CD Review: Rocking with the Monks

A look at John Michael Talbot's new album, Monk Rock

Folks, I should've been better informed about John Michael Talbot's release of his new album, Monk Rock, last August, considering that I own an ample collection of JMT's music. Thanks to my colleagues at Roman Catholic Blog I am now better informed about this latest release, and at about some objections--I just count one--leveled against it. So, it doesn't even rise to the level of a controversy yet.

I've sampled the album and read JMT's explanation. Those of us familiar with JMT's musical trajectory recognize "vintage" JMT, a music sound that goes all the way back to his first records, to the period he was transitioning from secular to Christian music. I find it the sound very refreshing, this is not "hard rock," heavy metal or techno. This is "soft rock," tinged with bluegrass flourishes, and at rythm that is very early 70's.

This is a "baptizable" sound. God can speak through it and touch hearts with it. The critic overreacts in her condemnation of JMT and his music.

One caveat, though. Not all "religious music" is "sacred music" fit to be played at Mass. This music is not one of them. JMT's liturgical rythms touch me in a different way than these sounds do. They should not be played at Mass!

Everything has its place, including pleasure of the right kind, and this music is a pleasure to hear. I'll get it ASAP.

Rock on, John Michael!