In our special WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS editorial series, members of the NRT staff have a back-and-forth discussion about this year's nominees.

In the second installment, Lead Contributor Kevin Davis and Staff Writer Phill Feltham review the nominees for the Inspo Award, Inspirational Album of the Year.
 

KEVIN: 

I love to have discussions about this category. Traditionally, Christian music tends to fall into certain genres like worship, pop, rock or hip-hop, but the inspirational album of the year category provides for a blend--typically a worshipful album with pop and adult contemporary musical sensibilities. We have heavy hitters in this year's list, including Laura Story, Jaci Velasquez, Nichole Nordeman, Selah and newcomer Natasha Owens, who have all truly released inspirational albums and songs in 2017.

 

You're right. This year's Inspo Award category is absolutely jam-packed with quality. Each nominee offers listeners different flavors, both musically and lyrically. But some of them have an edge. From a lyrical perspective, Natasha Owens' latest album resonates with me most. She's struggled with being angry with God because of a hurtful past. So in that regard, I'm a little biased towards her. Musically, I think Laura Story's Open Hands has the edge, particularly with anthems like "Open Hands" and "Extraordinary." On another note, it's nice to see Christian music veterans Jaci Velasquez and Nichole Nordeman back making quality full-length albums. Selah's music is different than the other nominees, because of their classic music style--which is refreshing to me. I don't know, Kevin, picking a winner is a tough call!

 

KEVIN:
Great points, Phill, and thanks for sharing about how Natasha's album has inspired you personally, as for me that's what the Inspo category is all about, being inspired in your faith! I went back and listened again to all five nominees and for sure, they are all deserving of recognition. I also spoke with Selah about "I Got Saved," with Jaci about "God Who Moves The Mountains," with Laura about "Open Hands," with Natasha about "I Am Loved," and I have spoken with Nichole several times in the past for behind the song devotionals, so I'm somewhat torn between these five releases.

I'd say overall the album that moves and inspires me the most on this list is Nichole Nordeman's album Every Mile Mattered, as she has a knack for hitting me right where I am spiritually. Her song "You're Here" really inspires me, personally. What are some other observations you have about these nominees, Phill?

 

PHILL:
Good points about Nichole Nordeman. Certain songs on her 2015 EP, The Unmaking, and her new album, Every Mile Mattered, really resonated with me. "Slow Down," which pushes me to stop and smell the roses, has been impactful for me. I like that Nichole included it on Every Mile Mattered. I found while I was listening through the albums this past week that the title track was on heavy rotation. Your devotions on this year's nominees gave me intimate context on the meaning of each one of these albums. I go back to what I said earlier about Natasha Owens. In one article on NRT, she talked about how she didn't feel right about serving because her heart wasn't right with God. I felt "that's me. This is my crisis of faith. This is my lack of confidence in God." "I Am Loved" is a reminder that God loves me--no matter how much fear and anxiety I have.

 

KEVIN:
I agree that how songs speak to us as believers is how we end up connecting our testimonies together, reminding us of our need to rely completely on God to reveal our true identities, how we are restless until we find rest in Him. That's what led me to my personal saving faith in Christ, hearing the Gospel in Christian music, and what led me to start writing behind the song devos 10 years ago. Regarding Selah's "I Got Saved," that song also speaks to me personally, and I love how each of us as believers can sing along and think about the day that you were born again in Christ. That album is a close second for me in this category. Laura Story's album is once again inspiring on many levels, and in many ways she has been the defining artist of the Inspo category for many years, going back to her award-winning song "Blessings." The winner will come down to name recognition and voting from the fans, and for that reason, I believe Jaci Velasquez will end up winning this award. She's got an amazing following, and having spoken with her about her album, she's very deserving as these worshipful songs are truly inspirational. Any closing thoughts on who you think will win, Phill?
 

 

PHILL:
Jaci has been a staple in Christian music a long time. "God Who Moves the Mountains" was actually my formal introduction to her music, and it didn't disappoint. Her version of "Great Are You Lord" is great as well. Selah surprised me with "I Got Saved." Before I listened to the song, I was expecting classic Selah. But they turned that song into a modernized catchy anthem. It's another song I have on heavy rotation. Laura Story has my vote. From start to finish, the album is a great listen. "Open Hands" is one of my favorite songs of 2017. Lyrically and musically, each song connects the listener to the music. Also, you said earlier that Laura has been a mainstay in the Inspo category for many years. So I think even if Jaci does ultimately win, she has some heavy competition. 

 

KEVIN:
Thanks Phill for the great discussion! To wrap up, it seems we both agree that these are the top 5 inspirational albums of 2017. I pick Nichole Nordeman as my personal favorite, but think Jaci Velasquez will win, and it sounds like you pick Natasha Owens as your personal favorite but think Laura Story will win. It will be fun to see how it turns out! Either way, everyone should check out these great albums; you'll be inspired!
 

Now, you get to determine the winners! Head over to www.weloveawards.com and click "Vote Now" through Friday, Jan. 26, to decide The Inspo Award and 23 other categories!