TobyMac - Beyond Me

TobyMac and Michael Tait formed the band DC Talk in 1987. TobyMac stayed with DC Talk until 2001, when they disbanded, and has been a solo artist ever since. 

Temperament that it hits on: Phlegmatic 

Beyond Me hits on my phlegmatic because it acknowledges that we are simply God's lowly creatures, and that while He invites us to partake of His graces and saving Power, we are not worthy of them. Naturally humble, phlegmatics probably tend to take this realization easier and more freely than members of the other temperament types. 

Like I have mentioned before, I am primarily a choleric, and cholerics are the opposites of phlegmatics. I always like to have these kinds of TobyMac songs on when I am writing because humility is the opposite of pride, the first of the seven deadly sins and the typical root sin of cholerics. 

Chris Tomlin - Good Good Father

Chris Tomlin is probably the most famous Christian artist of all time. He seems to be the main event in most of his concerts. 

Temperament that it hits on: Melancholic 

Good Good Father hits on my melancholic because melancholics are usually the ones who get the most intimate in love, and this song says a lot about loving God as a Father. Nobody loves you better than God does and you should love nobody more than God. 

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Dave 'Baby' Cortez - The Happy Organ

Dave 'Baby' Cortez has been active since 1956. This song, a 1959 release, was his first and biggest hit. In 1962 and 1973, he had hits as well. After 1973, he stayed out of recording until 2011, when he released his eleventh album. 

Temperament that it hits on: Sanguine 

The Happy Organ hits on my sanguine side because it is lively, quick, and upbeat. Sanguines tend to enjoy this kind of music, and they also tend to be lively, quick, and upbeat themselves. 

This is one of a number of instrumentals that will be featured on this blog, but it unlike the others, slow songs that probably appeal to more melancholics. 

U2 - Pride (In the Name Of Love)

U2's current lineup has been around since 1978, two years after the band was formed. 

Temperament that it hits on: Choleric 

Pride hits on my choleric because it helps me to appreciate the sacrifice of both Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr. Cholerics are always focused on greatness and giving credit when credit is due. 

This is one of my favorite songs of all time because it subtly mentions the Agony in the Garden, the first Sorrowful  Mystery of the Rosary, when Jesus sweated blood in His anguish and was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. 

NOTICE VII

Once again, I am going on a road trip, this time until July 23. I won't publish during that time, but you can read the archives. Just because I will be gone, though, doesn't mean that I won't see new comments when I get back. Hint hint. 

Matthew West - The Motions

Matthew West was a Chicago Cubs fan as a kid. He played baseball in high school, becoming team captain as a senior. Later on, of course, he became a singer, and this is one of his signature songs. 

Temperament that it hits on: Choleric 

The Motions hits on my choleric because cholerics usually carry through with their plans. When a good choleric realizes that he isn't living as well as he needs to, he usually is good at turning it around. 

When you listen to Matthew West enough, you can tell that his primary topic is the holiness of the person. Every song of his that will be featured on this blog talks about how we can become the very-best-versions-of-ourselves (as Matthew Kelly puts it). 

Chuck Berry - Back In The U.S.A.

Chuck Berry has been covered by some of the most legendary bands ever, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Buddy Holly, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, and many other Rock and Roll Hall of Famers. 

Temperament that it hits on: Sanguine 

Back In The U.S.A. hits on my sanguine because it is a relatively fast paced song, and because Chuck Berry gets excited about being back in his home country. 

You know, I wanted to publish this as soon as I could because I don't know how much longer anyone can say, "Yes, I'm so glad I'm livin' in the U.S.A."