I talked about this awhile ago on my blog: http://blog.adamdiehl.com/category/profound-thoughts/worship/

And I hit the issue DIRECTLY on this post:
http://blog.adamdiehl.com/2008/04/26/modern-music/

I followed Adam’s links to his blogs and read them and have to say I agree with his theory that the two types of music can’t be compared. Everyone uses the phrase ‘comparing apples and oranges’ and it kind of applies here. Just because the two things are different doesn’t make one of them wrong.
Personally, I like a mix of the two. I want my children to know the hymns that I grew up with, but I also understand the difference in my own ability to worship to the words of an old hymn vs. some of today’s more modern songs. I was THRILLED when I started hearing hymns being redone by artists on christian radio stations. They are AWESOME! My kids have no idea that they are listening to music that is decades old.
I also understand and can feel the more personal nature and freedom of today’s choruses and songs. It feels as though there is more of an opportunity for personal expression than perhaps is allowed by the straight-laced, somewhat rigid hyms.
But the fact is….there is a place for BOTH. Neither is right. Neither is wrong. They are both avenues for us to express our love and adoration to the God who gave us the ability in the first place.