It's kind of an odd topic, isn't it? Best bands with an ampersand... who thinks of this stuff? Well, spurred by Citizens & Saints' new release A Mirror Dimly, that's exactly what our staff started talking about.
 
Shane & Shane, Judah & The Lion, Hillsong Young & Free, Phillips Craig & Dean, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors... the list seems endless. Be it their combo of talents or the fact that they've chosen not to do music alone, these groups are some of our favorites. Check out the list below to see our top 6 bands with an ampersand and why we love them.

1. Citizens & Saints: Ministry & Prayerful Lyrics
Citizens & Saints came to life out of Seattle's Mars Hill church. Singer Zach Bolen will admit that he never thought he'd end up in ministry at a mega-church, much less a worship leader, but with their third studio album A Mirror Dimly (http://www.newreleasetoday.com/albumdetail.php?album_id=16823) newly released, that's exactly what they continue to do. Born out of the recent downfall of Mars Hill, A Mirror Dimly tackles the contrast of faith and doubt in a difficult season. Through prayerful lyrics overflowing with grace and truth, Citizens & Saints keep making their mark on the worship genre with music that's both vulnerable and relatable.
 
2. For KING & COUNTRY: Pop Tunes & Strong Values
Two Grammy Awards, performances on shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live and The View, the approval of pop superstar Taylor Swift, a killer live show, wildly successful albums, a novel and an upcoming movie: the case could easily be made that for KING & COUNTRY has it all. The Australian dream team of brothers seemingly came out of nowhere in 2012 when they appeared on WinterJam and captured the attention of fans around the world... who could have guessed they would rocket to the top so quickly and end up headlining that same tour only four years later? With their catchy pop tunes and strong values that work their way into everything they do, consistently reminding women that they are priceless, for KING & COUNTRY is a band that shows absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
 
3. All Sons & Daughters: Deep Lyrics & Organic Worship
If you love honest worship music that carries an organic feel, look no farther than All Sons & Daughters. With a raw and vulnerable texture present in their songs, David Leonard and Leslie Jordan have crafted something truly special with their music. In their unique folk style, the duo invites listeners to get lost in a powerful time of surrender and praise. Their latest project, Poets & Saints, released last month and acts as a tribute to different poets and saints in history.
 
4. Satellites & Sirens: Synth Rock & Radio-Friendly Pop
Formed on Craigslist of all places, Satellites & Sirens came to be in 2008. Within a year of forming, the group had a record deal with Word and was well on their way to putting out their debut album. That self-titled album released early in 2010 with a mix of synth rock and radio-friendly pop tracks and brought the band two Dove Award nominations and a feature as MTV's "Needle In A Haystack" artist. With years of writing and touring behind them, Satellites & Sirens have been hard at work on their fourth studio album, Tanks, which they say brought them out of their comfort zone and into a record that's fun, challenging and different.
 
5. Love & The Outcome: Catchy Pop & Dance Vibes
Canadian husband-wife duo Jodi and Chris Rademaker appeared on the scene in 2013 and soon after found a coveted spot on the 2014 WinterJam tour, entertaining music fans across the country each night with their energetic yet worshipful set. Their Word Records debut produced the hit singles "He Is With Us," "Heart Like You" and "King Of My Heart." With their catchy pop vibes that leave listeners singing along to every word, the two quickly became an act to watch in the CCM world. Their sophomore album These Are The Days releases this month and has already given fans radio gem "The God I Know."
 
6. Hillary Scott & The Scott Family: Southern Gospel & Bold Faith
Hillary Scott is no stranger to music fans as part of ACM/CMA award winning country group Lady Antebellum, but with her venture into the gospel/CCM music world with Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, we get to see a new side of her artistic abilities. Best shown in the family's debut single "Thy Will," Hillary sounds perfectly in her element with a personally deep anthem of faith. Their recently released full-length project Love Remains offers a mix of gospel, bluegrass, hymns, pop and country while playing on the beautiful harmonies of the Scott family.

Which bands featuring an ampersand are your favorite?