I saw Jars of Clay in November 1996 in a college gymn. They were the headlining act that night. The opening act was an unknown group named Matchbox 20.
Jars of Clay faded away after their initial album success. Decades later a quote came out from the band supporting gay marriage which is career suicide for Christian artists. It should be noted this was long after the audiences stopped caring.
I can’t remember the exact quote, but I was reading an interview with Adrian Belew. The interviewer asked him why he produced so much Christian music when he himself was an atheist. Belew said, “I live in Nashville, which means your only options are to be a producer for country music or Christian music, and I just cannot stand country.” I am under the impression that he won a dove award for the first jars clay album as well.
Probably true. My father was a Southern Gospel producer/arranger/orchestrator/singer/musician for over 50 years. He moved to Nashville in the late '70s and stayed here until his passing in 2015. This town, despite its attempts at entertainment diversification over the past twenty years, still runs on the music industry, primarily country and Christian. It attracts all types.
So nostalgic about Jars of Clay. They were the first Christian band in a lonooong string of Christian bands I listened to and still love. I’m gonna have to listen to the albums again soon. Hearing the clips of the songs in this video took me back in time. Thank you for covering this band!
The first two Jars shows I ever saw, I hung out long enough waiting for the parking lot to clear at these shows, I got to talk to some of the members of Jars. They were really cool people.
Ah man! I was hoping you’d shine a light on the song “Frail” off of the album Much Afraid. That song is one of the most hauntingly beautiful tunes I’ve ever heard…
I have a friend who's Christian and is a lead singer in a Christian punk band. His band played at bars, and he was criticized by people from his church. He kept telling them, "We should be going to those places and tell people about our faith". However they wouldn't let up. He actually had to go to another church because of it.
In the end, God judges the hearts. If he is really going there and preaching the gospel, and keeping himself clean from the world, then yeah, that's cool. But not everyone does that. God will reveal all in the end anyway
I’m 56 and been a huge JOC fan since their first album dropped. I’ve seen (and met) them many times over the years. Their music has moved me, challenged me, sometimes made me upset, and also helped me see more clearly during some low points in my life and faith.
You should know them by their fruit . And to me it’s in the grey area and don’t live up to God’s standards. They should be enough not to listen to . They are deceiving people .
@@Luke91633it’s not. You’re objectively wrong. If you only partake in any art with Christian’s that 100% agree with you on everything then you’re a lunatic. If you ever listen to anybody’s art that doesn’t fit this standard then you’re being a hypocrite… and I’m not saying this because I agree with JoC. I don’t. I don’t agree with a lot of artists. Their music is still more positive and God honoring than probably most of what art you partake in, correct? Or is every show, film, song, painting more god honoring than most JoC music? And be honest. If it’s not you’re a hypocrite. Period.
Rule No. 1 in making a rock band in USA: Never promote yourself as a Christian rock band. Youll alienate the regular listeners, and the Christian listeners will check your lyrics with a fine tooth comb.
that funny because the Jonas Brothers are Christian but arent categorize as a christian band! of course that the same argument for bands like Flyleaf, Alter Bridge, etc.........
Some people mock, no matter what. In '79 I was in a Tower Records while Bob Dylan''s Slow Train Coming was being played on the in-store sound system. And two guys in there were mocking his music hard.
Didn’t seem to be an issue for Chevelle, & they weren’t even a Christian band lol. I am pretty sure they started out on a Christian label. I remember buying it at a Christian bookstore lol
I'm a Michael Knott fan and while I will say that some of the bands like DC Talk and Jars of Clay had success, those in the underground know the truth. Adam Again, Daniel Amos, The 77s, The Choir, LSU and others helped shape the Alternative Christian music world before it became a cash grab.
I miss the Sonshine Festival in Wilmar MN. They featured a Hard Music stage. I saw Red, Pillar, Day Of Fire, POD, Stryper, Project 86, Switchfoot and Skillet there (seen Skillet and Switchfoot a dozen times in my life.) Would have seen Devil Wears Prada if Skillet weren't playing the mainstage at the same time.
I saw them play at a church "concert" right before they blew up and my sister still has a framed photo of the four of them (plus my sis) when we met the band after the show
I’ve been a musician and a Christian for 50 years. My first love is Jesus. I have no problem with any “style” of music, God can use anything at all. I have friends in “hard core” and more traditional gospel music. I started playing the “JesusMusic” of the ‘70’s, evolved into Jesus Rock and punk in the ‘80’s then started serving the churches as they opened up to contemporary styles, I even played “black gospel” for awhile. I have no idea about the hearts of JOC but as for me, it’s serve Jesus and the body of Christ first. As it should be with any job, honor God first. If you can’t proclaim the name of Jesus openly then expect to hear “go away from me, I never knew you”.
Please quote where in the Bible it says Christian bands should serve "The body of Christ first." Oh yeah, you won't. But you will find plenty of passages where we are to be "ambassadors for Jesus," "Little lights" for Jesus, and "laborers in the field" for Jesus. That incorporates any and all people of faith in any field they are working in, and in a myriad of ways. Stop with the better-than-thou judgmental gatekeeping and read your Bible some more.
@ dude! I think you need to reread. I’m not judging I’m just sharing what I have done. Every song doesn’t have to be about doctrine but there have been bands that started off openly Christian and then slowly get lost along the way. “Deconstructing”.
Yes, more about Jars of Clay please. Good Monsters is one of their later albums with great songs. I know there is controversy and drama surrounding this band (and seemingly all bands) but can’t we just enjoy and appreciate the music? One of my favorite lines from the song Work is “I have no fear of drowning, it’s the breathing that’s taking all this work”.
Growing up an atheist being forced to go the church and not listen to the radio, Much Afraid was such a good album to have. Most of the songs are just, well, songs. Only 3 have anything to do with Christianity. Tea and Sympathy is just damn good song writing.
So you’re going to pass the blame [“Christians left JoC”] onto Christians for Jars of Clay’s own vacillation? Make it make sense. People want authenticity-in music, that’s whether the listener is Christian or not. I would argue particularly Christians, when we’re taught verses such as Joshua 24:15, 1 Kings 18:21, Matthew 6:24, Revelation 3:16. IIRC some of Dan Haseltine’s more recent off-stage stances have been deeply concerning, such as supporting the alphabet, if you know what I mean. Christians didn’t leave Jars of Clay; we’re still here-Jars of Clay left us. Matthew 7:16-20
I grew up in a Muslim country where 'Flood' was on the radio a lot, and I listened to that first record front to back a million times. No problems or complaints, they're just great songs.
I grew up Christian and listened to their first CD a lot as a teenager, also saw them live twice. (Became Muslim when I was 19) I enjoyed the video. Their music still holds up, but now half of the white American male singers are copying that vocal sound. I didn't actually realize they got so much backlash (I do remember the drama surrounding Amy Grant, though).
Post Grunge was a huge and growing genre from the mid to late 90's and 2000's especially... and I see Jars of Clay being one of those progenitors that had crossover appeal
I'd love to hear the story behind Haseltine making a pro-LGBTQ statement a while back and then stating he'd been "misquoted". Was that true? Or was e forced to make the second statement?
I was born in the mid 1960s and was quite familiar with the Christian music scene in the 70s and 80s. I think pretty much every Christian gig I ever went to in the 70s and 80s, the bands would give mini speeches between the songs, assuring us that it was "OK to be a Christian and still have a good time" The Christian artists clearly were always looking over their shoulders a little and very often having to justify themselves. Hence, "Why should the devil have all the good music" by Larry Norman, for example.
Good ol Larry Norman. Cliff Richard did a good rendition of that song. The devil doesn’t get to have all the good music if the artists are sold out to Jesus. But spiritual warfare will be waged and it is good to have good support when going into territory that the devil thinks he owns.
I feel the song Jesus Freak is the Christian version of Smells Like Teen Spirit. It sparked a movement where Christian music FINALLY began to rival secular.
@@josecarlosramolete6109 More than just that. They never released another full album since they caved. They have had a contribution here and there since, but there are no tour dates, few releases and so on. It's more like they are defunct.
As Christians, we can be our own worst enemy. Flyleaf went through some similar trials and tribulations. Even if we don't always agree with all the methods, we should do better to support each other. The world hates us and we keep giving them reasons why.
@@rnrtruestories Saw Flyleaf open for Shinedown and Seether 18 years ago great show although Seether claimed bus broke down and didn’t show up personally i think it was due to low ticket sales. My first introduction to those bands were at that show I hadn’t heard of either before.
As a Catholic, is my duty to tell you something, dear friend: We don't hate your people. But we don't love them either. In fact: we are too busy with our problems and personal issues to even think about Christians and other people's believes. Sorry for raining on your parade, but It is necesary for you to know. 😔
"Silence" & "The Edge of Water" are legit great songs, and they have several other really good ones too ("Wating For the World To Fall," "Whatever She Wants," more). I'd love another video covering more of their history. That they got banned from Christian bookstores for backing the gay community and stick to their guns despite the backlash and financial loss is really cool.
I think that, as Christians, we have a responsibility to be truthful. Sometimes that means saying things that are uncomfortable. Sometimes that means affirming things that come from unlikely places, like secular music. Philippians 4:8 tells me to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. But it doesn't say where to find them. I think a good secular love song can be all those things. Some people think we should shun secular music, because these are songs written by sinners for whom Jesus died. Christian music is also written by sinners for whom Jesus died.
As Christians yall hijacked words. Like truth and expect the rest of the world to accept YOUR truth as you do.....I like your comment but there a certain condescending attitude baked in thetheligon
@@Jasonmakesvideo MY truth would be to justify every thought and action and never take responsibility or accept correction. God's truth calls for humility to recognize I don't have it all worked out. I believe that Jesus is what he said, the way the truth and the life. That's what I believe. You can believe that or not, and we can still sit down and have a healthy dialog. So, just for argument's sake, if we start with the premise that Jesus is the truth, and if we are humbly on the periphery attempting to be more truthful, that would mean that we are both seeking Jesus. I understand that I'm making a lot of assumptions here. But I'm just laying out how I see it.
This is exactly why I love them. They bridge the gaps. A lot of Christians and churches like remaining in thier bubbles not letting anything in or out. I love Jars of Clay because they go out into the world and bring the good word with no judgement. So few Christian acts do that. Also while the message is good a lot of Christian music is cheesy and uninspiring from a musical standpoint. But Joc is not.
To put it into perspective, their single “Flood” was played at my eight grade middle school dance and it was one of the most popular songs of the night. Note: It’s not a dance song. 😅
Christian turn on anything that is remotely “worldly”. I grew up with Christian Metalcore in the 00’s and those bands were legitimately talented and had great lyrics. Most Christians I knew scoffed at it and said it was devil music. 🙄 I still get comments like that to this day. I’m still a believer.
I agree... and if it actually IS problematic, they will ignore it or embrace it. Bandwagons and uninformed opinions are definitely a playground for the devil, as well as human nature 🤷🏻♂️
I worked at Lifeway bookstore and when Zao’s ‘Funeral Of God’ came out, we had people asking us to take it off the shelves- and wouldn’t you know it, it did get taken off the shelves because it sold out every time we stocked it! Anyways, exchrisrian metalcore guy here too!
This was one of my favorite bands and I haven't thought of them in years. Forgot how much I loved them. Didn't realize they were still going. Will have to get all their music over the years and catch up! Thank you for posting this video!
I am a Christian but grew up listening to mostly secular music like Yes, Genesis, Pat Metheny Group, and many other "musicians" bands. I never sought out Christian music but positive Christian lyrics were always a bonus if the music was good. This was one of the few Christian bands that was in heavy rotation in my CD changer (dating myself here). Great songs, beautiful arrangements, and thought provoking Christian lyrics and a unique sound. I loved the violin and orcherstral arrangements. I'm not sure if some of these other great bands of the time like Kings X, U2, and Live are considered Christian music but I definitely enjoyed the music and positive lyrics of these bands as well.
Dude, I am so with you on the groups you mentioned- art rock and heavy rock that doesn’t lose the artistic creativity and use of melody and harmony. Kings X lyrics def changed after Doug went public with his ongoing life of sexual sin. But their early albums are amazing works of art. I heed Doug when he sings “Pray for Me!” I am still believing for the day when he and Keaggy get together and rock for Jesus again.
Some christians dont understand that not every song you write, listen or play has to be be 100% christian. I grew up on a christian household , im 43 y old and i can assure you that most of the things ive learnt over the years in music has been from secular music. Its totally true what this guys say about christian music been bored and predictable .
Well according to this video, Jars of Clay claimed to have a ministry and claimed to be bringing the Gospel to sinners at venues with alcohol and etc.. In that case, they are to be judged harshly. I'd say they are not bringing the Gospel anywhere and they have no ministry. They are just weak musicians trying to cater here or there for personal gain. Their music sounds really boring I don't know why it would appeal to anyone.
Most Christian bands started as bands wanting to get famous and sign record deals. And they realized that is was easier to do that if they claimed to be Christians.
@@theCinemaHaus The problem is the definition of "Christian music" is so vague, that it's almost meaningless. Now a days you just have to write a song that talks about emotions or love and it can claim to be Christian
What was AMAZING about them was that EVERY ALBUM sounds different. They have "eras" that CHANGE every time. Unlike another popular artist lately calling "eras" a thing... sounding the same. They showed AMAZING talent and depth changing, adapting, and making NEW sounds and styles... IDK why people hate them for this.
The same thing happened in the early days of Christian rap 2010s and it's sad because when Christian artists break the barrier of reaching out to the secular world they get criticized, but then folks come after them and do the same thing and they get praised for it.
Still one of my favourite Christian bands along with Sixpence. I listen to them for the music. They sing faith based songs and a few love songs. Their lives outside of their music is up to them. They're accountable to God just like any other Christian artists..
Currently the Self titled record is my 11 year old daughters favorite album, been a fan since the beginning but sad how they support gay stuff, so sad.
absolutely love jars of clay mixed into all my rock and metal selections. fantastic band and please go into more of their albums. you did a great job of covering the timeline and significance of their work and timing. thank you. you rock!
their third album was a favorite of mine, " If I Left the Zoo" and "The Eleventh Hour" was also great. JOC never really made the same album twice. I know that frustrated some fans, but to me it kept them interesting. I will say that when they first started out they were not great live performers, but they obviously got a lot better. Dan's vocals also improved with coaching.
The things about JoC is that their best attribute has been songwriting. The music they make is great because the songs are. That is to say that in other hands, the songs had the potential to be as or more successful. I find their later albums like "Good Monsters" to be more impactful than the first ones, but that's probably just because I absolutely wore those first two albums out.
Back in the 90s churches were often hyper legalistic and not sure what to think about groups like Jars, DCT, Switchfoot, etc... As JoC said Crazy times
I forgot how good Christian Rock used to be. Why did Christian Rock become known as being "corny" and Christian music as a whole get boring eventually? Did Hillsong Worship ruin Christian music?
Still one of my all time favorite bands. God's people can be judgy, but, my question is, how does God think of them. Some are called to reach to the unsaved. Now, doing worship music in a bar might draw my questions.
Love these guys. This music is just as essential and thought provoking now post-deconstruction as it ever was in my formative years. Their music has direct access to the deepest parts of my soul.
I've never listened to Jars of Clay, really, but hearing them now, they definitely have a quintessential 90s sound lol kinda textbook, imho. Gives me a lot of nostalgia 😊
their 2006 album Good Monsters, which came out far after their heyday, has so many good songs. and on that tour they played in full 1980s gym class outfits, for some strange reason. good times.
I've been exposed to Christian rock and metal. The hardcore Christian's arent happy unless your band isn't trying to recruit new members. It's very culty. My devout Christian friend stopped going to church because of those heavy handed techniques.
Excellent coverage as always of bands/acts that don't have 100's of videos made about them. Jars of Clay was HUGE at my school, probably because it was a Christian school and they just put out some legitimately good pop/rock songs. Speaking of the comparisons to Toad the Wet Sprocket, have you already covered them?
I have been a Christian metal/Hard rock fan since the 80s. there are a few bands that are more middle of the road I like. Jars of clay is one of them. I have all of their albums I think. Cool band.
"Christian Fans TURNED on Jars of Clay" clickbait! I didn't turn on Jars of Clay. I still love FLOOD. I don't appreciate them lying to us for profit. EDIT: Reading the comments "They never said they were Christian" I read the articles that say you are wrong. I wish I kept my old CCM and HM magazines.
Their first couple of albums have aged spectacularly. My aunt went to college with 'Mark Odmatt' as she often called him. She also knew Charlie My brother went to Chicago on some sort of church outreach trip in ~'95 or '96 and brought back their debut on cassette. Flood was the first rock song I ever fully memorized
If this is the case, the band and their singers need a major theological wake up. Their singer posted on social media about participating in a Pride festival last June. What he did was going against what scripture teaches about Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). All you have to do is use a search engine: Jars of Clay Gay Pride.
I was at a Jars of Clay show at Six Flags and the singer said, "You're probably wondering why we haven't written a second album, but we're still making so much money off the first." I thought they just faded away due to inactivity.
Never knew of this band until this video. I find this argument that Christian bands should only play to Christian audiences pathetic; I'm agnostic but I do like POD and Believer. What's wrong with reaching an audience that don't follow/practice faith?
The writer of the song Eric Brazilian said…… A Song About Challenging Our Assumptions Bazilian conceived of “One of Us” as being “about what happens to you when you look at something that has completely changed your worldview, which could be meeting God, it could be meeting an alien, it could be a near-death experience, it could be anything like that.”
@@oldmanballer5088 Not here to change anyone's beliefs. The video references the song and seems to make a comparison to what Jars was doing during the same time period. I'm just saying that Joan Osborne's song is not an apples to apples comparison. Her song and Jars' songs were not coming from the same place spiritually speaking. Osborne rejects Christ (she said she is skeptical at best), unlike Jars where you know where they stand. My observation is that the video creator missed the point by including is as another 90s tune similar to Jars.
Their lead singer made some comments that some didn’t like, but why are people labeling all four members as turning away? They have moved on to new lives while still going to church.
I would just like to say there is no real controversy here. Christianity has nothing to do with the fact that apparently Jars of Clay are better than they actually sound.
First Things First! I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN! I do not qualify myself as a music connoisseur or fan or collector of great musical styles! I am someone who is transitioning and will eventually pursue a Lesbian Relationship! It never occurred to me that listening to music was an exclusive or segregated notion! I do not pick music for one or another... I would first listen to Fusion Jazz music in the early 70's, Larry Carlton, Steely Dan, Spyro Gyra and many others who simply did not fit into the popular narrative(s). I would choose and stir my own taste to much bigger genres and take into the late 70's and early 80's music that was happening at CFNY and the British Punk Scene and beyond. I ventured into Reggae, Ska, Soca and many others Celtic Alternative: The Waterboys and others as well as New Age Music: Enya, Loreena McKennitt and so much more! Music is a sanctuary for my heart, mind and soul that saved my very soul. I don't listen to music 'cause it is Black, White, Chinese, Arabic, this or that... NO! I listen to whatever I find expansive and spiritually impressive!
Some Christians have to try to find the devil in everything. That would be a boring, stressful (and guilt ridden) life. Especially if you are a huge music listener (listen to thousands of artists and constantly finding new stuff) I had the first 2 albums. Gave up on them after that because I didn't really like the next one, about the same time found Iron Maiden and such and realized how much good music I was missing out on by not listening to secular music. I'll give it to JoC for being one of the better Christian artists though.
I thought that's when they started to hit their stride, the 3rd album, If I Left The Zoo. That's my favorite of theirs, especially when you read the thoughts behind the songs. Goodbye, Goodnight, the first song on the album was about the group of minstrels playing on the titanic as it went down. Famous Last Words is still one of all time favorite songs. I'm glad you found some other good music to listen to though 😊
@@mikemaysmusic5519 ive never been one to really care about lyrics or at least not near as much as the songwriting anyway. I remember liking Unforgetful You. I still like the debut by All Star United and still love Keith Brown's (RIP) debut This Side of Heaven because he's the first music artist I ever owned/got into and Phil Keaggy is a talented musician. Gotta give him credit.
Please cover Jars Of Clay’s Christmas album entitled Christmas Songs. It IS hands down one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded…..a real gem of an album with extraordinary writing, arranging, performing and producing….. Jars Of Clay- “Christmas Songs”🕊️🎄🎄❄️🎸
I don't care where Jars of Clay play. My problem is more with The Dove Awards it's self. When "The Dove Awards" decided to honor a gay band or fronted by band and Jar of Clay backed their choice. Can't remember the bands name or the year. But wasn't there a man that preformed in a dress? I THINK that is was the straw that broke the camel's back for many. So my question for the band would be, did Christians turn on the band or did they do it to their self?
I knew my days of working at a Christian radio station (2001 - 2004) were numbered when I refused to support Amy -Slut- Grant when she cheated on her husband and then divorced and married the man she targeted. I posted an article from a Christian radio magazine on the wall that criticized and scolded her actions and the program director tore it down and added more Amy songs in rotation.
The band members saw Christian music as “boring, stale and stagnant”. Probably because there are only so many ways in one language to say ”thank you for redeeming me, I love You Lord, I worship You in holiness”. Yet that never gets old when you truly mean it. But music allows us to say these few things in a personal way with expressions that go beyond words. In church, it needs to be singable for the average person. That means melodies shouldn’t have too wide of range to sing. Many modern “church” songs require a wider than average range to sing the whole song in any key. Some of the promotional YT videos feature men and women sharing the lead, which might suggest that the melody was written with a range too wide for any one of the available performers. Choirs are good for that kind of composition Outside of that, if it inspires our minds to consider the beauty of God as He expressed it through the ministry of Christ, then that has outreach value; ministry value. The music industry is dangerous to Christian artists because it has many temptations and pitfalls. Pilgrims Progress seems to be a perfect allegory for performing Christian artists. They are known to get into all kinds of scandalous binds that include sex, drugs, booze, and narcissism. Maintaining purity and humility would be tough when your contracts and booking agents require that you burn the candle at both ends for days, weeks or months on end, and fans are directing their worship to the artists instead of the God they sing about. Too many of these musicians have denounced faith in Jesus. Only God knows their hearts. If you have favourite Christian artists, please pray for them.
If you really analyze the lyrics to _Flood_ it is from the point of view of the *Nephilim* that was destroyed by the great flood while 8 people in the ark survived. It seems to sympathize with these angelic/human hybrids and the genetically modified creatures they also created that were wiped out as they "slowly become one with the mud."
You're reaching a bit far. "genetically modified"? I know where you are coming from, but you may need to rein it in a touch. the Bible is incredibly quiet on certain subjects and all we can say is "we don't know".
I've enjoyed Jars since their inception and considered "Much Afraid" as one of the top 5 classics of the genre, on par with Guardian's "Bottle Rocket" and DC Talk's "Jesus Freak." The controversy for me was never about playing in bars, although I wish they were more forthcoming about their faith. (Singer Steve Camp was famous as the only person ever to use profanity is CCM magazine saying that any Christian artist that doesn't see themself as a minister of the gospel is full of bullshit.) My problem was when they did gay events and seemed to be apologists for gay marriage, directly opposing the Bible. I had a similar problem when Jennifer Knapp came out as lesbian. God's message is about building a family with redeemed sinners and homosexuality rejects God's purpose and thus redemption by saying it won't conform to the Bible's position that sexual standards for His creation.
Yeah, I'd be down to watch coverage of this up to where they are now. I grew up with these guys' cds since I grew up in church, especially these albums but they fell out of rotation in my listening as I got older and out of faith. It'd be cool to see where their career went after.
I've had some pretty spiritual moments listening to Jars of Clay whilst driving into a sunset. Now that I'm entered into the same community (the ghosted Christian), I understand how wrong I was about them. I remember that I literally destroyed my copy of Much Afraid. FUNDAMENTALIST FREE FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS!! Sorry, Jars of Clay.
A Christian group that shares their beliefs and the gospel with secular festivals and concerts is Skillet. Their issue with what Christians were saying is their immaturity and love of secular love.
Great video. Yes would love a follow up. Where are they now? Also another Christian band that went missing is Chris Lizotti and Soul Commotion would love to know the back story of the band adn why they didin't release more, every song was amazing.
"What happened to that Christian band that fell off the map" is fodder for an entire Chanel in and of itself. Usually they just grew up and moved on with life. Living in a van and playing Youth Weekends while pretending you are making more money and are happier than you actually are runs out of steam after a while.
I love their first two albums. Still listen to them. I read the Bible everyday. When you read Gods words, and they live in you, you begin to discern between not only what’s wrong and right… but also between what’s right and almost right. I know this isn’t a Christian channel, but I wish more people would get to know Jesus more intimately…he is real and died for your sins. He’s coming back again and I wish we all would be ready. Maranatha
what other topics would you like to see me cover?
Black Lab?
The whole 90’s / early 00’s Christian metalcore scene would be a cool watch
I Like Trains
Rialto or Ugly Kid Joe.
Would you ever consider covering movies that revolve around music? Biopics, This is Spinal Tap, even High Fidelity might work
I saw Jars of Clay in November 1996 in a college gymn. They were the headlining act that night. The opening act was an unknown group named Matchbox 20.
Was that in Irvine, Ca?
Wow had no clue matchbox opened for them probably way before their first record blew up
No they didn't. JOC opened for Matchbox 20 as far back as 1995
What’s Matchbox 20?
@greglopez8206 A band that's been around longer than you apparently
Jars of Clay faded away after their initial album success. Decades later a quote came out from the band supporting gay marriage which is career suicide for Christian artists. It should be noted this was long after the audiences stopped caring.
Woaaaaah
Exactly
In all fairness, their denomination went full rainbow.
You’re absolutely wrong. Some of the best music I’ve ever heard.
I did not know that. Good for them.
I can’t remember the exact quote, but I was reading an interview with Adrian Belew. The interviewer asked him why he produced so much Christian music when he himself was an atheist. Belew said, “I live in Nashville, which means your only options are to be a producer for country music or Christian music, and I just cannot stand country.” I am under the impression that he won a dove award for the first jars clay album as well.
Probably true. My father was a Southern Gospel producer/arranger/orchestrator/singer/musician for over 50 years. He moved to Nashville in the late '70s and stayed here until his passing in 2015. This town, despite its attempts at entertainment diversification over the past twenty years, still runs on the music industry, primarily country and Christian. It attracts all types.
It surprised me years ago when I saw that Belew of King Crimson produced their first album.
@@5slabs Belew is kinda one of my musical heroes. His solo albums are *really* good.
@@mahatmarandy5977 he is legit. Came onto my radar when he opened for Eric Johnson a couple decades ago.
More Jars of clay❤❤❤
So nostalgic about Jars of Clay. They were the first Christian band in a lonooong string of Christian bands I listened to and still love. I’m gonna have to listen to the albums again soon. Hearing the clips of the songs in this video took me back in time.
Thank you for covering this band!
The first two Jars shows I ever saw, I hung out long enough waiting for the parking lot to clear at these shows, I got to talk to some of the members of Jars. They were really cool people.
Except they are “deconstructed” aka apostate christians. Not christian at all.
Ah man! I was hoping you’d shine a light on the song “Frail” off of the album Much Afraid. That song is one of the most hauntingly beautiful tunes I’ve ever heard…
I love that song so much!!
@ It’s an immaculate tune
They did, what, 3 versions of that song over the years? My favorite version is on Furthermore\From the Studio.
Did you read the book “Hind’s Feet on High Places”? It may help understanding the song. It’s an awesome book.
@@cpkfntc1072 No! I never knew it was based on a book!
I have a friend who's Christian and is a lead singer in a Christian punk band. His band played at bars, and he was criticized by people from his church. He kept telling them, "We should be going to those places and tell people about our faith".
However they wouldn't let up. He actually had to go to another church because of it.
Wow...
I hope they are still reaching others for Jesus wherever the Lord takes them.
Pharisees I think is the word lol they hated christ then and all that he stood for and its not different now
Punk and Christianity are mutually exclusive, philosophically.
In the end, God judges the hearts. If he is really going there and preaching the gospel, and keeping himself clean from the world, then yeah, that's cool. But not everyone does that. God will reveal all in the end anyway
I’m 56 and been a huge JOC fan since their first album dropped. I’ve seen (and met) them many times over the years. Their music has moved me, challenged me, sometimes made me upset, and also helped me see more clearly during some low points in my life and faith.
Only their first 2 albums were good. After that their music felt generic.
@nerychristian I disagree, of course, but hey, we like what we like. Rock On!
Bot 😂
I don't love a lot of Dan's politics and general view on what Christianity is, but that doesn’t stop me from loving JOC. I think they are fantastic.
You should know them by their fruit . And to me it’s in the grey area and don’t live up to God’s standards. They should be enough not to listen to . They are deceiving people .
@@Luke91633it’s not. You’re objectively wrong. If you only partake in any art with Christian’s that 100% agree with you on everything then you’re a lunatic. If you ever listen to anybody’s art that doesn’t fit this standard then you’re being a hypocrite… and I’m not saying this because I agree with JoC. I don’t. I don’t agree with a lot of artists. Their music is still more positive and God honoring than probably most of what art you partake in, correct? Or is every show, film, song, painting more god honoring than most JoC music? And be honest. If it’s not you’re a hypocrite. Period.
I really appreciate your non-biased outlook on this one. It's refreshing.
@@jameserickson7484 thanks
Rule No. 1 in making a rock band in USA:
Never promote yourself as a Christian rock band.
Youll alienate the regular listeners, and the Christian listeners will check your lyrics with a fine tooth comb.
that funny because the Jonas Brothers are Christian but arent categorize as a christian band!
of course that the same argument for bands like Flyleaf, Alter Bridge, etc.........
@eddiejoewalt7746 Alter Bridge are not a christian band, Mark Tremonti has said he is an Atheist himself. Creed were never a Christian band either.
Some people mock, no matter what. In '79 I was in a Tower Records while Bob Dylan''s Slow Train Coming was being played on the in-store sound system. And two guys in there were mocking his music hard.
The rock band neetobreathe which never called themselves a Christian rock band deals with that.
Didn’t seem to be an issue for Chevelle, & they weren’t even a Christian band lol. I am pretty sure they started out on a Christian label. I remember buying it at a Christian bookstore lol
I myself am a Christian, and the Christian rock and metal that I listen to are: P.O.D, Stryper, Tourniquet, and Deliverance (not the movie).
Any Theocracy? 🤘
Check out Disciple... Their song Into Black especially!!Thank me later 😊
I'm a Michael Knott fan and while I will say that some of the bands like DC Talk and Jars of Clay had success, those in the underground know the truth. Adam Again, Daniel Amos, The 77s, The Choir, LSU and others helped shape the
Alternative Christian music world before it became a cash grab.
I miss the Sonshine Festival in Wilmar MN. They featured a Hard Music stage. I saw Red, Pillar, Day Of Fire, POD, Stryper, Project 86, Switchfoot and Skillet there (seen Skillet and Switchfoot a dozen times in my life.) Would have seen Devil Wears Prada if Skillet weren't playing the mainstage at the same time.
Fit for a King, Wolves at the Gate, Demon Hunter, Living Sacrifice, Impending Doom ..
I saw them play at a church "concert" right before they blew up and my sister still has a framed photo of the four of them (plus my sis) when we met the band after the show
I’ve been a fan of Jars of Clay since they began, and I wish they would make a comeback with some new music! I still listen to all of their albums 😊🙏🏻
I’ve been a musician and a Christian for 50 years. My first love is Jesus. I have no problem with any “style” of music, God can use anything at all. I have friends in “hard core” and more traditional gospel music. I started playing the “JesusMusic” of the ‘70’s, evolved into Jesus Rock and punk in the ‘80’s then started serving the churches as they opened up to contemporary styles, I even played “black gospel” for awhile. I have no idea about the hearts of JOC but as for me, it’s serve Jesus and the body of Christ first. As it should be with any job, honor God first.
If you can’t proclaim the name of Jesus openly then expect to hear “go away from me, I never knew you”.
God bless you
Scripture does not mention any such thing that God will use any style of music. Satan would!
But they do openly proclaim the name of Jesus.
Please quote where in the Bible it says Christian bands should serve "The body of Christ first." Oh yeah, you won't. But you will find plenty of passages where we are to be "ambassadors for Jesus," "Little lights" for Jesus, and "laborers in the field" for Jesus. That incorporates any and all people of faith in any field they are working in, and in a myriad of ways. Stop with the better-than-thou judgmental gatekeeping and read your Bible some more.
@ dude! I think you need to reread. I’m not judging I’m just sharing what I have done.
Every song doesn’t have to be about doctrine but there have been bands that started off openly Christian and then slowly get lost along the way. “Deconstructing”.
Lisa: Hey, isn't that the bass player from Satanica?
Marge: I think it is.
Classsssic
Yes, more about Jars of Clay please. Good Monsters is one of their later albums with great songs. I know there is controversy and drama surrounding this band (and seemingly all bands) but can’t we just enjoy and appreciate the music? One of my favorite lines from the song Work is “I have no fear of drowning, it’s the breathing that’s taking all this work”.
@@PaulSultana “Oh My God” off of Good Monsters brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it
@@samstevenson5328 So true! The ending just gets you every time.
It's about honoring God. It's between you and Him, but there is a reason why God has people clean the paganism out of their life.
@ Well said
Oh My God and Work are incredible off that album, but All my Tears and There is a River are next level
Growing up an atheist being forced to go the church and not listen to the radio, Much Afraid was such a good album to have. Most of the songs are just, well, songs. Only 3 have anything to do with Christianity. Tea and Sympathy is just damn good song writing.
So you’re going to pass the blame [“Christians left JoC”] onto Christians for Jars of Clay’s own vacillation? Make it make sense. People want authenticity-in music, that’s whether the listener is Christian or not. I would argue particularly Christians, when we’re taught verses such as Joshua 24:15, 1 Kings 18:21, Matthew 6:24, Revelation 3:16. IIRC some of Dan Haseltine’s more recent off-stage stances have been deeply concerning, such as supporting the alphabet, if you know what I mean. Christians didn’t leave Jars of Clay; we’re still here-Jars of Clay left us. Matthew 7:16-20
Very well stated.
Agree wholeheartedly
It’s true. Let the rising stars of Christian fame be warned. It’s a tough gig behind the glitz and glamour of notoriety.
This. They're guilty of the wrong type of compromise. Haseltine has abandoned the historic Christian faith.
@WretchEph289 I sent him a message on Facebook asking him to clarify his stance, but I haven't received a reply nor do I expect to.
I grew up in a Muslim country where 'Flood' was on the radio a lot, and I listened to that first record front to back a million times. No problems or complaints, they're just great songs.
That first album is stellar. Can tell they had "freedom" in their musician ship. The follow up, from what i recall, is very record label interference.
I grew up Christian and listened to their first CD a lot as a teenager, also saw them live twice. (Became Muslim when I was 19) I enjoyed the video. Their music still holds up, but now half of the white American male singers are copying that vocal sound. I didn't actually realize they got so much backlash (I do remember the drama surrounding Amy Grant, though).
@@lorigoshert6667 How does one abandon the Truth and adopt the most obvious false religion in the history of the world?
Post Grunge was a huge and growing genre from the mid to late 90's and 2000's especially... and I see Jars of Clay being one of those progenitors that had crossover appeal
I'd love to hear the story behind Haseltine making a pro-LGBTQ statement a while back and then stating he'd been "misquoted". Was that true? Or was e forced to make the second statement?
That would be covered in a subsequent video
Yeah, I figured this was gonna be about that.
@@rnrtruestoriesBased on the title, that what what i was expecting with this one.
Well he did condone Kevin Max's apostasy. I remember before that him making pro lgbtq statements. Kinda fits the direction in life he is headed
I actually heard Flood for the first time *on* a secular Rock radio station.
The rock version of Flood is great
I was born in the mid 1960s and was quite familiar with the Christian music scene in the 70s and 80s. I think pretty much every Christian gig I ever went to in the 70s and 80s, the bands would give mini speeches between the songs, assuring us that it was "OK to be a Christian and still have a good time" The Christian artists clearly were always looking over their shoulders a little and very often having to justify themselves. Hence, "Why should the devil have all the good music" by Larry Norman, for example.
Good ol Larry Norman. Cliff Richard did a good rendition of that song. The devil doesn’t get to have all the good music if the artists are sold out to Jesus. But spiritual warfare will be waged and it is good to have good support when going into territory that the devil thinks he owns.
@@JeffBetker I loved Larry Norman and still admire him, even though history has revealed that he was - shall we say - a rather complicated character.
No, this isn’t when Christian’s turned on jars of clay. We turned on jars of clay when they started preaching things that go against the bible.
No this was way before then
You're full of shit.
Things like what?
Like what?
True, if there is one thing that Jesus taught it was that hatred is the most important value
The album, Good Monsters by Jars of Clay is sort of them responding to the criticism and downright hostility they received from much of the church
To this day I still own their self titled album, DC Talk’s Jesus freak, and Micheal W Smith’s I’ll lead you home.
I used to go to Half Priced Books to get used CDs and I accidentally bought Jars first 2 albums twice.
Same!!
ultra classic albums
I feel the song Jesus Freak is the Christian version of Smells Like Teen Spirit. It sparked a movement where Christian music FINALLY began to rival secular.
@@timcotrell9753 I've heard it said that if it wasn't a Christian song it would have won a Grammy.
Jars of Clay turn their back on Jesus when they endorse homosexuality
Pretty easy to do when they are…🫤
Ha... so true
In other words, Jars of Clay compromised their "Christian principles" with secular success.
Jesus never said a word about homosexuals. Not a single word.
@@josecarlosramolete6109 More than just that. They never released another full album since they caved. They have had a contribution here and there since, but there are no tour dates, few releases and so on. It's more like they are defunct.
As Christians, we can be our own worst enemy. Flyleaf went through some similar trials and tribulations. Even if we don't always agree with all the methods, we should do better to support each other. The world hates us and we keep giving them reasons why.
Fly leaf are releasing a new album.
Oh man I forgot about flyleaf, that group takes me back!
@@rnrtruestories Saw Flyleaf open for Shinedown and Seether 18 years ago great show although Seether claimed bus broke down and didn’t show up personally i think it was due to low ticket sales. My first introduction to those bands were at that show I hadn’t heard of either before.
As a Catholic, is my duty to tell you something, dear friend:
We don't hate your people. But we don't love them either.
In fact: we are too busy with our problems and personal issues to even think about Christians and other people's believes.
Sorry for raining on your parade, but It is necesary for you to know. 😔
@@juancarloscuaocastellanos8813 You are a Catholic, you ARE a Christian.
I am a fan of JoC. Faith is often challenged. Be true to God, your calling, and yourself...the world can and often is a very difficult place to exist.
I can see how the natural world can be a difficult place for those that believe in mythology from the Bronze Age to navigate.
"Silence" & "The Edge of Water" are legit great songs, and they have several other really good ones too ("Wating For the World To Fall," "Whatever She Wants," more).
I'd love another video covering more of their history. That they got banned from Christian bookstores for backing the gay community and stick to their guns despite the backlash and financial loss is really cool.
I think that, as Christians, we have a responsibility to be truthful. Sometimes that means saying things that are uncomfortable. Sometimes that means affirming things that come from unlikely places, like secular music. Philippians 4:8 tells me to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. But it doesn't say where to find them. I think a good secular love song can be all those things.
Some people think we should shun secular music, because these are songs written by sinners for whom Jesus died. Christian music is also written by sinners for whom Jesus died.
As Christians yall hijacked words. Like truth and expect the rest of the world to accept YOUR truth as you do.....I like your comment but there a certain condescending attitude baked in thetheligon
@@Jasonmakesvideo Well yall hijacked climate, science & denier. So there.
@@Jasonmakesvideo MY truth would be to justify every thought and action and never take responsibility or accept correction. God's truth calls for humility to recognize I don't have it all worked out.
I believe that Jesus is what he said, the way the truth and the life. That's what I believe. You can believe that or not, and we can still sit down and have a healthy dialog.
So, just for argument's sake, if we start with the premise that Jesus is the truth, and if we are humbly on the periphery attempting to be more truthful, that would mean that we are both seeking Jesus.
I understand that I'm making a lot of assumptions here. But I'm just laying out how I see it.
Cool, now do DC Talk. Jesus Freak was a legit good album.
This is exactly why I love them. They bridge the gaps. A lot of Christians and churches like remaining in thier bubbles not letting anything in or out. I love Jars of Clay because they go out into the world and bring the good word with no judgement. So few Christian acts do that. Also while the message is good a lot of Christian music is cheesy and uninspiring from a musical standpoint. But Joc is not.
To put it into perspective, their single “Flood” was played at my eight grade middle school dance and it was one of the most popular songs of the night. Note: It’s not a dance song. 😅
Wait.. Was the DJ that night the same DJ in High School High?
haha.
Christian turn on anything that is remotely “worldly”. I grew up with Christian Metalcore in the 00’s and those bands were legitimately talented and had great lyrics. Most Christians I knew scoffed at it and said it was devil music. 🙄 I still get comments like that to this day. I’m still a believer.
Norma Jean fan here, just saw them on 11/12 in Philadelphia.
@ Heck yeah man \m/ I put them on shuffle quite a bit but Polar Similar is my favorite 🤍
I agree... and if it actually IS problematic, they will ignore it or embrace it. Bandwagons and uninformed opinions are definitely a playground for the devil, as well as human nature 🤷🏻♂️
I worked at Lifeway bookstore and when Zao’s ‘Funeral Of God’ came out, we had people asking us to take it off the shelves- and wouldn’t you know it, it did get taken off the shelves because it sold out every time we stocked it! Anyways, exchrisrian metalcore guy here too!
@ Zao practically inspired the whole scene. Them and Living Sacrifice. I’m sure there’s others
This was one of my favorite bands and I haven't thought of them in years. Forgot how much I loved them. Didn't realize they were still going. Will have to get all their music over the years and catch up! Thank you for posting this video!
I am a Christian but grew up listening to mostly secular music like Yes, Genesis, Pat Metheny Group, and many other "musicians" bands. I never sought out Christian music but positive Christian lyrics were always a bonus if the music was good. This was one of the few Christian bands that was in heavy rotation in my CD changer (dating myself here). Great songs, beautiful arrangements, and thought provoking Christian lyrics and a unique sound. I loved the violin and orcherstral arrangements. I'm not sure if some of these other great bands of the time like Kings X, U2, and Live are considered Christian music but I definitely enjoyed the music and positive lyrics of these bands as well.
Dude, I am so with you on the groups you mentioned- art rock and heavy rock that doesn’t lose the artistic creativity and use of melody and harmony.
Kings X lyrics def changed after Doug went public with his ongoing life of sexual sin. But their early albums are amazing works of art. I heed Doug when he sings “Pray for Me!” I am still believing for the day when he and Keaggy get together and rock for Jesus again.
I guess the whole forgiveness and grace thing got thrown out the window. Seems to happen often with these “christians”.
I'd love for a continuation of this story. There is so much more to dive in to.
They came out from us but we're not of us
Some christians dont understand that not every song you write, listen or play has to be be 100% christian. I grew up on a christian household , im 43 y old and i can assure you that most of the things ive learnt over the years in music has been from secular music. Its totally true what this guys say about christian music been bored and predictable .
Well according to this video, Jars of Clay claimed to have a ministry and claimed to be bringing the Gospel to sinners at venues with alcohol and etc.. In that case, they are to be judged harshly. I'd say they are not bringing the Gospel anywhere and they have no ministry. They are just weak musicians trying to cater here or there for personal gain. Their music sounds really boring I don't know why it would appeal to anyone.
Yeah and I found their music to be very boring too
Most Christian bands started as bands wanting to get famous and sign record deals. And they realized that is was easier to do that if they claimed to be Christians.
Wrong. When you claim a ministry of music every song DOES have to be Christian.
@@theCinemaHaus The problem is the definition of "Christian music" is so vague, that it's almost meaningless. Now a days you just have to write a song that talks about emotions or love and it can claim to be Christian
You should do a video like this on P.O.D.
they actually have.
What was AMAZING about them was that EVERY ALBUM sounds different. They have "eras" that CHANGE every time. Unlike another popular artist lately calling "eras" a thing... sounding the same.
They showed AMAZING talent and depth changing, adapting, and making NEW sounds and styles... IDK why people hate them for this.
Definitely wanting more of the band's history covered.
The same thing happened in the early days of Christian rap 2010s and it's sad because when Christian artists break the barrier of reaching out to the secular world they get criticized, but then folks come after them and do the same thing and they get praised for it.
Still one of my favourite Christian bands along with Sixpence. I listen to them for the music. They sing faith based songs and a few love songs. Their lives outside of their music is up to them. They're accountable to God just like any other Christian artists..
You just named two a-w-e-s-o-m-e groups right there. ❤
Check out Burlap to Cashmere. A great band.
I’m not a Christian, but I really enjoyed the first release.
Their debut was the first cd ever bought. Still one of my favorite albums 30 years later.
Currently the Self titled record is my 11 year old daughters favorite album, been a fan since the beginning but sad how they support gay stuff, so sad.
absolutely love jars of clay mixed into all my rock and metal selections. fantastic band and please go into more of their albums. you did a great job of covering the timeline and significance of their work and timing. thank you. you rock!
Thanks! Much appreciated
How do you go to school for a degree in music but don’t want a career in music? That’s like getting a drivers license but wanting to walk everywhere….
their third album was a favorite of mine, " If I Left the Zoo" and "The Eleventh Hour" was also great. JOC never really made the same album twice. I know that frustrated some fans, but to me it kept them interesting. I will say that when they first started out they were not great live performers, but they obviously got a lot better. Dan's vocals also improved with coaching.
The things about JoC is that their best attribute has been songwriting. The music they make is great because the songs are. That is to say that in other hands, the songs had the potential to be as or more successful.
I find their later albums like "Good Monsters" to be more impactful than the first ones, but that's probably just because I absolutely wore those first two albums out.
Back in the 90s churches were often hyper legalistic and not sure what to think about groups like Jars, DCT, Switchfoot, etc...
As JoC said
Crazy times
music moves us all whether it be Christian or not, dont worship the music , band members, just enjoy the beat
I forgot how good Christian Rock used to be. Why did Christian Rock become known as being "corny" and Christian music as a whole get boring eventually? Did Hillsong Worship ruin Christian music?
Yes
Still one of my all time favorite bands. God's people can be judgy, but, my question is, how does God think of them. Some are called to reach to the unsaved. Now, doing worship music in a bar might draw my questions.
Such a great band. Please continue to tell more....
That sums up Christians to a T judge judge and judge hypocritical rubbish
Love these guys. This music is just as essential and thought provoking now post-deconstruction as it ever was in my formative years. Their music has direct access to the deepest parts of my soul.
I've never listened to Jars of Clay, really, but hearing them now, they definitely have a quintessential 90s sound lol kinda textbook, imho.
Gives me a lot of nostalgia 😊
Only the songs intended for radio. Many of their songs don't fit into any one genre.
Someone once said that whatever style of music was popular 5 years ago in the mainstream is the currently promoted style of CCM.
their 2006 album Good Monsters, which came out far after their heyday, has so many good songs. and on that tour they played in full 1980s gym class outfits, for some strange reason. good times.
I've been exposed to Christian rock and metal. The hardcore Christian's arent happy unless your band isn't trying to recruit new members. It's very culty. My devout Christian friend stopped going to church because of those heavy handed techniques.
SOME christians. Not many
Don't let the church chase you away from God, they're getting too good at that.
Excellent coverage as always of bands/acts that don't have 100's of videos made about them. Jars of Clay was HUGE at my school, probably because it was a Christian school and they just put out some legitimately good pop/rock songs. Speaking of the comparisons to Toad the Wet Sprocket, have you already covered them?
Thanks
I have been a Christian metal/Hard rock fan since the 80s. there are a few bands that are more middle of the road I like. Jars of clay is one of them. I have all of their albums I think. Cool band.
"Christian Fans TURNED on Jars of Clay" clickbait! I didn't turn on Jars of Clay. I still love FLOOD. I don't appreciate them lying to us for profit. EDIT: Reading the comments "They never said they were Christian" I read the articles that say you are wrong. I wish I kept my old CCM and HM magazines.
Dude has to be a Christian to have this much information and passion to do such a profound video.
Hey guys - if you haven’t already please check out their Good Monsters album. My favorite of their catalogue.
Very good coverage. Your stuff is consistently top shelf.
They're last album, Inland, might have been their most lyrically cryptic. Not a single overt religious reference. Its their best album imo
Their first couple of albums have aged spectacularly. My aunt went to college with 'Mark Odmatt' as she often called him. She also knew Charlie
My brother went to Chicago on some sort of church outreach trip in ~'95 or '96 and brought back their debut on cassette. Flood was the first rock song I ever fully memorized
This band’s willingness to take the gospel into the actual world (bars and secular coffeehouses) influences me to do the same…
If this is the case, the band and their singers need a major theological wake up. Their singer posted on social media about participating in a Pride festival last June.
What he did was going against what scripture teaches about Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
All you have to do is use a search engine: Jars of Clay Gay Pride.
I was at a Jars of Clay show at Six Flags and the singer said, "You're probably wondering why we haven't written a second album, but we're still making so much money off the first." I thought they just faded away due to inactivity.
I always find it insane when people who call themselves Christians are upset at other Christians for doing what Christ did!
I've had many Christian band tapes back in the day, POD, DC Talk, Jars of Clay. I always wanted them to be popular in the mainstream.
I saw them in concert in Visalia CA. years ago. I loved it and it helped getting me to be a better Christian.
I was there. Football stadium with Point of Grace?
Never knew of this band until this video. I find this argument that Christian bands should only play to Christian audiences pathetic; I'm agnostic but I do like POD and Believer. What's wrong with reaching an audience that don't follow/practice faith?
Joan Osborne's song is not about God, its about people.
The writer of the song Eric Brazilian said…… A Song About Challenging Our Assumptions
Bazilian conceived of “One of Us” as being “about what happens to you when you look at something that has completely changed your worldview, which could be meeting God, it could be meeting an alien, it could be a near-death experience, it could be anything like that.”
@@oldmanballer5088 and he's an atheist i believe or at least agnostic, oddly he co-wrote All You Zombies too.
@ what does that have to do with anything. That’s fine he can believe what he wants
@@oldmanballer5088 Not here to change anyone's beliefs. The video references the song and seems to make a comparison to what Jars was doing during the same time period. I'm just saying that Joan Osborne's song is not an apples to apples comparison. Her song and Jars' songs were not coming from the same place spiritually speaking. Osborne rejects Christ (she said she is skeptical at best), unlike Jars where you know where they stand. My observation is that the video creator missed the point by including is as another 90s tune similar to Jars.
Their lead singer made some comments that some didn’t like, but why are people labeling all four members as turning away? They have moved on to new lives while still going to church.
I would just like to say there is no real controversy here. Christianity has nothing to do with the fact that apparently Jars of Clay are better than they actually sound.
First Things First! I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN! I do not qualify myself as a music connoisseur or fan or collector of great musical styles! I am someone who is transitioning and will eventually pursue a Lesbian Relationship! It never occurred to me that listening to music was an exclusive or segregated notion!
I do not pick music for one or another... I would first listen to Fusion Jazz music in the early 70's, Larry Carlton, Steely Dan, Spyro Gyra and many others who simply did not fit into the popular narrative(s). I would choose and stir my own taste to much bigger genres and take into the late 70's and early 80's music that was happening at CFNY and the British Punk Scene and beyond. I ventured into Reggae, Ska, Soca and many others Celtic Alternative: The Waterboys and others as well as New Age Music: Enya, Loreena McKennitt and so much more! Music is a sanctuary for my heart, mind and soul that saved my very soul.
I don't listen to music 'cause it is Black, White, Chinese, Arabic, this or that... NO! I listen to whatever I find expansive and spiritually impressive!
Some Christians have to try to find the devil in everything. That would be a boring, stressful (and guilt ridden) life. Especially if you are a huge music listener (listen to thousands of artists and constantly finding new stuff) I had the first 2 albums. Gave up on them after that because I didn't really like the next one, about the same time found Iron Maiden and such and realized how much good music I was missing out on by not listening to secular music. I'll give it to JoC for being one of the better Christian artists though.
I thought that's when they started to hit their stride, the 3rd album, If I Left The Zoo. That's my favorite of theirs, especially when you read the thoughts behind the songs. Goodbye, Goodnight, the first song on the album was about the group of minstrels playing on the titanic as it went down. Famous Last Words is still one of all time favorite songs. I'm glad you found some other good music to listen to though 😊
@@mikemaysmusic5519 ive never been one to really care about lyrics or at least not near as much as the songwriting anyway. I remember liking Unforgetful You. I still like the debut by All Star United and still love Keith Brown's (RIP) debut This Side of Heaven because he's the first music artist I ever owned/got into and Phil Keaggy is a talented musician. Gotta give him credit.
Please cover Jars Of Clay’s Christmas album entitled Christmas Songs.
It IS hands down one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded…..a real gem of an album with extraordinary writing, arranging, performing and producing…..
Jars Of Clay- “Christmas Songs”🕊️🎄🎄❄️🎸
Or cover how Michael W. Smith is "runing" on his Christmas album cover and has a ton of esoteric symbology on his album cover for _Picture This._
I don't care where Jars of Clay play.
My problem is more with The Dove Awards it's self. When "The Dove Awards" decided to honor a gay band or fronted by band and Jar of Clay backed their choice. Can't remember the bands name or the year. But wasn't there a man that preformed in a dress? I THINK that is was the straw that broke the camel's back for many.
So my question for the band would be, did Christians turn on the band or did they do it to their self?
I knew my days of working at a Christian radio station (2001 - 2004) were numbered when I refused to support Amy -Slut- Grant when she cheated on her husband and then divorced and married the man she targeted. I posted an article from a Christian radio magazine on the wall that criticized and scolded her actions and the program director tore it down and added more Amy songs in rotation.
The band members saw Christian music as “boring, stale and stagnant”. Probably because there are only so many ways in one language to say ”thank you for redeeming me, I love You Lord, I worship You in holiness”. Yet that never gets old when you truly mean it. But music allows us to say these few things in a personal way with expressions that go beyond words. In church, it needs to be singable for the average person. That means melodies shouldn’t have too wide of range to sing. Many modern “church” songs require a wider than average range to sing the whole song in any key. Some of the promotional YT videos feature men and women sharing the lead, which might suggest that the melody was written with a range too wide for any one of the available performers. Choirs are good for that kind of composition Outside of that, if it inspires our minds to consider the beauty of God as He expressed it through the ministry of Christ, then that has outreach value; ministry value. The music industry is dangerous to Christian artists because it has many temptations and pitfalls. Pilgrims Progress seems to be a perfect allegory for performing Christian artists. They are known to get into all kinds of scandalous binds that include sex, drugs, booze, and narcissism. Maintaining purity and humility would be tough when your contracts and booking agents require that you burn the candle at both ends for days, weeks or months on end, and fans are directing their worship to the artists instead of the God they sing about. Too many of these musicians have denounced faith in Jesus. Only God knows their hearts. If you have favourite Christian artists, please pray for them.
Yes, another video about the history of Jars of Clay, please! Thanks for this one.
You got it!
If you really analyze the lyrics to _Flood_ it is from the point of view of the *Nephilim* that was destroyed by the great flood while 8 people in the ark survived. It seems to sympathize with these angelic/human hybrids and the genetically modified creatures they also created that were wiped out as they "slowly become one with the mud."
You're reaching a bit far. "genetically modified"? I know where you are coming from, but you may need to rein it in a touch. the Bible is incredibly quiet on certain subjects and all we can say is "we don't know".
Skillet plays to Everyone
I've enjoyed Jars since their inception and considered "Much Afraid" as one of the top 5 classics of the genre, on par with Guardian's "Bottle Rocket" and DC Talk's "Jesus Freak." The controversy for me was never about playing in bars, although I wish they were more forthcoming about their faith. (Singer Steve Camp was famous as the only person ever to use profanity is CCM magazine saying that any Christian artist that doesn't see themself as a minister of the gospel is full of bullshit.) My problem was when they did gay events and seemed to be apologists for gay marriage, directly opposing the Bible. I had a similar problem when Jennifer Knapp came out as lesbian. God's message is about building a family with redeemed sinners and homosexuality rejects God's purpose and thus redemption by saying it won't conform to the Bible's position that sexual standards for His creation.
Yes please continue to cover their history… I think you did a fantastic job on “Part 1”… thank you and great job, please do a Part 2
Yeah, this music is mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1 "...in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits"
Yeah, I'd be down to watch coverage of this up to where they are now. I grew up with these guys' cds since I grew up in church, especially these albums but they fell out of rotation in my listening as I got older and out of faith. It'd be cool to see where their career went after.
I've had some pretty spiritual moments listening to Jars of Clay whilst driving into a sunset. Now that I'm entered into the same community (the ghosted Christian), I understand how wrong I was about them. I remember that I literally destroyed my copy of Much Afraid. FUNDAMENTALIST FREE FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS!! Sorry, Jars of Clay.
I'm on the ~5 year trajectory too! I can relate!
A Christian group that shares their beliefs and the gospel with secular festivals and concerts is Skillet. Their issue with what Christians were saying is their immaturity and love of secular love.
Great video. Yes would love a follow up. Where are they now? Also another Christian band that went missing is Chris Lizotti and Soul Commotion would love to know the back story of the band adn why they didin't release more, every song was amazing.
@@PureHealthAcupuncture thanks!
"What happened to that Christian band that fell off the map" is fodder for an entire Chanel in and of itself. Usually they just grew up and moved on with life. Living in a van and playing Youth Weekends while pretending you are making more money and are happier than you actually are runs out of steam after a while.
One of my favorite bands. Their song Fly Farther was the song my wife of 18 years and I danced. I have all their stuff.
I have some CDs from Jars of Clay, dc Talk, and Michael W. Smith.
Was not expecting this to be mentioned on this channel. Respect!
Thank you for the post! ✌🏼😊
you're welcome.
@@rnrtruestories 👍🏻😊
@ 👍🏻😊
I love their first two albums. Still listen to them. I read the Bible everyday. When you read Gods words, and they live in you, you begin to discern between not only what’s wrong and right… but also between what’s right and almost right.
I know this isn’t a Christian channel, but I wish more people would get to know Jesus more intimately…he is real and died for your sins.
He’s coming back again and I wish we all would be ready.
Maranatha