Modern instruments are tuned at standard 440 and old hymns were written when the key of “a” was as low as 410...often depending on the the “a” pipe of an organ. So sometimes a hymn written say in the key of c can be hard to sing especially when when the high notes can be an octave and third higher than base clef c(standard starting note for treble clef c). Some Baptist hymn books have lowered the registers of many songs by a 1/2 step to a step in recognition of this problem and many songs are now much more singable and enjoyable.
My issue with many contemporary Christian praise music is that it is often written by folks who tend to sing in a high tenor or soprano pop like tessitura. The praise and worship band leaders will imitate these songs in the way they heard them on the radio and sing like solo virtuosos with trick rhythm riffs and sudden full octave shifts that most untrained voices can’t follow( baritones and mezzos, basses and altos are lost or are stuck singing at a higher register than they may be comfortable, or may try to harmonize if they are talented enough to follow these complex ‘jiggy’ meolodies, or they go screaming to the comforts of traditional worship services). Sound engineers trade subtlety and finesse in operating the speakers for the power of brute force, blasting the ears of the listeners, intimidating many folks into silence.
I know some contemporary Christian music is very good, though the shorter praise songs don’t have to be repeated 10 times ad nauseum. The time spent repeating the same songs could be used for more praise songs or longer hymns.
It is rare to read an educated critique of worship music. Thank you.