why I listen

I listen to Pearl Jam because the pain represented in Vedder’s early lyrics reverberates within me while the healing represented by his more recent work inspires me.

I listen to Johnny Cash because the raw honesty of his music mixed with an undeniably dark outlook on life leaves me feeling like I’m conversing with a treasured friend, even when the story told is foreign to me.

I listen to Audio Slave because Chris Cornell screams questions aimed at the discovery of truth and he is unafraid to scream those questions even toward God himself.

I listen to the Old 97’s because they are wildly fun and delightfully irreverent.

I listen to U2 because Bono is a musician-turned-world-leader who actually cares about the poor and hurting. His music, while not always pointed at world issues, often reveals the depth of true love in its various forms.

I listen to Derek Webb because he is one of a very few Christians artists unapologetically calling the church to be what she has been called to be.

What do you listen to and why?