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Mockingbird - Derek Webb (INO)
At first listen, Derek Webb's latest solo album brings the familiar acoustic arrangements (think
Beatles) and gritty vocals sitting on pretty melodies, reminiscent of his days with the band
Caedmon's Call. But don't get too comfortable. By the second track, you'll realize this album has a
heavy conscience. Webb will rattle you with lyrics about the shortcomings of the Church, ignorance of
poverty, loving legalism, and using Jesus for political gain. Fearless in his wording, Webb spews
lines like "Peace by way of war is like purity by way of fornication." What balances the tone of this
album is Webb's humility. As soon as you think he's casting stones, Webb takes ownership of his
participation in the attitudes he so passionately condemns. You will also find a poignant video
illustrating his song "A New Law" on his Myspace
page. You may love or hate this album, but there's really no excuse to not get a copy — Webb recently released "Mockingbird" for completely free
download at www.freederekwebb.com,
encouraging listeners to give the money they saved to a social charity.
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Good Monsters - Jars of Clay (Essential)
Grounded in Jars' signature guitar-driven sound, this concept album explores different angles of
the human condition — from the weight of depravity in "Oh My God" to the strength of commitment
in "Water Under the Bridge." While the flirtatious duet with Leigh Nash on "Mirrors and Smoke" and
the Gospel message in "There is a River" are highlights, the album as a whole doesn't satisfy the hype
leading up to its arrival. After thirteen years of success in both secular and Christian music scenes,
Jars needed to go above and beyond their hard-earned level of excellence. This album is good and
different, but it won't trump the Jars' collection.
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Open - Jason Morant (Indie/Folk)
New Orleans native Jason Morant showcases his talent on his second release, Open. Jason, in
his mid-twenties, knows what good music is made of and delivers. With a melodic and smooth
sound that incorporates good vocals with a variety of instrumentation including strings, piano,
and even an accordion, Morant reaches music fans of all ages. While his sounds appeals to both
Christians and non-Christians, Christ-followers will find inspiration in his sincere songwriting.
Most addictive track: "I Will Run."
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Speak - Jimmy Needham (Indie/Folk)
Recently signed but already widely known, Jimmy Needham is bringing something new to the Christian
music table. You'll be surprised by Speak's thought-provoking lyrics, and even more surprised to
find they are from a shaggy-haired youngster. He gets real with listeners by challenging Christians
to stop riding the fence and once and for all live for Christ. With a strong, deep voice, Jimmy
Needham belts out a record full of catchy and courageous songs. Key track: "Lost at Sea."
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Weightless - Katie Herzig (Indie/Folk)
This singer/songwriter is new on the indie/folk scene and can be found playing in bars, clubs,
and festivals in the US and Canada. Katie's music is like a 1920's voice piped through a
phonograph, then matched with modern folk/rock sound. You wouldn't expect it to work, but it
does — and very well! As a young single woman, Katie sings about relationships won, lost,
and considered. She covers topics like flattery in "Fool's Gold," commitment and risk-taking
in "The Offer," and infatuation in "Sweeter Than This." A few songs touch deeper places of
identity and accomplishment, including the gut-level honesty in "Not Even Close" and the
clever lyric of "Middle." If this CD were a movie, it would be slow-moving, so don't take
it to your gym workout. But it's an intriguing and artsy listen, great for atmosphere or
close contemplation.
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Brave - Nichole Nordeman (Sparrow)
Listening to Nichole feels like having a meaningful conversation with a wise friend. She's
honest, challenging, and tells it like it is, but leaves you feeling encouraged and inspired.
Her albums make every song, every word count. Nichole's hit singles "Brave" (her personal
challenge of complacency) and "What If" (a daring conversation with a skeptic) draw you in
to stay for the rest of the album. "Hold On" is an especially tender moment, while the Dylan
cover "Gotta Serve Somebody" is a great alt-pop rendition. Memorable melodies,
nowhere-near-fluffy lyrics, and Nichole's beautiful voice make this CD a worthwhile listen
any time, anywhere.
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I Wish We All Could Win - The Afters (INO)
This upbeat, pop CD has a lot to offer. The first track, "Beautiful Love," made popular as
the theme song for MTV's new show "8th And Ocean," is a catchy tune. All of the songs have
heartfelt lyrics and smooth vocals. A couple you'll want to repeat are "All That I Am,"
"Wait," and "Thank God I'm Not The One."
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Room Noises - Eisley (Warner Bros)
This CD is a bit depressing. Don't get me wrong; it's good. Eisley has a definite unique and
intriguing sound — enough to catch the attention of Coldplay and be asked to join their
U.S. tour. The melodic songs and the haunting female lead vocal makes for a drowning, whiny
sound that's attention grabbing. There's a lack of diversity within the album, but overall
this is a good CD — especially for a gloomy day or a gloomy mood. Key cuts: "Telescope
Eyes" and "Memories."
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Reach - Warren Barfield (Essential)
If you're into Marc Broussard, you'll love this guy. He definitely has a unique sound (think
blues) and voice (think gritty and soul). While his songs aren't all pop-rock sounding, they
are catchy — and his songwriting abilities shine through as you listen to the lyrics.
Favorites on Reach include "Closer" and "I'll Be Alright." "Come Alive" will make you want to
tap your feet. In fact, many of these songs will.
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The Noise Inside - Adam Watts (Bec/Emd)
There's an element of uniqueness that makes artists stand out — Adam Watts has it. He has
something different, a sound of his own that keeps you interested and listening, and it keeps
you coming back for more. This is not a sounds-like-all-the-rest-I've-heard CD. Adam's voice is
great and he basically rocks — in a mellow way. "Would Be A Loser" and "God of Grace" are
amazing songs. OK, they're all good.
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Come Let Us Adore Him - Various Artists (Provident)
Some of Provident's brightest stars such as Bebo Norman, Jars of Clay, and Cliff Young
(Caedmon's Call) contribute to this unique Christmas album. Most of the songs aren't the
traditional, jolly favorites; they are personal reflections from the artist and honest
songs of the love and joy surrounding the Christmas season.
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Happy Christmas - Various Artists (Tooth & Nail)
This is my favorite new-release Christmas collection. It's upbeat and fun, and mixes a
few oldies such as Copeland's awesome rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear," along with
new Christmas-themed tunes that you're not used to hearing such as Relient K's "Celebrate
the Day" and Eisley's "The Winter Song."
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Joy: A Holiday Collection - Jewel (Atlantic)
So this one isn't necessarily new to the Christmas celebration scene, but it's so good!
How can you not like Jewel's soothing voice, especially singing holiday favorites.
Her unique voice makes the traditional songs sound new.
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In the Shelter - Nick & Allie Lapointe (Lapointe Music)
Allie's soothing voice and the stripped, organic sound of this CD will bring you an authentic
worshipful experience. The honesty of her lyrics will also bring you to a time of reflection.
In other words, this CD is perfect for a winter day on the road. "My Offering" is a
particularly thought-provoking and moving song.
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Lifeblood - Andrea Summer
Real. That's the word that describes the lyrics on this CD. An honest, not-watered-down look at
a life of following Christ, the hardships of growing up, and the occassional gripes of being a
girl. I think any female can identify with the situations and feelings that are honestly
portrayed in the music. Real also describes Andrea's voice — it's not a computer-generated
perfect sound, but a gritty, she's-sitting-right-there kind of listening experience.
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Passion 05 - Various Artists (Sixstep)
As usual, the live recording of the Passion conference is a worship-filled CD carrying
the contageious energy of 11,000 college-goers singing to their God. Even if you weren't
there, you will catch the drift of the high-energy worship vibe. You'll enjoy the newest
worship songs such as "Indescribable" and "How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin, and
performances from David Crowder, Shane and Shane, Matt Redman, and more. Bottom line:
Great worship + great songs = great CD.
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Casting Pearls - Casting Pearls (Inpop)
This CD has a familiar, friendly, fun-times rock sound that is always a thrill to listen
to. Basically, this is a "good mood" CD — upbeat, encouraging, and addictive with sounds
that will get stuck in your head. If the lead singer, Bryan Oleson, sounds familiar, it's
because he's a Newsboys guy, and his strong voice definitely sticks out. I'm no professional
music critic, but this CD does not sound like a debut. It sounds more like songs from a
seasoned band, and well, that's probably what they will become.
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Krystal Meyers - Krystal Meyers (Brentwood)
This is Christian rock's answer to the likes of young stars like Avril Lavigne. Granted,
her voice and look strikes a resemblance to the young rocker, but her no-fear approach to
being who she is what makes her like Avril, more than her music. Anytime you find a girl
(a young one especially) rocking out, unashamed to be exactly who she is, encouraging
anti-comformity, you have to give it at least a test run. And with each catchy song on
Meyers' CD, you'll find girl rock at its best (and youíll be singing at the top of your
lungs in your car).
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Carry Away - Shane and Shane (Inpop)
This CD is mellow, worshipful, thought-provoking, and just plain good. These two guys
have voices that blend like berries and bananas. Their harmony will give you goosebumps
and their message is even stronger. Taking the Bible at it's word, these guys sing from
their hearts and hit home with very clear messages of grace and the importance of
surrendering your life to God. Beware of listening to Shane and Shane when driving,
you might get carried away (seriously).
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Bethany Dillon - Bethany Dillon (EMI)
Bethany Dillon has that girly, authentic, talent-beyond-her-years thing going on. And
it's a good thing. Her self-titled CD is a good listen and she, believe it or not, is a
teenager. "All I Need" has been a hit for Bethany and from the likes of this CD, there
will be more where that came from. These tunes are good for anytime, day or night, and
you can count on this disc to deliver one good song after another.
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