relevant (ala Crowder) and explore/dwell on deep problems that plague this world because of its fallen state, dive into Scripture (especially the Psalms), and then pick up pad and pen to write a worship song that will move people to tears, repentance, and their knees. Just…don’t put out another album like this.
(Note: There will be those who believe I have been overly harsh in my review of this album. There will undoubtedly be those who vehemently disagree with my opinion and leave comments to that affect. My desire is not to be discouraging or unwholesome in my speech. I do not call into question the artist’s relationship with Jesus. Rather, I want to encourage Christian artists to truly tap into the creative nature that God—the ultimate Creator and Artist—has endowed us with in order to create true art and new culture.)
