4 responses

1. 

   Andrew

   Jul 29, 2014

   I think that’s a good question. My initial response is thinking, “All songs must then fit this bill!” but I don’t think that’s the best response, mainly because it seems like a lot of songs are not easily sung a cappella. Maybe that should be more of a consideration as they are written? I know I’ve been with others when we’re singing songs a cappella and we sing a more contemporary song, and they aren’t as easy to sing in that way, especially if they have a bridge or a change between the chorus and verses: maybe more simply, parts that depend more on musical cues. But I’ve found some contemporary songs are easier to sing than others, like “10,000 Reasons,” or “In Christ Alone” or “How Deep the Father’s Love,” but those last two are hymns, so I think that can make them easier simply by that fact.

   Do you think songs, when written for the purpose of corporate worship, should be more simple over all? I can respect and appreciate that God gives people musical talent, but I don’t think complexity should be at play when others are wanting to sing along (just the other week we sang a hymn at church that had wonderful lyrics, but was next to impossible to sing since I had never heard it nor could I easily pick up the melody as we sang). Maybe there should be a distinction between songs written to sing along with and songs written to contemplate/listen to/etc. What do you think?

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   1. 

      misterjoshuaray

      Jul 29, 2014

      Good thoughts, Andrew. There is certainly an aspect of repetition that contributes to all this-a song can be complex or have a ton of different verses/lyrics if you sing it all the time and people learn it. But simplicity-without being simple, perhaps-seems to be key. Octave jumps and/or large ranges between the highest and lowest notes in a song sound great on a record if you have a full studio band and a voice like Phil Wickham or Chris Tomlin. But most people don’t have both those things.

      Now, that’s not to say that ALL songs need to be like that. But balance is important. If you overemphasize simple songs, there’s an aspect of songwriting and musicianship you can miss. But if it’s ALL about songwriting and musicianship, then you wind up with songs that aren’t “pass-on-able.”

      The songs you mentioned, especially “10,000 Reasons,” are definitely good ones that would work a cappella. I had also thought of “Jesus Paid It All,” “How Great Is Our God,” and “Mighty to Save” (…at least the chorus/bridge), along with old stalwarts like “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”

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2. 

   joshferrisblog

   Jul 29, 2014

   Good point. I love a good tune, but theology is what builds my faith.

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