I do enjoy and appreciate much of the newer music if it can be led and performed by talented musicians and strong singers with high range. That's the setting it's written for. But trust me - without that (which may be where many home groups find themselves), it's very awkward and a little discouraging to try them.

We do occasionally sing along with the official YouTube videos of newer songs with lyrics - and cast it to the TV in the home where we meet. We still struggle with range, complexity, etc. - and we don't like just turning up the volume to drown ourselves out. It's also not nearly the same as live.

I keep looking for a resurgence of song writing for small groups. Perhaps this forum and others can encourage that.