In the world of Christian music there are several styles of music: contemporary, Southern gospel, R&B, rap and country, among others. In most cases, it is fairly easy to determine what category in which an artist would belong. In the case of Carman, however, critics and fans alike agree that he belongs in a division all his own. The reason is because he doesn't fit into any other category. He prefers to take a little piece from all the others and create his own unique style.
His style can very safely be described as bold, upfront, unashamed, in-your-face music that has one goal: to very clearly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Not to say that other artists aren't giving good Christian messages; it's just that Carman's messages seem to jump out of the speakers and grab you by the collar and scream, "Do you get it?"
Is this method controversial? Yes. Is it popular with the fans? Absolutely! He holds the single concert attendance record for a Christian artist (over 70,000) and he generally sells around 500,000 copies of his albums and just recently, his new CD R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion Of Truth) broke onto the sales charts at #1.
The opener, "God Is Exalted," sets the pace for the project as it gives an upbeat "hip-hop" mix of Carman standards. The setting for the spoken intro is a parody on the "generic safety speech" you would hear from the flight attendant on a plane. This speech, of course, carries a Christian twist and talks about being on flight 777, reading the salvation flight card, and exit row 666. As the tune hits its stride, it generates a fast-paced jam with Carman giving a rap performance. The music is top-quality and has a very polished consistency to it-courtesy of the Brown Bannister/Tommy Sims production. It reminded me of some of the funky sounds of C+C Music Factory. As with all Carman songs, the lyrics (here co-written with rap artist T-Bone) take center stage. The message is clear and bold-God is exalted and thus the devil is defeated:
I'm takin' off Off to a higher place A higher level where the devil Don't have power 'cause Christ be the King In other words, this be a Jesus thing So hold on tightly 'cause there just might be Friction and turbulence, so grab a grip And stop trippin' 'cause the devil wanna see you Slippin' into darkness Put on your wings, fly through the clouds Our destination is salvation... God is exalted and Satan is defeated Jesus Christ is Lord God is exalted and Satan is defeated Jesus Christ is Lord
The title track follows next with another upbeat, funky tune with a cross between hip-hop and spoken delivery. It reminds me of some R&B tunes by Teddy Riley, who produces Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson. Lyrically, "R.I.O.T.," could be seen as a self-portrait of Carman's purpose in his music:
With the facts we're gonna spread God's Word And attack every lie you've heard Like the doctrines of men that are still fallen prey To the silvery sword of God's Word today It's true, we look to heaven and our mansions in the sky And it's true we've got the gaze of eternity in our eyes but before the church is raptured There's no way we're gonna leave here quiet We want a righteous invasion of truth We want a R.I.O.T.
The third cut, "My Story," is an infectious tune that has more than a slight reggae/Caribbean feel in its delivery, reminiscent of "Now's The Time" from The Standard. It has more hip-hop delivery, yet is packed with plenty of horns, harmonica, and hand drums to give it a fun and enjoyable party-like flow.
Spoken lyrics, rap, and a story-telling theme are common on a Carman project. It is also true, that each record also carries an inspiring vocal performance such as "Hunger For Holiness" from Addicted to Jesus and "Fear Not My Child," from The Champion. On this project, Carman's heartfelt ballad is "Whiter Than Snow," which was inspired by Andrae Crouch. A slow and mellow pace gives Carman the opportunity to remind everyone that he is a reasonably talented vocalist as he rises above the choir in this Black Gospel groove. This song is also a slight departure lyrically; rather than the theme of victorious battle with Satan, it deals with God's grace when we stumble and seek his loving restoration.
For those who like the "story songs" that Carman has made his forte, you will most certainly enjoy "No Monsters." As with most of these types of songs, it deals with our ability, in Christ, to overcome the power of Satan. It will easily remind listeners of such classics as "Satan Bite The Dust," "Revival In The Land," and "Witches Invitation." As with those songs, "No Monsters" is simply a lot of fun-offering a funky guitar-laden chorus. Who else but Carman could make the following lyrics:
...An evil spirit floated by my bed I could hardly believe the nerve of this little punk demon I thought, Ayy, all right, that's it, you're dead
As you reach the mid-point of R.I.O.T., you have been hit with musical styles ranging from rap, funk, ballads and story songs. So just in case you are getting bored (yeah right) along comes "7 Ways 2 Praise," (referring to the seven Hebrew words the Bible gives for praise). A tune that carries a rousing Big Band sound. That's right, Big Band! If you are having a hard time figuring out what that may sound like, try to remember the soundtrack, For The Boys, by Bette Midler a few years ago, or even some shades of The Tubes. Same jumpy beat, horns aplenty, and even the "do-wop" girls chorus sound for the background. The difference, of course, is Carman's uncanny ability to present a message of praise and worship in this format:
Way back in the Bible, the Hebrew language says That we were taught that we could praise the Lord in seven ways Seven great expressions, seven different flows Seven ways to worship God and this is how it goes Number one is towdah, it's the sacrifice Praising God in spite the fact your world is in a vice It's praise that pushes through the wall of all adversity...
Continuing the stampede of musical styles, "Step Of Faith" adds a catchy country boogie. "Not 4 Sale" brings an almost grunge musical base to his spoken lyrics.
A continuance of "We Need God In America Again," which was nominated for Song Of the Year at the 1995 Dove Awards, is "There Is A God." Addressing the lack of godliness in this country, it seeks to confront and answer the world's question, "Is there a God?"
The song opens with a recording of what seems to be a rocket/shuttle launch (complete with countdown) and a spoken section where Carman gives numerous scientific facts demonstrating "an unbelievably intricate complex design, a supernatural testimony that there is a God." Assisting are The One World Choir and The American Boy Choir, offering a background for Carman's impassioned statements.
The final cut is a re-make of the 1956 classic hymn, "Amen." Carman gives the old tune a face lift with some added lyrics and inspiring spoken vocals. With help again from the One World Choir and a free-flowing string section, the song reaches a height of musical celebration that could easily be found in the local church.
In the final analysis, the hundreds of thousands of fans around the world that fill stadiums for his concerts and buy his records will probably not be disappointed. R.I.O.T. is another mega-mix of musical styles, bold Christian themes, and standard Carman hooks. If you are not familiar with Carman's music, you should probably give it a try. When you do, get ready for a rainbow of musical styles-hang on for the ride!
More from Carman
1993The Standard
Yo Kidz! The Hitz
R.I.O.T. The Movie, Part 1 (Video)
1986A Long Time Ago ... In a Land Called Bethlelem
