Cindy Swanson
Music
Some Under-Rated Christian Singers
- Matthew Ward
- Rhonda Gunn
- Scott Krippayne
It seems in any musical genre there are extremely talented people who don't get the full credit they're due. I believe that's true on the Christian music scene. Certain artists get a great deal of promotion and hoopla,and something makes them click with critics and the music-buying public. Others have enormous talent, and may consistently put out quality music, but it somehow doesn't that get much attention.
Here are three Christian singers that I think are huge talents, but who are,in my opinion,vastly under-rated. (Simply click on their name to visit their websites)
I remember being wow-ed by Matthew Ward's voice back in the 70's, when he was part of the 2nd Chapter of Acts trio with his two sisters,Annie and Nelly. Matthew was just a teen-ager then, but his voice could blast out with raw power or soar like an angel! He remains one of those singers whose voice I could just listen to,ad infinitum.
Now,with added spiritual and chronological maturity,Matthew's voice is better than ever, but you will probably hear it only on Christian radio stations that fall into the "inspirational" category. Too bad...all of the listening public deserves to hear this remarkable voice.
Matthew credits a battle with cancer several years ago with giving him a new outlook on life: "After my bout with cancer in 1994, the Lord began a work in my spirit, showing me new avenues to explore regarding ministry in music. He would make a clear path for me to reach in and help those who are hurting mentally, spiritually, and physically."
I still enjoy an occasional trip down a musical memory lane, listening to Matthew belt out 2nd Chapter favorites like "Starlight,Starbright" and "Which Way the Wind Blows." But I also enjoy the worshipful and ministering spirit of his newer music. Among my current favorites...played on Radio 91...include "To the King," "Who is Faithful," "Consume Me," and "I Will Worship You."
"My music is dedicated to all of those who, like myself, are not satisfied with a mundane or mediocre pursuit of God. There is a passion in me to reach deeper amidst the questions and mysteries~seeking for all of who He is. "
If you add vocals that range from gutsy and soulful to sweet and vulnerable, that quote from Rhonda Gunn on her website pretty much sums up her appeal. A talented songwriter,Rhonda's lyrics often touch me right where I need it at a given moment. Songs like "Forgiveness," "Mercy River," and "The Valley of the Shadow" are moving and devout as well as being beautiful to listen to. The amazing grace of God is a recurring theme.
I also love "Here in this Place," "You Take Me," and "God is God" (interestingly close in theme to Steven Curtis Chapman's song of the same name, but a great song in its own right.)
My son Jonathan gave me Rhonda's "Forgiveness" CD for Mother's Day several years ago, and sometimes I just put it on,lay back and enjoy. It never fails to give me a deeper appreciation of God,his goodness and his unfailing mercy.
Scott Krippayne
Scott Krippayne is another double-threat...an artist with a beautiful voice who also writes thoughtful and praise-inducing lyrics. Some of my favorites include "What Breaks Your Heart," "Wild Imagination," and "Bright Star Blue Sky."
One of my favorite Scott Krippayne songs wasn't actually written by Scott,though. "Sometimes He Calms the Storm" was penned by Tony Woods and Kevin Stokes, but Scott sings it beautifully. This is a song I used to comfort my daughter with when,as a child, she had a terrible fear of thunderstorms. While the fear was of literal storms in that case, we all go through those frightening storms in our lives:
He has a reason for each trial/ That we pass through in life/ And though we're shaken/ We cannot be pulled apart from Christ/ No matter how the driving rain beats down/ On those who hold to faith/ A heart of trust will always/ Be a quiet peaceful place/ Sometimes He calms the storm/ With a whispered "Peace be still"/ He can settle any sea/ But it doesn't mean He will/ Sometimes He holds us close/ And lets the wind and waves go wild/ Sometimes He calms the storm/ And other times He calms His child
Scott says this in his website bio: "I’ll admit that in high school and even as a Christian artist, there have been times I felt like I didn’t fit in," he says. "Almost everybody goes through that at some point in their life. But I’ve come to realize it would be foolish for me to try to color my hair or dress up in some trendy clothes. That might work for somebody else, but it wouldn’t be me. I may not be the cool guy, but that’s OK because I know God loves me the way I am."
That's Scott Krippayne. Nothing flashy and pretentious...his voice is pleasant and comfortable,showcasing the message of his songs.
