“The songs are about love and about God, about feeling strong and tough times, its all in there.”

“God is in the houses / and God is in my head / and all the cemeteries of London / I see God come in my garden / But I don’t know what He said / For my heart, it wasn’t open.”

As a music lover, a communications major, and a strong Catholic, I want good music with lyrics that communicate a positive message. Solid music with a solid message, however, is difficult to find among the mainstream musicians these days.

Two of the bands whose music I have been playing frequently these days are Coldplay and Los Lonely Boys. STOP – wait. Don’t get turned off to me quite yet.

I know that Coldplay has been criticized in the past for their slower, sleepier, piano rock sound. And I know that many radio listeners are tired of hearing the words “Los” “Lonely” and “Boys” together, especially when connected to the unfortunately overplayed song, “Heaven,” adopted by contemporary Christian band Salvador.

What would you say if Coldplay upped the ante and their beat? And what if Los Lonely Boys actually became enjoyable for you? Honestly, my friends, both of these bands are well worth your time.

Not only are these guys some of the more talented musicians out there in the world of “musicians” (anyone see Kanye West’s latest SNL performance? ugh.), but their lyrics also have incredible potential to inspire people of faith, or any people.

Much can be said in support of Coldplay’s music and lyrics. Vocalist Chris Martin has been blessed with an outstanding voice talent and engaging stage presence that many modern artists lack. Their newest release, Viva La Vida, stands out as my favorite. Consider the lyrics of “Lovers in Japan” or “Lost” or even “Viva La Vida” — all singles from their latest album:

I do not, however, condone all of their songs or some of their behavior outside of the music.

Of the two bands, I most enjoy the personalities of Los Lonely Boys. The band consists of the three Garza brothers used to playing backup band for their dad. They are truly Latinos through and through–family- and faith-oriented. (This interview is a great example of their spirits.) They’re not living saints, but they’re an inspiring group of real people playing real music. I have been blessed to attend one of their conciertos aqui en San Antonio with my dad, and it was a blast. These young men are some of the most talented and unique rock bands out there.

Los Lonely Boys, although hardly marketed as a Christian rock band, have never shied away from singing about their beliefs.

“Faith plays the biggest role in everything we do,” Garza says. “It’s the most important thing to Los Lonely Boys, to our families. Everything we see, touch, smell and feel comes from God.”

I proudly present to you “Texican Rock and Roll”:

1. The Killer Jam Session (”Onda”)

2. Song with lyrics (”Forgiven”)