It is 2015 and there is an excitement in the air for something new and fresh. But hold on a minute. There are just some albums that are slept on for one reason or another. Before you forget about 2014, I would like to direct your attention to some albums and EPs that should be given consideration. This is not a countdown, so pay no attention to the order of the mini-reviews. 

Ethan Kent - Work in Progress
Ethan Kent is a Dallas resident who has created some buzz, but not as much as he deserves. This album was so rich musically, with great placements, etc. He delves into the pop realm with the sort of quirky tune, "People," and again goes against the grain with a song like "Human Tendencies." He expresses his joy in finding a great woman in "I Found Her" and a marriage proposal song, "Will You Marry Me."

There's certain songs such as the title track ("Work in Progress") and "Take This Pride" where he shows he has a sober look at his life and his need for God's work as the Potter. Ethan Farmer is a force to be reckoned with who can get lost when the Gospel and CCM markets can sometimes want an artist to be cookie cutter that is cut for their radio stations. 

Anthony Evans - Real Life/Real Worship
I admittedly get frustrated when it comes to Anthony Evans' music. He has been around for a while now and he even does work for NBC's The Voice. He has a clear, soulful, high tenor voice but he tends to do more pop/CCM music. This latest album really showcases great songwriting, vulnerability and an understanding where his place in ministry is. With songs like "Mercy Tree", "Greater Is He" and "Something Beautiful" just to name a few, one would think that Anthony would have more radio play and media coverage. Go figure. This is an album that lovers of great pop music with a bit EDM and R&B will enjoy.

Gary Mayes and Nu Era - They Call Me JosephJobDavid EP  
Gary Mayes has been around since 2002 in terms of releasing music. Gary experienced some rough times and heartaches, but he found himself restored and released They Call Me JosephJobDavid EP. Gary takes more a lead singer role than he has before, and this brother really can sing. It's a praise party in the stylings of Washington, D.C.'s Go Go with "#AtmosphereSetter" and straight sangin' on "#AwesomeGod(GodIz) featuring Candy West." The star on this album is "TheBloodStillFoundMe." Gary has gone around singing this anthem of thanks for the blood of Jesus being able to clean any of our sins. One of my favorite parts says "How could this be / The blood still found me." This has to be one of my favorite songs of 2014 and actually the last few years! 

L. Spenser Smith - Unstoppable
Let me start off by saying that this is an album that deserves 5 stars. L. Spenser Smith has such a crazy range and can belt out those high tenor notes! However there is so much on the album that one can draw from. From hand-raising, "Show Us You" to the smooth "Teach Me" to the autobiographical, "My Life," Bishop Smith has hit after hit. The tandem of Parris Bowens (music production) and Daniel Johnson (vocal production) is becoming a go-to duo that delivers in the clutch! If I had to pick a favorite, it would be "While He is Near," which is a simple altar call for the broken, nonbelievers. He even showcases his background vocalists, Benita Washington, Gene Moore Jr, Miranda Willis and Johnson on their take of the great hymn, "Come to Jesus." I really believe that people have been sleeping on this new album. PLEASE pick this up!

Y.P.J. and FVC - Praise,Worship and Hip Hop  
He has done work with Fred Hammond and New Breed, he has several high profile people following him on Twitter. Pastor Jonathan Miller (aka Y.P.J.) has carved a sound all by himself. From the title to the music to Pastor Y.P.J's rapping and adlibs, there is nothing out there like Praise, Worship and Hip Hop. There may be some jazz, Hip Hop and Gospel, but it really is not one or the other; it is all encompassing. He is OK with that. He is a pastor who does not wear a suit and tie, but has a HUGE heart for encouraging and bringing people to Christ. As unconventional as it is, this album works and he brings in his brother Million, sisters Karrah and Micki Miller cousin B-Phraze to make it a family affair. 

P.Lo Jetson - P. Lo Jetson Project II: PDA
There is something different about P. Lo. Jetson. He's not one that has the tightest or the craziest bars. He has a cool rapping voice no doubt. His straight forward delivery and how he really is comfortable with his calling and making Jesus known in his music. His free album featured several notable tracks. He's going totally unashamed as he spits about the power of the Scriptures on "Word." There's the head nodder, "Suffer," featuring pretty vocals of Laurie Walker and also MC Jin aided, "Same Ole Same Ole", you really feel where P. Lo's heart is. No metaphors to sift through, but it's still quality. He even has SPZRKT on the hook of "Vent" and boy did P. Lo go in! (Here's the link for the album.)

Adia - Behind Enemy Lines
V. Rose and Hilary Jane are two artists with great voices that have an urban edge to their music. They have garnered some buzz and attention as they serve as great role models for young girls. Add Xist Records' Adia to the mix. Her album Behind Enemy Lines has some gems like "Take It Back" and "Heat" featuring Gemstones. One criticism is the fact that a few songs sound the same and Adia's vocal delivery was not varied enough. However, songs like "Unconditional" and "Give It To Him" featuring Eric Dawkins prove that there is still notable songs. Yet, Adia has a nice voice and she is another artist for lovers of urban music to enjoy.

KIDD - Hipsavvy: The Introduction
KIDD is an 18 year old artist who dropped "Murder My Flesh" in 2013 that showcased great potential, but also showed there was improvement needed. He released the free album, Hipsavvy: The Introduction which was a raw Hip Hop album that was organically and sonically dope! He basically got his bars up, grew as a producer and is growing spiritually. Heads will salivate at "Versace Dreams" and "insomnia Vacation" Derek Luh. It's a real and honest look into the life of a teen dealing with things like vanity and other things that society sells. "Dat Typa Dude" starts off as with KIDD rapper about the same stuff that most mainstream rappers spit about and he throws a curveball and transitions into the anti-culture Christian who lives  a life free of society's constraints.. Dope album. It's free! He's spitting on this album! 

Beleaf - Black Sugar, Red Pills
Many know Beleaf from theBreax and Dream Junkies. We have seen his growth as an emcee in the last few years. Just the name Black Sugar, Red Pills should be enough to peak your interest. I have to say that this was one of my favorite albums of 2014! Some of the album may have sounded dark because he was dealing with some real issues like depression, drug abuse and more. However, the hope of Christ is definitely the winner. Songs like "Depression" had me rewinding, trying to learn the lyrics. He had Mr. J Medeieros, Jackie Hill, J. Givens, Marty Mar (of Social Club) give their unique circumstances that caused to be in a "funk". Real. Honest. Refreshing. If you want something that has a lot of depth, this is the album for you. By the way, you can hear new artist Wordsplayed on "Drag 'Em." 

Jackie Perry - The Art of Joy
Jackie Perry has a tremendous testimony of being an ex-lesbian, ex-drug abuser and more. This now wife and mother is signed to Humble Beast records out of Portland, Oregon. If you do not have Ode to Joy, then you will miss an emerging voice for this generation giving us some bars and things to really chew on. Do not miss out on a song like "Just Wanna Get There", her positive outlook on life's challenges and God's sovereignty. "Ode to Lauryn" is a dedication to the influence of Lauryn Hill on Jackie as an emcee, but it also serves as a hope that Lauren will surrender her life to Christ. Another banging album. In typical Humble Beast fashion, the album is free on their website, but you can also purchase it on iTunes if you would like to support their ministry.