2020’s: The Decade of Latin American Christian Music?

  

While North American Christian Music continues to cling to its tried and true formula in the 2020's, artists in Central and South America are branching out with new and unique musical sounds.   Led (overwhelmingly) by the strong female vocalists of the genre.

(from top:  Manda (Amanda Rodrigues), Daniela Galeano, Fernanda Brum, Eyshila, Aline Barros, Noemi Prado, Thaiane Seghetto, Redimi2, Funky, Alex Zurdo, Evan Craft, Maria Paola, Julia Vitoria, Daniela Araujo)

        Without YouTube's 'recommended content' function back in October of 2019, this blog may never have been written. 

        I'd clicked onto recommended YouTube content before...the first degree introduced me to Beckah Shae, the second degree to V. Rose (the fourth degree brought me to Taeyeon's "Purpose - The Second Album," but that's a blog for another time).  But it was on that early October Morning that the third degree of YouTube recommended content came across my desktop with.... Daniela Araujo.  

        Two Music Videos:  Spanish "Mi Jesus" (ft. Even Craft) and Portuguese "Seja O Centro" (ft. Fernanda Brum) came up as recommendations.  Over the years, I'd briefly browsed through Spanish content from time to time on Itunes, with no real traction.  But Portuguese music from Brazil?  

    By mid-morning, I was hooked on "Seja O Centro."  It was like unlocking a whole new library of potential music to explore, yet still technically in the same Christian music genre I'd come to know since becoming a Christian in 1994.  I was stoked.  

        

The Music

     There’s something for everybody.  From the adult contemporary leanings of Eyshila, to the classically trained vocals of young Julia Vitoria; from the soulful spunk of Manda (Amanda Rodrigues) to the straight up Contemporary sound of Evan Craft; from the Spanish Christian reggae offerings commanded by Daniela Galeano to the try-every-genre singles of veteran Daniela Araujo.  

     While Male to Female song ratios seem to favor the male vocalist 5 or 6 to 1 in the North American Christian Music industry, it seems to favor the female vocalist around 3 to 1 in Central and South America.  

The Message

      Giving a bit of wiggle room for some error on my Google Translator, the artists of Spanish and Portuguese music have broken the code of moving past one-dimensional lyrical content without compromising the gospel message.  Artists like Manda, Galeano and Araujo rely heavy on this rapid-fire lyrical ballet, hitting the mark again and again.  

The Collaborations

     In last year’s 2021 Dove Awards, some of you may have noticed a nominee for best Spanish Language album:  “Uno,” by Alex Zurdo, Funky and Redimi2 (who is known by many for being part of the non-radio-edit single “Be Alright” with Danny Gokey and Evan Craft).  This entry was not there by accident.  This trio, along with an assortment of other artists like Indiomar, Un Corazon (The “Hillsong” of Latin Music IMO), Oveja Cosmica, Abby Valdez offering their talents to this album, this could easily have won the award, if not for the much more recognized “Desesperado” by Evan Craft taking the honors.  Rap, pop, and Latin influences abound on this album, weaving it into one of the best Christian albums of 2021…on any continent.   

     While collaborations are not uncommon at all in North America, it always seems like more often than not these artists are backing each other up, rather than going it alone, even across the Portuguese/Spanish language (Think “Mi Jesus” by Craft/Araujo or “Ancla” by Araujo/Galeano). It provides a cohesion, not found as often in the Christian Music as of late in North America.  

The Impact

     While number of online views alone should not determine an artist’s or song’s worth, these YouTube singles are nonetheless being heard.  From views ranging sometimes from the hundreds of thousands all the way up into the hundreds of millions, these stats rival their US counterparts.  Having the Gospel heard on this level makes me happy.  

Seismic Shift?  

     While the title of this blog begins with the 2020’s, I actually begin my personal journey of these incredible sub-genres to songs released back as far as 2017.  Not that there isn’t music before ‘17, but with the slow demise of the brick and mortar music/physical format Music era, 2017 seems to have turned a corner, in a good and amazing way, for the music of these Spanish and Portuguese genres.  I have tremendously enjoyed music over the past 3 years from countries all over Latin America:  Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Honduras and Puerto Rico.  There are such beautiful and passionate hearts and voices in these offerings; I hope you will take a look at some of these music videos on the included playlist link.  I am certain you will enjoy these songs and artists as much as I do.  

TTYL….

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCPK7mV-3xGANFmr9u_BjGjwyE_meAEWx

Top 20 David Meece Songs of All Time [Archive]

 

1.  Every Little step (1993) - I gave my life to Jesus at a David Meece Concert in the fall of 1994, and this song carried me through so many evenings of doubt and fear of not instantaneously having it all together after my conversion.  “Lord, I pray to You/ But sometimes I doubt You’re there/Lord I wait for You/But Your silence seems unfair.”  David Meece was one of the few voices on Christian radio at the time who seemed to understand what I was going through and didn’t sugarcoat the Gospel.  Even 23 years later I always come back to this song as my favorite in the David Meece anthology.  

2.  The Rest of My Life (1989) - The chorus of this song hooks you from the very beginning, and even though I’m not really into children's choirs, this song is one of the exceptions as it fits right in with David’s soaring 3-octave vocals and displays the innocence of simply wanting to devote the remainders of our lives to our Heavenly Father.  

3.  We are the Reason (1980) - This is arguably David Meece’s signature song, and for good reason.  A touching ballad of Jesus’ love for us and His sacrifice so that we may live.  

4.  Jesus (1982) - This song actually debuts on David’s 1976 debut album “David”, but sounds even better on his live “Front Row” album. It still comes with that 70’s vibe, but is crisper and tempered over several years of albums and touring.   

5.  Rattle Me, Shake Me (1982) - Borrowing from the classic song by Honeytree, David masterfully respins the lyrics to his unique brand of music and humor.  Also found on his live “Front Row” album.  

6.  Gloria (1983) - This song explores David’s vocal range from the lower-range optimistic verses to the high-end chorus.  This song is one of David’s best when heard live at one of his concerts.  

7.  Satan Just Leave Me Alone (1980) - “You did it to Judas/you did it to Samson/you did it to Adam and Eve/you did it to Balaam/And you did it Cain/ But you're never gonna do it to me no, no...”  This song is an example of what I like to call “naive confidence,” a term I like to use when a singer believes what they are singing about, with confidence, but perhaps still has a couple of life chapters that have yet to be written.  Probably not a song you would sing in your church, but still a bold addition “Are You Ready,” arguably David’s best album.  

8.  Gospel Train (1980) - You know when people run up to the front during intermissions   and place little slips of paper on the stage with song requests for the singer?  I got to hear “Gospel Train” live when someone brought an “Are You Ready” songbook to the stage with the enclosed message “you have no excuse” to the 1994 concert I attended.  The third verse is especially powerful.  

9.  Just Have a Little Talk (1980) - Tracks from the “Are You Ready” album are specifically plentiful in my favorites list, as it is my favorite of the David Meece albums, but each track has its own unique qualities in this collection.  This upbeat song could have easily been taken from a BeeGees album with most of the song in David’s higher vocal range.  

10.  God’s Promises/Rainbows in the Night (2005) - The only new track from David’s “Odyssey” (greatest hits) album, this 6 minute song focused heavily on the classic piano that David was know for.  

11.  My Father’s Chair (1993) - An important testimonial from David’s broken childhood, this song moves from heartbreak to earthly fatherly love to praise to our Heavenly father.  

12.  Some People They Never Believe (1983) - Taking the role of story teller, David lays out Biblical examples of Godly men doing great things and still the people around them still do not turn from their ways and believe in God.  Going from nearly a whisper, this song crescendos into Jesus’ mission to save us from our sin and even then so many people refused to believe.  

13.  Are You Ready?  (1980) - The chorus is catchy and you can’t help but echo David’s lyrical inflections:  “When he comes in the night...”  To me David always came away successful in his message without being overly pious or preachy, even with his role as evangelist with songs such as this.  

14.  Everybody Needs a Little Help (1978) - The title track from David’s 3rd album.  The album cover itself is worth the price of admission, but this slower track in the heart of David’s ‘disco’ years is friendship to friendship, an offer of hope during a tumultuous time.  

15.  Never Gonna Serve Anyone Else (1978) - “Well they can keep their champagne/And their smoky rooms/I don’t want their fame/And I don’t need their food...”  Another tour de force in David’s full 3 octave vocal range with the chorus once again focusing on the high end.”  

16.   Early in the Morning (1993) - The quiet verses suddenly explode into the chorus of ‘Hallelujahs’ for the risen King.  A great resurrection day song which is also a great reminder anytime of year that our Good King has conquered death and the grave.  

17.  You Can Go (1985) - From the album ‘7’, David put together quite a few radios hits from this album, the strongest being his opening track also a good song heard live.  

18.  The Man With the Nail Scars (1989) - A deeply worshipful song, David leads his audience through the ‘sha-na-na’s’ of the chorus, pointing to Jesus and the hands that bore our sin.  

19.  Going Home (1993) - A song of our Blessed Hope and journey’s end.  You can almost hear the weariness of the singer, longing to be in the arms of Creator God bathed in light and love.  

20.  Mother, Muffler, Mozart and the Beatles (1982) - So this is less of a song and more of a comedy sketch, but it is a perfect example of David’s great sense of humor and great portrayal of humor in how it can relate to our walk with God.  

Degrees of Christian Music; Music Video Edition 2022

 

Light Innocent:  Esther Marcos - "Meio Sem Querer (Almost Unintentionally)" 2018

Esther expresses being in love flawlessly.  The relationship every dedicated couple in the world would want to have.

Neutral Innocent:  Clear - "Ready to Ride" 1998

Sad story, but told in an upbeat, charismatic and communal way

Dark Innocent:  Wilshire "Ms. Innocence"  1998

Just before Wilshire went Indie

Light Neutral:  Katy Weirich - "Blue Jay" 2022

Starts despairingly, ends gloriously.  

True Neutral:  Brooke Fraser - "Deciphering Me" 2006 

Every brilliant lyrical line in this tune shining just to show, Brooke belongs in this spot.  

Dark Neutral:  Sarah Reeves - "Motions"  2020

From Sarah’s Crisis-of-Faith album.  Fortunately though, she eventually emerged stronger for it.  

Light Disillusioned:  Belu Rodriguez Kuhn - "Luz en la Oscuridad (Light in the Darkness)"  2022

Belu’s Coming of Age Single.  Reaching out to her generation.  

Neutral Disillusioned:  Priscilla Alcantara - "Empatia (Empathy)" 2018 

Intense, irreverent, a near suicide and a near stoning.  Artistic license run wild.  

Dark Disillusioned:  Daniela Araújo - "Consequências (Consequences)" 2019

Only Christian artist with a song that begins with the stanza:  “I saw dead and downtrodden; I saw a world of the living dead; I saw the temple of that time; Full of rotten flesh.”  And so it goes. 

Playlist:  https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCPK7mV-3xGCZbkJXCyRa6gJwwa5WxLpN

Top Ten Favorite Songs From 2022

 

Top Ten Songs of 2022        

          To be honest, my 2022 all-North American Christian Playlist just never materialized.  

          This isn’t to say that the year that was didn’t have some incredible, goosebump-inducing offerings.  From Spanish to Portuguese to English, the following 10 songs, all released in 2022, were at the top of my playlist.  

Honorable mention:  “Vida” - Thaiane Seghetto; “No Te Creo” - Daniela Galeano; “Love Did Not Stop There” - Adelaide; “Te Quiero” - Noemi Prado; “A Coisa Mais Bonita” - Manda; “Doble Filo” - CRYS   

10.  “Alante Alante” - Alex Zurdo

          Ok, this one is here just for the music video.  Truth be told though, this may be one of the hardest working male vocalists in the Christian Music industry in the 2020’s.  From his 2021 Dove-Nominated “Uno” collaboration (with Funky and Redimi2) to his latest solo 2022 release “Dtox,” Alex seems primed to be around for awhile.  

9.  “Aqui Estoy” - Daniela Galeano, Townix and Seph 

          While Zurdo may be the best one of the hardest working male artists of the 2020’s, Daniela Galeano may be one of the hardest working female artists of the same.  With an EP (Proposito) AND an Album (Dani Dani) of original music in just 2022 alone, this song highlights the former.  While a top headliner on the fast-paced Reggaeton Christiano sub-genre throughout the 2020’s, Daniela’s collaboration with Townix and Seph features an intimate setting music video on what would certainly fall in the Praise and Worship category.  

8. “If Your World is Gone” - Danielle Apicella 

          A late-year entry, I got introduced to Danielle’s music in early 2022 (“Higher” and “Fly”).  This artist has the throwback sound down to a science, and this offering is no exception.

7.  “Fast as You Can” - Iconic

          Speaking of throwback, check out the 2022 80’s-style riffs of Stryper Frontman Michael Sweet’s “Other Band.”  I still have a great respect for amazing guitar work.  

6.  “Luz En La Oscuridad” - Belu Rodriguez Kuhm

          Another late fall release, this young artist came of age with this single, her music and music video tackling many topics lost Christian artists are afraid to touch.  From the newly-discovered Vevo Christian Incoming Christian and Gospel Play, a happily surprising, well rounded mix, showcasing both US and international artists.

5.  “La Puerta Cerrada” - Daniela Galeano and CRYS

          Sweet tag teaming of similar female vocals in yet another non-Reggaeton offering from Daniela, expanding her talents as a well-rounded songstress.  

4.  “Blue Jay” - Katy Weirich 

          In the highly-saturated genre of 2020’s Praise and Worship, it can be hard to sift through the static.  Katy’s “Out of the Blue” EP does just that, highlighted by this song.  Hands down the best song finale of 2022; chill-inducing.  

Too close to call:  Top 3 Songs of 2020

          After a 2022 listening lull after Daniela Galeano’s “Proposito” EP in February, Spring’s April, May and June brought in a Trifecta of the best songs of the year from 5 amazing female vocalists from Latin America.  The lion’s share of my favorite music of 2022 came this area, for the simple reason that the lyricism and musicality is a cut above almost anything I’ve heard in the USA this year (and it’s not for a lack of looking).  Here are my top three faves (interchangeable,

based on mood):  

3.  “Ele Se Move” - Eyshila, Fernanda and Aline Barros

          Career singing veterans, one and all, these three powerhouses combine forces to produce one of the most epic, harmonic entries of 2022.  

2.  “Yo No Te Cambio” - Noemi Prado. 

          Best Comeback:  After a latin-flavored 2011 full length album debut, Noemi went on to release several different EPs and singles, experimenting with several different sub-genres of Christian music.  In 2022, she returned to the style of her debut, putting on an amazing, Flamenco-style song and video.  Her confidence is infectious, if she sticks to her strengths, 2023 could welcome even more great music from this artist.  

1.  “Fantoche” - Manda

          I first heard about Manda’s Brazilian Portuguese music in 2020 (“Caminhando em Frente” and “No Meio do Caos”), when she still went by Amanda Rodrigues.  If you ever wondered what it felt like to get a song stuck in your head from a language you barely know anything about, you’ve come to the right song.  Manda’s signature spunk shines through once again on this offering; she looks like she enjoyed making this video.  

          Here is my 2022 playlist link (containing the above ten songs/videos, along with other non-2022 iTunes and YouTube tunes influential to my listening pleasures during this year). 

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCPK7mV-3xGDbAyaIEjXhswh5FeU3d4i9

Executive Query

[This essay was written the morning of July 31, 2016; I am choosing it not to my I am 141st blog but I hope that someone will take notice of my ernest inquiry nonetheless.  Sometimes it feels like people would rather attack one another than step back and take a look at the bigger picture.]          

          I was hoping my friends would entertain a lengthy conspiracy theory, not about the current race for the Office of the Presidency per se, but about the Executive branch of this nation in general.  I am neither a democrat nor a republican so I hope this will come off as unbiased.  

          I am what you would call a greenhorn in American politics and almost intentionally so.  So my thoughts may come across as naive or unresearched, if you feel that way my apologies in advance.  However, I obtained a copy of the U.S. Constitution from a young boy back at the 2013 Evergreen State Fair in Washington state (I won’t specify which political party I donated a dollar to, LOL) and am using source material as well as my personal observations and somewhat differing thought patterns to make the following analysis:  

          I am wondering why the emphasis on the news and on social media is so much about the campaigns of the candidates running for the office of the President of the United States, when it is in fact the Legislative branch or ‘the power of the people’ that should determine policy in this country through a specific democratic process.  There’s a reason in the Constitution that the Legislature is listed first and the Executive mentioned second.   

          I imagine the first response to that question would be that the current Legislature in this country is basically deadlocked and crippled from any substantial legislation going out.  I would agree with that.  We have people from two major parties, with a multitude of opposing views, going at each other’s throats right now.  So entrenched are these people in their methods, swearing allegiance to the statutes of their political party line rather than their own consciences,  that the result of these actions is a unilateral stalemate in Congress. 

          This has left a gaping hole in our democratic process, leaving decision making to the Judicial branch and, apparently, to the Executive branch.  Therein lies that reason that I believe that there is so much media and social media emphasis on the Presidential office.  

          Our current and prior presidential office-holders have made successful, albeit arduous, advances in their agendas without the blessing of the Legislative branch.  How?  Through abuse of power of their Executive role.  Despite these abuses, roughly half of the American people, a good majority who share the same political party, condone these actions, because they share the President’s opinion or agree with whatever agenda action he is taking.  I.E.  The ends justify the means.  The other half feel violated and lash out, latching on to whatever party offers them change, even if it means swearing allegiance to a political party and their statues, in lieu of their own consciences.  

          Many of the abuses initiated by the executive branch are impeachable.  However, no president has ever been removed from office for Impeachment.  That process would have to be successfully executed by both houses of the Legislative branch of the US Government, which I believe would be a dozen times more difficult in this day and age than in centuries past.  Members of congress corresponding to whatever political party the President swears his allegiance to, have also pledged their allegiance to him, defending him to the end, despite his unconstitutional actions, against the opposing party’s accusations.  Please remember again, this applies to both current and past presidents on both sides of the two major parties (On a more personal rationale, I think the successful impeachment of a US president in this day and age would signal weakness to our worldwide enemies and would completely expose our still partially veiled deep divisions).   To be successful, the impeachment process would also have to be affirmed by a 2/3 Legislative majority which would be nearly impossible to secure in the here and now.  The impeachment proceedings are then tossed out and the Executive abuses of power continue.  

          Either one of the two primary candidates running for the 2016 Executive position have a high probability of continuing the abuse of presidential authority.  If the deadlocks of the Legislative branch continue into the future, there will be no action in place to break this Executive abusive cycle.  However since the actions of the reigning president will be viewed by roughly half of the American people as favorable, and roughly half of congress will be enamored with their political contemporary, that presidents’ actions will be executed with little to no resistance.  

          Which is why in conclusion that I believe that the media and social media emphasis of the presidential election cycle focuses more and more on the President’s office itself:  simply because the executive branch has been the most effective in initiating changes made in this country, changes which should be, by our US constitution, left in the hands of the people of the Legislative branch.  

          My original question however still stands.  I welcome your feedback and input whatever your opinion or political affiliation.     Christopher.  

Thoughts @ 4:30 am

1. Why is it so light outside? Is the sun really going to rise in less than an hour?
2. Everytime I wake up wide awake between 2 AM and 4 AM, I always think of the song "3 AM eternal" by the KLF. And then think of the video where the guy has that little box that goes "BEEP - BOOP......BOOP - BEEP"
3. If I was in Vegas, I'd be downstairs right now or touring the Strip.
4. God is working in this house selling/buying situation very closely.
5. Why doesn't crab or salmon in a can taste like the real thing?
6. How is it that one's mood for the day seems to be predetermined?
7. One time in high school, someone in my class once said, "I could be the only one in the world who truly exists and the rest of you could all be robots."
8. My cubie mate worked his last day at my company yesterday. He wants to become a police officer.
9. I think facebook can be used for good; Unfortunately it can also be used for evil.
10. I want to play music at more coffee shops and open mic nights. Hopefully with the move this will be more of a possibility.
11. If you want to enjoy Seattle more, go to the neighborhoods that are not always 'on the list.' Oh, but make sure you do you to the Seattle Center (Space Needle) this year. They're closing the Fun Forest with all the rides and everything by December
12. I have not been feeling myself lately. No facebook meltdowns or anything, just trodden down.
13. I know I can't travel and explore like I have the last 5 years because of the pregnancy and everything, but I can still discover things in Washington state.
14. Why did Esau work up to the point he was actually at the point of death before coming in for supper (in which Jacob tricked him into selling his birthright)?
15. God is real. I am truly humbled to know He still loves and cares for me.
16. There is a conspiracy with the wheat companies in products such as Tillamook ice cream and Reser's Salsa. They also have a deal with the doctors and hospitals. Why else does everyone dismiss the possibility of gluten allergies, a problem that may affect as many as 1 in 3 Americans?
17. My eyes are starting to burn.
18. Without naming names, why is it that we are enamored when someone famous dies before their time, when one day prior that person doesn't even enter our thoughts one time?
19. Definitely lighter now.
20. More and more, I have recognized those moments in my life where I realize it was "one of those moments" and made sure I lived it out and not taken it for granted.
Let's see if I can't get another hour or two of sleep.

What I did today

I had some time alone this afternoon, so I went shopping, bought some pants, two $5 Matt Redman CD's and a special doorknob hanger called a "Blessing Ring" for our new baby soon to be born later this year. I find that walking, instead of driving can be very enjoyable. After shopping at the outlet mall, I walked a ways to get a large sweet tea at McDonalds, then just sat down in the grass underneath a shady pine and watched the bees pick which clover they liked the best.
I've learned to enjoy the simple processes of travel without a motor vehicle when Kristin was in the hospital for 39 days last year. For five straight weekends, from Friday night to Monday morning I would keep my car in the parking garage (too expensive to move it and constantly pay the parking fees) and use only my feet, and the Seattle Public Bus system to get around. I enjoyed the best autumn leaves I have ever seen in the Northwest, met some amazing people in Fremont, University District, Capitol Hill and Ballard areas of Seattle. I rediscovered that everyday life is not mundane, when you are doing what you love. The restaurant owners, barbers, booksellers, and shopkeepers were passionate about what they did; these were the grassroots people of the small business, simply trying to offer their wares in the sphere of the community they were involved in.
I say all this because, too much in our lives, and more so in cyberspace, we are slowly being assimilated into almost a robotic mentality. The hustle and bustle of the monetary bottom line, along with the misguided views and expectations of an elite few, have caused our perspectives to be knocked out of place. This is a topic for another time, but I just felt today, that like my time in Seattle last year, I liked the time I spent with the people today, sowing into the economy with the shopkeepers, and enjoying the simple pleasures God had to offer today.