The world is moving around us without our approval, and it will never do what we want it to. But we do have control over ourselves. Use that control to be like Christ. We can do this with every aspect of our lives, including what music we listen to. Many take this to mean that we should simply listen to things that don’t conflict with what we believe, but this is an empty statement. When reworded, this simply says, “You can listen to a spectrum of music that includes neutrality.” If we’re called to pursue righteousness, why would you want to listen to things that cause apathy in your heart? Surround yourself with art that rekindles your passion for God and for the life he’s given you.
Flee from anything that tells you something in your life meets God’s standards. If you believe that legalism in any way is pleasing to God, then read Mathew 5. The fact is that we’re called to perfection, and no standard that we attempt to achieve will be good enough because we can’t be perfect. So don’t even consider the possibility that the choices of music you’re listening to are good enough. The fact is that you can always do better as a listener, and I can always do better as a composer. Therefore, take your listening to the highest artistic and creative level possible while fleeing from anything that causes apathetic or outright sinful attitudes. I will try to do the same with my writing, but I assure you that I will fail just as much as you will.
Since perfection is impossible (especially for composers) I’m obviously not saying we should expect to even come close to achieving perfection in the art we surround ourselves with. But I firmly believe that our faith isn’t a matter of meeting standards, but going directions. It is our obligation to run as far as we can in the opposite direction of sin. When you’re not moving in a direction you’re being apathetic, and evil will chase you down and direct your momentum back towards death. So let us run passionately towards artistic expression that keeps our momentum moving towards Christ and away from death.
So then, if you desire to be more like Christ do not cater to the world’s desire for a quick fix of enjoyment when it comes to music. This is apathy. Listen deeply to rich textures and complex melodies that you can’t comprehend upon initial perception. This effort will yield a rich and rewarding experience that will direct your attention to the subtleties and complexities of our Creator. Listening to nothing but fluff will distract you from the reality of Christ and dull your spirit. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Can’t this be applied to art? After all, doesn’t enjoying creative work in the end cause us to find joy in the original Creator?
“The Lord of the Rings” is certainly a step in the right direction for all of us. The music in the film is breathtaking, but unfortunately very few took the time to recognize what inspired the music for the movie. Johan De Meij wrote his first symphony based on the books and which then inspired Howard Shore’s music for the film. While Howard Shore did a remarkable job, it is important to listen to the source and is well worth your time and money. I tried to find a wind band recording (the ensemble he originally wrote the work for), but this is the best I could do: 
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Don’t just make a choice thats good enough. Always make the best one.