Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music

A prominent theologian whose work usually focuses on the historical Jesus, Powell (New Testament, Trinity Lutheran Seminary) has compiled an exhaustive opus on popular Christian music dating from the 1960s to the present. Included are 1700 alphabetical entries on well-known singers, songwriters, and bands (Stryper, Amy Grant, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Petra), newcomers (P.O.D., Creed), and more peripheral figures (Bob Dylan, Kansas, and U2). Each entry features personnel, a discography, a link to the official/endorsed web site (when available), a critical and biographical essay, a list of Christian radio hits (if any), and awards. Although entries on artists who have experienced personal tragedy or controversy sometimes contain a hint of "kiss and tell" tabloid flavor, the essays are thorough and generally superbly written. In his introduction, Powell also does an excellent job of defining Christian music. Rather than relying on the content of the music (which is often ambiguous) or the performer's faith (which is even more so), he leaves the act of classification up to the fans, observing that "such labels are always audience-driven and are based unapologetically on perception." To add even greater value to the modest retail price, a CD-ROM with audio clips, links to artists' web pages, and album information accompanies this volume. The only reference book of its kind, this is highly recommended for all public libraries and for academic libraries with contemporary popular music and/or sacred music collections.
James E. Perone, Mount Union Coll., Alliance, OH