Music Monday: Song of the Week #6

This song needs no real introduction. Just listen to it. It’s called Feel Good Drag and it’s by American rockers Anberlin. 

Anberlin are another band I was introduced to by a friend and I am thankful every day that they had the sense to think I might enjoy them, because I don’t just like them, I love them.

I jumped onto the Anberlin bandwagon somewhere between their fourth (New Surrender) and fifth (Dark is the Way, Light is a Place) studio albums and despite the fact they had already been around for seven years or so, I think it was the ideal time to do it. At the time I really needed an album like New Surrender in my music library and then a year or so later when Dark is a Way, Light is a Place came out, I needed that too.

These guys are brilliant songwriters and lyricists, and lead vocalist Stephen Christian has one of the best voices I have ever heard. I have seen the band live three times so far and the way he captivates and mesmerizes an audience is something that has to be witnessed. I know that sounds incredibly cheesy, but it’s true.

When talking about Anberlin it’s impossible to avoid at least mentioning the ‘are they or are they not a “christian band”?’ debate. I won’t go into it too much – I’m sure if you want to know more you can do your own research – but the conclusion that I have come to is that they are a band of Christian men, but they are not, by definition, a Christian band. Are there both subtle and not so subtle mentions of God and other elements of Christianity in their music? Absolutely. But it’s not at all preachy or making any attempt to push listeners towards that particular way of life. I can’t speak for their first two albums, because I’ve honestly never bothered to find or listen to them, but this is what I think based on their newer work.

Speaking of newer work, Anberlin released a new album, Vital, last year. I own it, but am yet to give a good listening to – I know, I’ve been a terrible fan of late. But this is the week! Check back in a few days for my very first album review.