Souled Out: The Truth Behind the Music
Last year, I spoke to a group of teenagers on the topic of identity. That conversation took an unexpected twist, and I began telling the students how today’s music is way more than meets the eye. The truth behind the music is that there is a very sinister, devious plot to destroy virtue and values and our kids are paying these “artists” to preach this mess to them.
Unfortunately, most of the “mainstream” music on the radio nowadays is full of lyrics that promote drugs, illicit sex, arrogance, violence and the degradation of women. Problem is, most of these songs have “tight” beats and are very catchy.
The truth is you can’t just listen to music for the beat. Studies show that when we listen to music, we engage both sides of our brain, not just one like we do when doing most other activities. The messages these “artists” are sending are doing real damage to our youth.
But it’s not enough to say, “Don’t listen to that.” There is some really great music out here that promotes good values, real fun and has an uplifting message. Much of Christian music falls into this category, but other music does as well.
For those who carefully guard what they listen to, finding quality, fun, thought-provoking music can be a challenge. To help you in your search, I have compiled a list of clean artists, most of whom are Christian or inspirational, but of superb quality and relevance to the issues of our culture. I hope you love this new music and find your heart strengthened by the quality, uplifting lyrics.
I hope you enjoy!
R&B
| If You Like | Then You’ll Love |
| Alicia Keys | HeeSun Lee or Mandisa |
| Beyonce | Michelle Bonilla or Lisa McClendon |
| Chris Brown | Da Truth or Deitrick Haddon |
| Jeremih | Mali Music |
| Justin Timberlake | J.R. |
| Mary J. Blige | Mary Mary |
| NeYo | J Moss |
| Rhianna | Beckah Shae |
| Usher | Canton Jones |
Rap/Hip Hop/Trap Music
| If You Like | Then You’ll Love |
| Black Eyed Peas | Group 1 Crew or Rapture Ruckus |
| Chief Keef | Lil Raskull or Tadeshii |
| Drake | Lecrae |
| Eminem | Andy Mineo |
| Future | J Roe |
| J Cole | Sivion or Flame |
| Jay Z | Da Truth |
| Kanye West | Ambassador |
| Lil Wayne | Trip Lee |
| Nicki Minaj/Iggy Azalea | Mizz Reality |
| Pitbull | T-Bone |
Pop
| If You Like | Then You’ll Love |
| Ariana Grande | Moriah Peters or Crystal Lewis |
| Bruno Mars | Toby Mac |
| Ed Sheeran | Chris August |
| Hozier | For King & Country |
| Katy Perry | Stacie Orrico |
| Maroon 5 | Starfield or Method Echo |
| Megan Trainor | Britt Nicole |
| One Direction | The Afters or Avalon |
| Taylor Swift | Francesca Batastelli |
Country
| If You Like | Then You’ll Love |
| Blake Shelton | Danny Gokey |
| Luke Bryan | Josh Turner |
| Sam Hunt | Josh Turner |
| Florida Georgia Line | Rascal Flatts |
| Carrie Underwood | Larissa |
| Miranda Lambert | Kali Rose |
| Keith Urban | Tommy Brandt |
| Jake Owen | James Kilbane |
Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
| If You Like | Then You’ll Love |
| AC/DC | Project 86 |
| Evanescence | Barlow Girl |
| Nickelback | Kutless or Switchfoot |
| Foo Fighters | Reliant K |
| The Pretty Reckless | Thousand Foot Krutch |
| Papa Roach | Run Kid Run |
| Royal Blood | Skillet |
| Slipknot | The Showdown |
Click here to learn how to bring Souled Out: The Truth Behind the Music to your youth group!
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