2008 has been an intense year for Christian music. We’ve already seen huge releases from P.O.D., Jon Foreman, The Afters, and Fireflight to name a few, and fortunately, there’s still a ton to look forward to. Here’s an exclusive New Release Tuesday run-down of the 5 most hyped about records releasing this summer and fall.

Relient K – The Birds and The Bee Sides – July 1, 2008 – Gotee Records
It seems like it has been forever since Relient K released their last record, when in fact, it’s only been a little over a year. So just as we were getting bored of Five Score and Seven Years Ago, the band is back with more, more, and more. That’s right, 26 tracks in all, including 13 never before heard ones that Matt Thiessen and crew penned to fill fans needs for an unending musical thirst, are about to reach listeners ears. The Birds and the Bee Sides (which you must admit is a clever title) hits shelves July 1st, and is currently available for preorder.

Third Day – Revelation – July 29, 2008 – Essential Records
Third Day is a household name among Christians, and now is gaining mainstream attention as well. Gracing the cover of the June 7th, 2008 edition of Billboard magazine, the band has a lot to talk about, most notably the well known producer of their latest record, Howard Benson, who has tracked megahits for the likes of Hoobastank to My Chemical Romance among others. Revelation hasn’t even been released yet, but has already seen a hit single, “Call My Name,” fly up the charts. And that’s just the beginning. Revelation features vocal duets with Daughtry and Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosley that are sure to satisfy. Look for this new hit Third Day record in stores everywhere July 29th, or preorder it now.

Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer – August 12, 2008 – Hollywood Records
Do you have OJD? That’s Obsessive Jonas Disorder, as fans call it, and if you do, August can’t come soon enough. Only one year after their platinum selling sophomore album, it’s time for more Jonas Brothers. A Little Bit Longer, recorded while on tour, is another guaranteed hit. Fans have already had a taste of a few tracks performed at concerts such as the first single “Burning Up” and the Nick Jonas penned title track “A Little Bit Longer,” an emotional song about life with diabetes that has already become a fan favorite. In stores August 12th, fans will only have to wait a little bit longer for A Little Bit Longer.

Switchfoot – TBD – Release date TBA – Lowercase People Records
Okay Jon Foreman; yes, we’ve enjoyed your EPs, but what we’re all really craving is more Switchfoot. Since the band’s spilt from Columbia Records last year, fans have been waiting, and waiting…and waiting for new material. Finally, we’re almost there. Sometime this fall, a whole new record from the San Diego rockers is coming our way. More details to come soon.

The Fray – TBD – Release date TBA – Epic Records/Sony BMG
Still have “How to Save a Life” stuck in your head? It’s still played multiple times on radio every day, but it’s time for something new. Keeping fans waiting for three years, The Fray is still in the studio according to their official website, but is scheduled to release a new album late this summer or sometime this fall. We hope a release in that time frame works out, but in the music industry, you just never know...

There you have it. There’s lots to look forward to but this is just scratching the surface. Are there albums that are coming out before September that you are looking forward to? I want to hear about them. Make sure to leave a comment below.