Last night I was adding some more music to my player (you're welcome!) and I decided to add a song that my son, Matthew, and I recently heard performed "live." It brought back a lot of memories. Memories of around 15 years ago when the song first came out, sure...but more than that, memories from long (long) ago that come flooding back every time I hear the title.
Jesus Freak
That's what kids like me were called when I was growing up. Jesus Freaks. I was a JF because I went to parochial school, went to religious education classes, went to church on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Heck, I even went to vacation Bible school at two neighborhood churches - Presbyterian and Southern Baptist - during the summer because it was so much fun! I wasn't ashamed or afraid to talk about my Savior and my relationship with Him then - or now.
So am I still a "Freak?" You betcha!! Just like the song says...
I don't really care if they label me a Jesus Freak.
There ain't no disguising the truth!
These three have come a long way since the days of Liberty University, dc Talk and Jesus Freak. A long way since they shook things up at the Gospel Music Awards in 1996...
Not bad for a bunch of freaks...!
There ain't no disguising the truth!
These three have come a long way since the days of Liberty University, dc Talk and Jesus Freak. A long way since they shook things up at the Gospel Music Awards in 1996...
**scroll down and pause my player before watching video**
(didn't you just love Toby's Dad at the end there??!!)
Nowadays, if you listen to contemporary Christian music, the name Toby Mac needs no introduction. Michael Tait is the new frontman for the legendary group Newsboys. Kevin Max prefers to do his solo thing - acting, writing, singing.Not bad for a bunch of freaks...!
And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.
Luke 21:17 NLT
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7 comments:
Gigi,
Yes, me too. Although back in my day they didn't talk of Jesus Freaks. You were (if male at least) a Holy Joe. I really didn't fit either in those days. I may have been freakish, but was a long way from holy.
Larry
Whoa, Gigi! I had no idea you listened to DC Talk! One of our favorite groups. And I'm really loving Newsboys' latest, "Born Again", with Tait as the frontman! Can't wait for the CD to come out.
Being a "freak" is the only way! I'm running out right now, to get my belly tatooed!!!
Larry - I'm curious...if the men were "Holy Joes" what were the women called?
Greg - of course I love dcTalk...those are some Liberty U. boys!!! Gotta support the Virginia school talent you know!! Now listen, Michael Tait has some really BIG shoes to fill as far as taking Peter Furler's place in the Newsboys lineup. But I saw them perform very recently and he (Michael) was his usual give-it-all-I've-got self! He jokingly said that he had to learn a LOT of songs in order to come onboard with Newsboys, but that in return he insisted they learn one dcTalk song. You got it...Jesus Freak!
Now...don't get me going on Toby Mac!!
I really enjoyed listening to Furler on vocals. Tait is DEFINTELY different, so the group will sound different with him instead, but I hope they find their own identity, not just dc Talk II, you know?
All right, let's get you started on Toby Mac.... I like some of his stuff (Portable Sounds is a permanent fixture in our car's disc changer), but the rest of it (all his other projects) are too hip-hoppy for me.
We listen to Air1 (local affiliate and on air1.com), which plays Christian alternative, including LOTS of Newsboys, dc Talk, Toby Mac, Plumb, Skillet, etc....
Well, believe it or not, they (Newsboys) don't sound all that different...yet! I've lost count of how many times I've seen Newsboys live and Peter's energy would have been hard to top. The fact that he was instrumental in choosing Michael speaks volumes. The energy is there, the worship is there, the musicality is there. Time will tell how they continue to evolve as a group, but from what I saw, so far so good! But I don't think they're in danger of morphing into dcTalk II, I truly don't.
Okay...onto Toby Mac now - since you insisted! I agree with you on Portable Sounds! Man oh man, is that a good cd or what?! His latest cd, Tonight, has some great tracks on it as well. But for me, TM's "magic" is in his live performance. High energy, high emotion and the real deal. I'll be seeing him live again next week and I can't wait!
We don't get Air1 in my area, but as you know, they're a sister station of K-LOVE - although they shoot for a younger demographic!
I'll be looking out for Newsboys concerts in out area, then! And now I'm really bummed that we missed out on Toby Mac's Winter Slam tour, which was in our area recently. We decided to not go, because we thought there would be too many young and loud people... but if you dig his concerts (NOT implying that you're quiet and old!), then we would have been in good company.
At work, I listen to air1.com, which provides perfect reception (except for the rare network hic-ups). Believe it or not, "City on Our Knees" is playing right now.
Greg, the next time TM's in your area - GO! You'll find people of ALL ages worshipping together! It's just a beautiful thing!! He tours all the time, so another opportunity will present itself...possibly as early as this summer! If not, WinterJam happens every year...
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