A great deal of Christian art is safe and somewhat predictable. In some ways, we like the formula, the predictable. Yes, the Gospel is loving. But art isn’t meant to be simply safe. It’s meant to challenge and provoke us.
Steve Taylor is such an artist. As a musician, songwriter, and producer, he questions, he pokes, and he puts a mirror up to our faces to make us think. The Gospel disturbs our way of life. Truth corrects and redirects us to a path of life, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for us. Steve Taylor’s solo music and influence as a producer have had that legacy in the Christian industry.
What Is Steve Taylor Known For?
Steve Taylor gained prominence in the 1980s-1990s with innovative pop music combined with satirical lyrics.
Taylor explored various musical genres throughout his career, blending styles to create his unique sound. His music encompassed elements of rock, pop, punk, new wave, and alternative music. Steve’s versatility as a musician allowed him to experiment with different sounds and styles, making his songs engaging and dynamic.
As original as his music was, Taylor is well known for his lyrics and songwriting. He used satire and wordplay to tackle cultural and political issues fearlessly, pushing back against conventional norms and inviting his listeners to ask questions and think critically about their faith and the world, usually in funny, creative, sarcastic, and ironic ways.
One of his more humorous songs, “Sock Heaven,” describes socks getting lost in the laundry but extends that idea to discuss God’s love for those who feel out of place.
Taylor regularly used his platform to address social issues and shed light on church hypocrisy and injustice. Within his songs, he criticized consumerism, materialism, and the abuse of power.
Part of Taylor’s creativity was through visual imagery, especially music videos that featured imaginative storytelling and striking visuals. For example, check out the videos for “Cash Cow.”
While Steve Taylor wasn’t as well-known as other artists in the 80s, such as Michael W. Smith and Twila Paris, his innovative approach pushed boundaries and influenced the whole Christian music scene. His willingness to tackle various uncomfortable subjects broadened the expectation of what Christians could address in music, permitting other artists to take chances.
Along with influencing many artists indirectly by setting a model to follow, he had directly influenced many by producing and collaborating with them, especially in the alternative music genre.
How Did Steve Taylor Get His Start in Christian Music?
Steve Taylor’s passion for music and songwriting developed during his college years at Colorado University, where he performed with local bands and worked on his musicianship. After he graduated, Taylor moved to Nashville, Tennessee, with dreams of pursuing a music career. While in Nashville, Taylor connected with influential figures in the Christian music scene, such as Randy Stonehill, Larry Norman, and other legendary songwriters. Networking with these individuals helped Taylor with opportunities to showcase his talent and sign a recording contract with the major Christian label Sparrow Records.
With Sparrow Records, Taylor released his debut album, I Want to Be a Clone. The album’s title track, with its humorous take on religious conformity, struck a chord with listeners and proved to be a taste of what was to come.
Steve Taylor - I want to be a clone from meltd0wn1 on GodTube.
His subsequent albums, Meltdown and On the Fritz, further established his distinctive style as an innovative and thought-provoking artist in the Christian music industry.
Beyond his solo work, Taylor produced other artists like Sixpence None the Richer and the Newsboys. Due to his love of powerful and creative music videos, he even directed and co-wrote films such as The Second Chance and Blue Like Jazz, further establishing himself as a storyteller in other mediums.
How Has Steve Taylor Helped Other Christian Artists?
Beyond his solo work, Taylor also produced and collaborated with other artists, further establishing his influence in the Christian music industry.
By producing the Guardians’ album Buzz, Taylor helped a band specializing in hair metal and hard rock band adjust to the 1990s alternative rock scene. This heavier and edgier album had new fan favorites “Break Me Down” and “Come On Everyone.”
Steve was a founding member of the band Chagall Guevara, which released their self-titled album in 1991. Taylor’s involvement in the production and songwriting process allowed him to explore a more alternative rock sound and collaborate with other talented musicians. The album received critical acclaim and showcased Taylor’s ability to create music outside his solo career. Chagall Guevera later contributed to two Mark Heard tribute albums and finally released a new album, The Last Amen, in 2020.
Known for his expertise and experience in the music industry, Taylor has acted as a mentor and advisor to younger artists. He has provided guidance and support, helping them navigate the challenges of the music business and develop their artistic vision. Taylor’s mentorship has influenced numerous aspiring musicians and contributed to emerging talents’ growth and success.
Through his success, Taylor has created a platform for other artists to express themselves and reach a wider audience. By featuring artists on his albums, inviting them to perform as opening acts for his concerts, or including them in his projects, Taylor has provided a platform for artists to showcase their talents and gain exposure to a broader fan base.
Taylor’s boundary-pushing approach to music and willingness to explore diverse genres and lyrical themes have inspired other artists to think outside the box. His willingness to challenge conventions and incorporate social and political commentary into his music has encouraged Christian artists to explore deeper and more meaningful subjects.
10 Great Steve Taylor Albums
Here is a list of ten notable albums released by Steve Taylor:
1. I Want to Be a Clone (1983). Taylor’s debut album established he was a unique voice to watch for.
2. Meltdown (1984). This critically acclaimed album showcased Taylor’s clever lyrics and diverse musical styles.
3. On the Fritz (1985). This album featured conscious themes, received widespread praise, and further solidified Taylor’s reputation as a thought-provoking artist.
4. I Predict 1990 (1987). A concept album addressing cultural and political issues, featuring the hit song “Jim Morrison’s Grave.”
5. Chagall Guevera (1991). Taylor’s band Chagall Guevera didn’t have the commercial success of bandmates’ solo projects, but their music and lyrics designed to break Christian music stereotypes remain influential.
6. Squint (1993). Marking Taylor’s return to the music scene after an extended break, this album displayed his growth as a songwriter and featured the hit single “Jesus Is for Losers.”
7. Now the Truth Can Be Told (1994). A live album showcasing Taylor’s energetic performances, including old favorites and new material.
8. Liver (1995). A limited edition live album that captured Taylor’s dynamic stage presence and featured acoustic renditions of his songs.
9. The Best We Could Find (+3 That Never Escaped) (1998). A compilation album gathering Taylor’s greatest hits, along with three previously unreleased tracks.
10. Goliath (2014): Taylor’s first studio album in over a decade features him with the supergroup Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil. It received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking lyrics and contemporary sound.
These albums highlight Steve Taylor’s evolution as an artist, his knack for insightful and witty songwriting, and his significant contributions to the Christian rock and alternative music genres. Each album offers a unique blend of musical styles and compelling themes, making them essential listens for fans of Taylor’s work.
5 Great Steve Taylor Movies
Steve Taylor is primarily known for his musical contributions rather than his involvement in movies and documentaries. However, he has made notable appearances in the film industry. Several of his songs have appeared in movies, starting with Chagall Guevera’s song “Tale ‘O the Twister” in the 1990 film Pump Up the Volume. He has also produced or directed various projects, such as the music video “Kiss Me” for Sixpence None the Richer.
Here are five films and documentaries in which Steve Taylor has been involved:
1. The Second Chance (2006). Taylor served as the director, co-writer, and composer for this Christian drama film featuring Michael W. Smith as a worship leader adjusting to an inner-city church.
2. Blue Like Jazz (2012). Taylor co-wrote the screenplay, composed music, and directed this coming-of-age movie based on the best-selling book by Donald Miller.
3. Homeless Man (1998). Taylor produced this phenomenal and impactful documentary about the life of fellow misfit musician Rich Mullins.
4. Newsboys: Under the Big Top (1996). Taylor wrote and directed this comedy starring the Newsboys, imagining the band seeking to save a bankrupt circus.
5. Squint: Songs from the Soundtrack (1993). Taylor directed this film of interconnected music videos for his album Squint, each video filmed in a different country.
Most recently, Taylor has been announced as the producer for The Dead Sea Squirrels, a fun new children’s TV show from VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki.
While Steve Taylor’s filmography is not as extensive as his music career, these movies and documentaries show his versatility as a filmmaker, composer, and occasional actor. You can learn more about his work on Lipscomb University’s page about his filmmaking and music.
If you haven’t listened to much of Steve Taylor’s music, I’d suggest beginning with I Want to Be a Clone and Chagall Guevara’s 1991 album.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Pro2sound
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