Thematic Depth in Modern Worship

I've read no less than three articles in the last few weeks that criticize modern worship, among other things, for its lack of thematic depth (one of the writers - who sounded like an older gentleman - also pretty much came out and said "its just too dern loud!"). Essentially, the critics believe that modern worship tends to be too "me oriented" and too focused on upbeat, praise-oriented choruses.

I don't hold myself out as an expert on everything that is happening in the modern worship movement, so - on one level - I can't really speak to these criticisms. However, these articles have given me pause to reflect on a few of my favorite modern worship songs that seem to "break the mold" that they are describing.

(WARNING: these lyrics contain a lot of self-referential pronouns - is that "me oriented"? If so, I suppose a lot of classic hymns are "me oriented" as well. Think about all of the self-referential pronouns in songs like Amazing Grace and On Jordan's Stormy Banks...)

Here they are, in no particular order:

"When the Tears Fall" (Tim Hughes). A song about pursuing God through pain and tears. ("When hope is lost/I'll call you savior/When pain surrounds/I'll call you healer/When silence falls/you'll be the song within my heart"). The Newsboys do this one on their Devotion album, but I like Hughes' original recording best.

"Blessed be the Name" (Matt Redman). Again, a song about pursuing God both in good times and bad. Unlike a lot of modern worship songs, it works really well a capella, and it has become a favorite at Highland lately, for good reason.

"We Come to Your Throne With Weeping" (Jeff Deyo). A powerful song about repentance, which seeks the mercies of God. ("We come to your throne with weeping/we come to your throne with sorrow and pain...we come to your throne with desperate hearts...We come to you/we cry out for mercy and we turn from our sins")

"Still Here Waiting" (Todd Agnew). A song that reminds me of the story of the prodigal son. It laments our continual return to sin, but celebrates the God who - unbelievably - welcomes us every time we repent. ("I don't know why I can't remain safely where I always came to meet with you/and you always met with me/you're still here waiting/Yes, I come home, and you'll be there/and I can run into your arms")

"I Fear You" (Jeff Deyo). A song that expresses fear, trust, and love for God, all at once.

"The Heart of Worship" (Matt Redman). Did you ever listen to the lyrics of this song? Could they be less "me oriented"? In the end, the song concludes that its not about me and its not about the music, its about Jesus.

"Word of God Speak" (Mercy Me). Actually, this represents a series of songs by Mercy Me, all of which relish in the practice of the individual spiritual disciplines, similar to the ideas expressed in classic hymns such as "Sweet Hour of Prayer".

Well, there are a few, anyway, that seem to stray from the upbeat, praise-oriented theme. I'm sure I'll think of others as the day goes on.