Lyrical content is extremely important for a band's success and fan attachment. Popular bands often have lyrics that universally pique interest and create an emotional connection between the artist and the listener. What happens when a band uses their words to talk about controversial subjects? Bands like mewithoutYou, Underoath, and Boxcar Racer have enjoyed popularity while having lyrics pertaining to the polemical topic of religion.
Would you judge a band based on their religious affiliation? If the lyrics are spiritual, do you care or should you care? Do you think that Christian (or other religious) bands have it easier or harder to win over a crowd?
I know this is probably weird but I've got a little bit of the softer Christian artists (Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin) on the same iPod as Disturbed, NIN, and Tool.
I don't judge bands by religious affiliation, seeing as some of my favorite bands are categorized as Christian or have religious lyrics, and I don't participate in organized religion. I think it is a two way street with fans when a band locks themselves in to a religion, becuase it draws some people to them only because they share beliefs and others avoid them becuase of their religious affliation.
I do not think bands should preach on stage in between songs though, either for or against religion (Fat Mike, Underoath). They should do that through their music if they want to. I can't remember the last time I payed $20 to see a preacher, not a band.
i like christian bands, i like bands that aren't christian. basically i just like bands that make good music and have lyrical content that is honest whether i agree with it or not. if i come across a band that i don't like lyrically or that offends me in some way, i just don't listen to it. reminds me of a certain offspring disclaimer...
It's so funny that this is today's topic considering five seconds ago I was researching some Patron Saints.
Personally religious preference doesn't effect my listening experience, God knows that all those Sundays at Mass didn't stop me from loving Cursive or Smashing Pumpkins (pre-Billy Corgan finding Jesus).
Personally, I enjoy religious lyrics, whether i agree or not. It always sparks some kind of thought which is the purpose anyways. I dont really like all the "praise the Lord!" kind of stuff but more intellectual lyrics that actually involve thinking.