I would have to agree with the author on this. Having participated as a musician in worship music for 35 years I’ve played in symphony orchestras as well as 4 piece rock bands. It is obvious to me that the vast majority of contemporary “worship” music is indeed centered on American pop culture and invariably shallows the profound truths of G*d’s plan of salvation and how he manifests his exalted status in our universe. Self expression is the rule, not the exception as musicians jam and riff as their mood allows and there is a notable lack of disciplined musical excellence among the participants.
The “old” hymns are only old just as scripture is old. The symphonic orchestral performance and congregational singing are quite different, especially since the congregation usually gets to read the actual music as written instead of going on and on like mindless drones about silly catch phrases projected onto a wall while trying to figure out what notes might fit with the musicians. Worship is also about giving G*d your “A” game and that’s where musical study and discipline come in. What is a joyful noise to the Lord? Probably not something thrown together with almost no forethought or depth of logical proclamation.
Of course G*d meets us where we’re at but most churches seem to think they have to conform to the short-lived fads of our depraved culture in order to reach people with the Gospel. If ever there was a time to be provocative, unsettling, and incompatible with our dominant culture it is now, however many churches will soon realize their irrelevance.
"Worship" music is supposed to bring us to a place of praise and worship, is it not? It's a worship of GOD, our Creator, Lord, Savior, King and Father not something we include in our time with those of like mind to entertain ourselves. It doesn't mean that only old hymns must be sung, but that whatever is sung is something that reminds us of God's glory, love and amazing grace and the "sacrifice of praise" is what we give back to Him.
I can usually always tell the difference between true worship music and stuff that is not because, with the true, I have tears streaming down my face as I sing along. It touches deep within my soul and I sense the presence of the Holy Spirit among us and within us. That can't be faked.