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Mosaic of Grace - Shelly E. Johnson (BMI)
Before you decide that Christian pop has become too sugary, take a listen to this refreshing up-and-comer. Shelly E. Johnson keeps all of the elements of great melodies and smooth alto phrases (think Bethany Dillon), but adds her own touch of class with candid, mature lyrics and a worshipful vibe. Standout tracks include Close Enough, Power of the Cross, Morning Always Comes and the closing song Enough that leaves you loving Jesus more. Shelly has walked through the tragedy of losing a parent to cancer, and the songs reflect her journey. While hopeful, she is not afraid to ask questions. And when she turns to encourage others, you know she's the real deal because she's been there. Mosaic of Grace gives room to respond, worship, and contemplate. Go check it out.
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Faith In You - Jami Smith (Spring Rain Ministries)
Jami Smith's worship music album, Faith In You is a collection of songs that chronicle different seasons or focal points of faith. From the confident statement in the title track to the bellowing honesty of It's Not Fair, Jami gives her listeners opportunities to worship and praise God, and yet still ask some questions. Her vocals are distinctively gritty, while the lyrics sit comfortably in the praise & worship genre. Musically, the album has fresh production with interesting hints of country (banjo on a ballad!) and slide guitars. Faith In You is a restful, hopeful album of songs to help you meditate on God's goodness and respond with thankfulness.
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Tell Me What You Know - Sara Groves (INO)
Sara Groves has taken the artist-on-a-mission role to a whole new level with her latest album. A few years ago, she put faith in action by driving a van-load of baby items down to Katrina Victims. And recently she spent time in Rwanda to meet the faces of the genocide and human trafficking there. Tell Me What You Know is largely a reflection of these experiences with hurting people, as Groves dedicates the album to "the dignity of their stories." The songs are as well-produced as they are lyrical heavy-weights. Standout songs include When the Saints which emotionally lists Groves' role models (in a so-not-cheesy way), Love Is Still A Worthy Cause, and I Saw What I Saw, in which Groves processes the sights and sounds of Rwanda. Faithful fans of Groves are applauding this album as possibly her best ever, and newcomers are tuning in closely after hearing When the Saints. If you're okay with not having any empty pop/radio toe-tappers, Sara's raw vocals and poetic lyrics might be your new favorite.
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Let Love Win - Daniel Kirkley (Centricity)
Powered by a classically trained voice (think Josh Groban), changed up with modern pop and a Gospel-centered storyboard, Daniel Kirkley brings a head-turning album on new Indie record label Centricity. With memorable melodies set on strong cinematic arrangements, Kirkley's sound is refreshing and addictive. While no song is wasted, the notable stand-outs are Unrepeatable, Let Love Win written by Nichole Nordeman, and Make It Beautiful. The voice draws you in, and the message makes you stay. Go get it.
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The Altar and the Door - Casting Crowns (Beach Street/Reunion)
In true Casting Crowns fashion, this album features songs carrying pointed messages for the Church. Listeners looking for candid commentaries will find topics like sin's pull in Slow Fade and the authenticity of spiritual transformation in the title track. Musically speaking, the band stayed true to their CCM radio-feel, while adding a few surprises on tracks where their female singers give lead singer Mark Hall (and his listeners) a break. The spoken/newscast interludes on a few songs is a matter of taste, but you can't argue they are tackling some tough issues with the truth of the Gospel.
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True Beauty - Mandisa (Sparrow)
Since walking away from American Idol, Mandisa has stormed Christian radio stations with her new hit, Only the World. Her debut album, True Beauty, is a must have for any music library, including deep soulful tunes, peppy hip-hop beats, and challenging lyrics straight from a heart of passion. When once asked what her definition of an American Idol is, Mandisa boldly responded, "Someone that can be looked up to on stage and off." This album represents that exact mission. Songs such as True Beauty encourage listeners, particularly women, to be and cherish who God has made them to be. Other songs such as Shackles (a popular Mary Mary hit) usher listeners into high energy praise, and Love Somebody features a duet with popular artist Toby Mac. Though some may view this album as another Whitney Houston hopeful, Mandisa is her own woman with her own message, and she would not have it any other way!
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Comatose - Skillet (Atlantic)
If you've been a Skillet fan for long, you won't be surprised to hear that their newest release, Comatose, is again ground-breaking. The once Industrial Rock has turned to a sound credited only to Skillet. The classy piano and orchestrated strings combined with Skillet's own trademark sound creates a type of redefined rock geared for our generation. This is perhaps their best work yet, with songs such as Rebirthing, Better than Drugs, and The Last Night. Their lyrics bring a sense of understanding to their fans' struggles, while presenting a profoundly encouraging answer to life's problems.
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Stand - Michael W. Smith (Reunion)
Michael W. Smith has been singing and songwriting for over 3 decades, but has not at all begun to lose his touch. Though his style is a well-defined worship/pop, his version of Oh Lord, You're Beautiful hardly stands out next to the original. Stand is his newest release, in which his desire for the church to become more than a religious tradition challenges listeners to live life under God's will rather than the church steeple. Smitty's passion for worship and for God's people wrote his lyrics and perfected the music into, again, an entirely fresh sound. "More than any other record in Smitty's career this is the record that proclaims his mission."
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Waking Up - Bethany Dillon (EMI)
Visit this Ohio girl's Myspace (www.myspace.com/bethanydillonmusic) and you'll see just how magnetic both her music and personality are. She rocked the Christian music scene at age 17 with her self-titled debut, and she's been going strong ever since. With tunes lilting between power vocals and raspy whisper ballads, Bethany's voice is like an earlier version of Kelly Clarkson-meets-Jewel. What's more, she writes her own folk/rock songs that reflect wisdom beyond her 20 years. While her first two albums carried themes of revolution and worship, Waking Up braves new territory of falling in love, trust, and the vulnerable questions that come from being in relationships – both human and divine. Where some God/Guy songs would be plain cheesy, Bethany does it with total grace. Plus, the production by Ed Cash is excellent, so be listening for these songs on mainstream radio, TV, and soundtracks. All that said, if you're going to buy one Bethany Dillon CD, I'd recommend her self-titled project first. But if you're a fan already, this is a great addition to your collection. Go listen to four tracks on her Myspace. You won't be disappointed!
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Turn Around - Jonny Lang (A&M)
If you're at all familiar with Jonny Lang, you know what a talented singer-songwriter he is. With more than 10 years of a music career under his belt, his latest release, Turn Around, showcases his musical depth as well as ever. A soulful, spiritual expression of faith, this album boasts serious talent, spiritual insight, and soulful tunes that will not soon leave your mind.
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Don't Get Comfortable - Brandon Heath (Reunion)
With songwriting as his specialty, Brandon Heath's Don't Get Comfortable will have you thinking about your daily walk with Christ. Knowing that great songs go beyond the music, Heath doesn't take a shallow approach to Christian lyrics — he digs deep with real issues Christians face in the day to day of life. But even without the earnest lyrics, you still have a lot to sing about. Heath's songs are upbeat, catchy, and fun.
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Blue on Blue - Leigh Nash (Nettwerk)
Once the pretty, feminine voice of the successful band Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash is now on her own. Finding motherhood to be her muse, Nash penned Blue on Blue while celebrating the wonders of motherhood after having her first child. Musically, Nash incorporates her country roots and her Christian faith, making a unique combination of sound, style, and influence. In a day when so many musicians have similar-sounding records, Nash provides a welcome escape. You've heard it said — some things get better with time.
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Begin To Hope - Regina Spektor (Sire)
Quirky vocal ornaments and whimsical melodies are the hallmark of this Russian-born mainstream singer/songwriter. Fans find her anti-folk lyrics and fluttering voice addictive, and describe her latest album as an improvement in production without forsaking Spektor's wonderful weirdness. But there's a catch: the first four songs are blatantly the most memorable, leaving the rest of the album in the dust. In addition, listeners wanting a clear, morally sound message may be disappointed. But for those who appreciate off-roading lyrically and musically, and an album that has a few gems amidst the stones, this might be just the thing.
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Drunkard's Prayer - Over The Rhine (Back Porch)
This band has had a long-standing run as an underground artist duo with a cult-like following for both their website and their live shows. Although hard to categorize, married singer/songwriters Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler describe themselves as pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged art-pop. Recorded in their own living room, the duo limited the palette to their piano, acoustic guitars, and sparse cello and horns. The result is a canvas of sounds where folk, pop, jazz, and even country run together in an artsy masterpiece. The songs are mostly ballads, but the lilting melodies are compelling enough to make each song unique. Bergquist's smoky, hypnotic vocals and Detweiler's piano glow make for a low-key yet simply stunning performance, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
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Check out the archives for past recommendations.
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