Shortly after the season ended, I did some good ol' Google research and discovered that, in fact, Jason Castro is a believer. And not one ashamed to tell his story.
This year, I was SO happy when in April he finally released a self-titled pop album with summer-cool hits like "Let's Just Fall In Love Again". The album, as expected, is full of fun, catchy, and clean music.
But did you know that in November, he released another album to the Christian market? It's called "Who I Am". You can read a bit about it here. Important thing to note: half the songs on this album are identical to those on his 'pop' album.
I'm having a difficult time landing on an opinion about this. I'm thrilled he crossed over into the Christian music scene. Christian music is in dire need of quality artists who make quality music. However, I'm a little confused. What makes the second album more "Christian" than the first, if the songs are almost all the same? And why does the simple change of genre label make the second album more appealing or appropriate for Christians who might buy his music? Are that many Christians so...legalistic that they can't purchase music unless it comes with a 'Christian' tag? If so, I must say that was a smart move on Castro's label.
What are your thoughts?
Hey Catie - this is KJ. I'm sure the two "albums" have to do with marketing. Christian music may highlight Christian artists and target Christian audiences, but that doesn't mean they are owned, managed, or distributed by Christian companies, or even Christian principles. If anything, the "crossover" potential of Jason provided marketers with the opportunity to make more money. Provide two "albums" - with slightly different track-listing - and target them to different audiences. The die-hard fans will buy both albums. American Idol artists are under contract, and Idol wants to make money on their artists while they have them. Record companies do this kind of stuff all the time. Release an album by a popular artist, wait 6 months and release an "expanded" version so fans have to re-buy the album for the extra stuff. Or a band will release multiple versions of an album - you have to buy a copy at Best Buy, Target, and iTunes if you want all the bonus songs.
ReplyDeleteThough I'm not a big fan of the music business (for a number of reasons), that doesn't necessarily mean that artists owned by businesses I disapprove of can't be great. If Jason Castro is your thing - if you're able to worship God through his music, or you just like it - that's a gift from God too - then great. It's kind of a "meat offered to idols" thing for me.
I will say he kind of looks like a girl in the second picture though.