As we approach the 8TH ANNUAL WE LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC AWARDS, members of the NRT staff have a back-and-forth discussion about this year's nominees. In this portion of our editorial series, NRT Contributors Grace Chaves and Jasmin Patterson chat about The Hook Award (Pop Album of the Year) and PopLITE Award (Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year).

Public voting is open through Friday, January 31, 2020. Winners will be announced at the Together We Love event broadcasting live Tuesday, February 25, 2020.

Grace: So many great albums were nominated for The Hook Award this year. From Dan Bremnes' album, Wherever I Go, to Tenth Avenue North's album, No Shame, the bands and artists really brought their "A" game this year. What are your thoughts about this category, Jasmin?

Jasmin: I love the nominees in this category. Stars Go Dim had a great year with their album, Better. I've actually really enjoyed getting to know their music even more this year. As a fan of what's happening in mainstream pop music right now, it's been so refreshing to hear a Christian band turn out pop music that is creative, catchy and engaging while singing about the truths of our faith. 
 
There's something so fun about hearing a message in a song that speaks to your heart and that has a fun beat to dance along to at the same time. Tenth Avenue North has been one of my favorite bands for years. It's a band that's so beloved amongst Christian music fans. Their songs have always cut to the heart, speaking truth and encouragement to the places we need it most. They have never been ones to shy away from the gritty and vulnerable topics in following Jesus. But, they have taken even more of a step in that direction with No Shame. There's a deeper level of vulnerability, which carries over to this album from the band's previous EP, The Things We've Been Afraid To Say. There's also a fresh sound that combines pop stylings with that full-band sound we've grown to love them for. This is really what makes this album great. 

My pick for the win in this category, though, would be Dan Bremnes for Wherever I Go. I really do think it's a standout record this year. It's for sure been one of my personal favorites throughout the year. Dan is an incredibly talented songwriter and musician. And, his lyrics are full of hope and encouragement, no matter what topic he is singing about. What do you think about The Hook Award nominees, Grace?

Grace: I totally agree with you, Jasmin. Dan Bremnes' Wherever I Go, is definitely a standout record. Dan is one of my all-time favorite artists. This new album is slightly different compared to his 2015 release, Where The Light Is. Wherever I Go has more pop vibes whereas Where The Light Is has more of a praise and worship feel to it. Both albums are lyrically and vocally well done. Dan is such a talented artist, and I agree that he deserves to win this category. And of course, I can't forget about Tenth Avenue North's No Shame. Their album is so powerful and honest. All the songs on it are really songs that our world needs to hear. Good stuff.

Jasmin: 7eventh Time Down is also nominated in this category for their album, Brand New Day. And, what I personally really love about this record is that it's a pop album, but there are still rock band elements in there with heavier guitars and minor chord progressions appearing on songs like "Help Me" and "Basic." It's like they found a way to combine the best of both worlds into their own unique sound.

Grace: The pop-rock duo Apollo LTD is also nominated for The Hook Award. Their new full-length album, Out Of Body, definitely has pop and mainstream vibes to it, but clearly speaks about Jesus. It's a fun album, with songs like "DNA" and "Gold." Their music can reach so many, since it does have the pop sound that appeals to a lot of different people. I love that about Apollo LTD. Jordan [Phillips] and Adam [Stark] deserve their nomination for The Hook Award.
 
Grace: In regards to The PopLite Award, I think my favorite album that was nominated is Unspoken's release, Reason. It's one that you'll want on repeat, and will put you in a good mood. Every song on the album clearly speaks of different situations we face in our Christian walk. Like the song "Let It Be Love," which speaks of how we as Christians need to be people who love each other, instead of showing hate. I also really enjoyed Danny Gokey's album, Haven't Seen It Yet. The title track went to radio about a year ago, and has quickly become a fan favorite. It's hard to decide, but I think I'm going to be voting for Unspoken's Reason. It's such a great album, that I've listened to so much all year. What are your thoughts on this year's nominees for The PopLite Award?

Jasmin: Agreed, Reason is my favorite album this year as well, and I would love to see it win. I had a great conversation earlier this year with Unspoken's Chat Mattson and got to know the band's heart behind this album even more. I love the album's diversity. There's some pop, gospel, reggae, and funk. I love that about Unspoken. They always deliver on musicality, but they always say something that matters at the same time.

Then, there's Jeremy Camp–one of my favorite Christian artists of all time. I know his music and ministry have meant so much to the Christian community over the years. It's been an exciting year for him, from releasing his 11th album, The Story's Not Over, to the forthcoming national theater release of his biopic, I Still Believe. Jeremy has such a pure heart for God and that shines through every lyric he writes. The songs on The Story's Not Over really captures the theme that the story's not over, giving us words of hope and trust in God to sing. The music and production are super engaging as well. Probably some of the best we've heard from Jeremy's music so far.

I've also really loved The Afters' release, Fear No More. That's definitely another one of my favorite albums of the year. I love the themes this album highlights and how God speaks into those areas of our lives: anxiety with "I Will Fear No More," community with "What Home Feel Like", and walking through pain with "Forever and Always"--and that's just a few songs. It's been an album that's carried me through and I know the same can be said for a lot of The Afters fans. 

Grace: It's powerful what music can do. I know there's a lot of songs that have helped me through anxiety. And, it's so cool seeing God use music in the same way for someone else. And, of course, we can't forget about Citizen Way's album, Love Is A Lion. Their album also deals with anxiety and uncertainty with songs like "Be Still" and "Mountains." Their album is what I like to call "worshipful pop," since it really is both genres in one album. These new songs are definitely ones that I hope will be going to radio soon. It's been a few months for Citizen Way. Not only did they release this album during the fall, but they also went out on tour with Jason Gray and The Young Escape for the Love Is A Lion Tour.

Jasmin: "Worshipful pop." That's a great way to describe it. I think you're touching on what I think makes the PopLite category so special. It demonstrates how influential pop music is and how vast it is as a genre. It can take on so many expressions, creating even more ways for fans of various styles of music to connect with it. I love that. Well, it's been great talking about these nominees with you, Grace. I'm looking forward to the We Love Awards. It's going to be really fun celebrating all of these artists and finding out who the winners are.

Grace: It was great chatting with you, Jasmin. I'm also looking forward to the We Love Awards. I'm excited to see who wins.

NOTE: Voting is now open through Friday, January 31, 2020 at WeLoveAwards.com. Winners will be announced during our Facebook Live broadcast from Visible Music College's Memphis campus on Tuesday, February 25, 2020.