The words are what makes the hymn. As one who was in “praise bands” for several years, I found that it was too easy to excuse anti-Scriptural lyrics with a peppy beat; and, I truly missed the richness of the hymns lyrics. One can not read “And Can It Be” or “It is Well” and not be moved. On the other hand if I hear “I am a Friend of God” one more time I’m gonna scream. Many (not all) praise choruses lower God to the level of being like us. Some choruses and a few hymns are not Scriptural. I try to go for that which edifies, teaches, and builds up the saints.
*snort* Our daughter, who is 21, calls the more rock stuff “Jesus is my boyfriend” music. She likes the four part music we sing in the Adult choir, with organ accompaniment, or Gregorian Chant, much better.