#6 Album Of 2010 | Posted December-21-2010
Tomlin has done something with his fifth studio release that I've been wanting him to do for awhile...break out of the mold of Sunday morning corporate worship. He has one of the best voices in Christian music, works incredibly closely with some of the best producers working today, and it's no fluke that he's penned some of the biggest modern worship songs of our day. I've been waiting to hear what that combination would produce if focused on a pop album, and not a worship album, and on And If Our God Is For Us... we get our closest glimpse yet. It's just a few songs, but I'll take it.
The lead single, "I Will Follow," is an incredible departure for Chris musically. As a worship leader, I find it tough to see any congregation singing this together and I can't get enough of it. It's refreshing to hear Chris take a step in another direction and make music for a larger audience. That said, make no mistake, "I Will Follow" is still very much a worship song, and this is still very much a worship album. The lyrics are all focused directly to God and full of praise, adoration and awe. "I Lift My Hands," "Majesty Of Heaven," "Lovely," "The Name Of Jesus," "Faithful"--these are all fantastic worship songs, but Chris and his team has added a new layer that give these songs greater depth than what they were doing before.
Chris Tomlin is incredibly anointed and his lyrics have brought many into a closer relationship with God, whether it be listening to his music alone in the office, or with other believers during a local worship service. I'm excited to see him push forward musically on this release and create one of his most accessible albums to date.
#5 Album Of 2010 | Posted December-21-2010
I can't get enough of this album. I haven't been able to say that of many Jars of Clay releases. They seem to be incredibly hit or miss for me, but this year's The Shelter just blew me away. The concept, bringing together a community of as many artists that would come (so it seems) produced an album that lives up to its call by sounding bigger, having greater purpose and feels more completely realized than past projects.
The Shelter features an 11-voice choir and appearances from 15 fellow artists including Brandon Heath, Mac Powell, Amy Grant and Mike Donehey (of Tenth Avenue North) who contribute their voices on top of the stripped down, acoustic folk style that Jars has embraced in recent years. The entire album has a very organic feel to it, almost like you're listening in to a living room jam session with some of Christian music elite's music makers.
Some of the highlights on the album include "We Will Follow," "Shelter" and the first single, "Out Of My Hands."
#4 Album Of 2010 | Posted December-21-2010
One of the most anticipated albums of the year certainly didn't disappoint. This year, I'm hearing more and more urban and dance music hit the scenes from Christian artists. The trend is certainly embedded heavily in general music as almost every popular artist is driven by huge production and heavy beats so I expect this trend to continue. Group 1 Crew's timing of Outta Space Love is perfect and builds on the style of their past releases.
Comparisons musically to Black Eyed Peas are obvious and I won't disagree. "Live It Up," "Need Your Love," "Breakdown," "Manipulation," "Transcend" and the title track all have a club feel with all three members sharing the front and center giving the songs a lot of dimensions and wildly entertaining. Great messages and vocals are present on the slower tracks like "Beautiful," "Lean Of Me" and "Please Let Me Go."
Hearing something unique and fresh is always nice in this genre. Group 1 Crew are truly in their own space in Christian music and Outta Space Love is one of the best releases this year by far.
#3 Album Of 2010 | Posted December-21-2010
Bart Millard and team have seemed to be on autopilot for a number of years, creating some very solid, but predictable, albums. After their national debut, Almost There, released in August 2001, the band recorded 4 more albums in just 6 years, producing multi-platinum sales, numerous chart topping hits and a solid following culminating in this year's recognition as Billboard magazine’s “Christian Song Artist of the Decade.” Like them or love them, the group has perfected their songwriting. So it was a surprise when the band took some extra time, to the tune of almost two and a half years, to deliver their sixth studio album, The Generous Mr. Lovewell.
I'm not an album theme guy. It's probably why I can't get into the artier side of music. I enjoy sitting down, getting lost in a great tune and then being moved by the lyrics (in that order). So all the background about building a fictional character, Mr. Lovewell, and writing themes around this and that...it goes in one ear and out the other. It means nothing to me if the music isn't interesting, captivating and rewarding to listen to. But believe me when I say, The Generous Mr. Lovewell, takes the formula that MercyMe has perfected and drop kicks it out of Mr. Lovewell's window.
The Generous Mr. Lovewell is 11 tracks from a popular worship band growing musically and pushing their comfort zone forward. They deliver electronic drives and dance beat feelings on "This Life" and "Move," as well as musical throwbacks to an earlier generation with "Crazy Enough," "Back To You" and "This So Called Love." The band certainly hasn't fully departed their worship AC core evident by the amazing first single, "All Of Creation" as well as the perfected ballads "Only You Remain" and "Won't You Be My Love."
The lyrics are just as powerful, encouraging us to become better people and be the light of the world that God has called us all to be. Overall, a fantastic album from MercyMe that never misses.
#2 Album Of 2010 | Posted December-21-2010
Rarely does a new artist capture my attention as quickly as Chris August did. I had the opportunity to meet him before hearing any of his music, and was instantly inspired by his character, his humbleness and his willingness to be used however God would have him. Of course, I've met many artists who haven't inspired me as much musically as they have in person, but thankfully, Chris was one of the few exceptions that captured me with both.
Not new to music, (Chris has had many opportunities in the general market), Chris comes to Christian music polished and ready to roll. Helped along with big production by Ed Cash, who has worked with artists like Third Day, Chris Tomlin and Bebo Norman among others, No Far Away is packed with great hooks, challenging and hope filled lyrics and Chris' voice just shines
Listening to No Far Away is like an riding an emotional rollercoaster. Chris tackles topics of love, faithfulness, hope, struggles, battles, personal pain and through it all, awe in God's plan and creations. The lyrics are all rooted in spiritual truths and you get a sense that there was actual growth and spiritual discovery as these songs were being written. It's that connection that Chris makes through an audio recording, as well as face to face, that gets me more excited about Chris August than any other new artist this year.
#1 Album Of 2010 | Posted December-21-2010
Christian music, for the most part, lives controversy free. There are few announcements that stir up instant and heated reaction in our community, but in March of 2009, Christian music fans were stunned to learn that Peter Furler of the Newsboys was stepping down as frontman and was being replaced by Michael Tait, formally of dc talk. The news set off a firestorm of conversation and left the band's hope of dominating Christian music up in the air. Thankfully, the boys not only conquered the difficulties of replacing an iconic lead singer, but have rode the challenge to yet another career high album. Despite my low expectations, Born Again quickly replaced 2006's Go as my all time favorite Newsboys release, and if you've followed my Top 10 throughout the years, you'll know this is my second time placing Newsboys at the top. I'm not a rabid fan boy, I just like great music, and Born Again has some of the best you'll hear all year.
From the infectious first single and title track to the instant crowd pleasers "When The Boys Light Up," "Escape" and "Miracles" to the deeper cuts on the album like "Build Us Back" (an incredibly moving ballad) and "Impossible" (one of the best songs from the 12 cuts, if not the entire year), Born Again never fails to disappoint. Even the final two tracks on the album are enjoyable, although, I'd argue unnecessary. "Mighty To Save" continues the group's latest trend of remaking popular worship songs but adds little to the arrangement, and the way-to-obvious inclusion of a remake of "Jesus Freak" is a fun fan nod-and-wink acknowledging that two of Christian music's most iconic groups have merged together.
The fact that the band quickly overcame the challenges of switching gears while in full force (they remain once of the most active touring bands in Christian music, and their new live show with Tait is stellar), integrating seamlessly a powerhouse vocalist and personality in Michael Tait with grace, style and substance and putting together a career album that rarely, if ever, misfires, is simply incredible. For that, they deserve to be right where they are. On top.
Welcome Back Amy | Posted March-24-2010
I've been a dedicated fan of Amy Grant for almost two decades. I had "Angels" on repeat and the intro to "Sing Your Praise To The Lord" captivated me to no end (and still does, although it's a little dated). The Collection remains one of the most solid "Best Of" albums I've heard. Without any embarrassment at all, I embraced her barrage on the pop music world with "Baby, Baby," "Heart In Motion" and "Lucky One," even going as far as to sing "Big Yellow Taxi" at the state fair (and yes, it bombed horribly, although Casting Crowns made the song even cooler a few years later). I was working in Christian retail when the divorce news broke and customers shied away from her emotional Behind The Eyes album only to embrace her all over again a few years later with her return to "Christian" music on Legacy: Hymns & Faith. I still bust out her last album, 2003's Simple Things when I need to refocus, slow down and enjoy the day.
For as long as I've been listening to Christian music, Amy Grant has been there. And as long as I've been working in Christian music, I've had the opportunity to meet her twice. Once was a GMA sponsored event at her and her husband's (country superstar, Vince Gill) home, and the other was at a label dinner where I sat right across from her and had some of the best artist conversations I've ever had. I say that not a public "look at me," but to be able to attest to you that Amy Grant is one of the last real artists with strong roots recording today. She's a wife, a mother, a songwriter and anyone who overlooks her raw talent is missing out.
I'm always anticipating a new Amy recording, and even more so today, when the majority of Christian music coming out is overproduced, ready for the big stage light show and from younger artists still finding their voice. Amy's music shines bright as simplified, polished, honest stories that you can embrace, and her first new album in seven (7!) years is no different.
Somewhere Down The Road combines piano, acoustic guitar and electric highlights with that touch of country home flavor and it's easy to get lost in this album as it trades glitz and glam for peace and tranquility. The album contains four new songs, previously unreleased songs, re-recordings of classics and is rounded out with 4 of her best loved story-songs, but this beyond a B-sides collection. The album flows and feels very fresh.
Highlights include the first single, "Better Than A Hallelujah" and her first duet with 17-year old daughter Sarah Chapman, "Overnight," channeling a very current Colbie Callait. Amy is at her best, in my opinion, in a raw vocal accompanied by an acoustic guitar or piano, like on the honest "Somewhere Down The Road," the negro spiritual tinged "Third World Woman" and the new version of "Arms Of Love." The timeless "Imagine - Sing The Wondrous Love Of Jesus" (which tweaks a few words of "I Can Only Imagine," a song she handed off to MercyMe, and closes the album with the classic hymn).
Amy continues to sing from a very comfortable place, encouraging us to enjoy everything life has to offer and to pull from life's experiences while always returning to Christ's arms. It's a place full of love, forgiveness, appreciation and reflection--not forgetting where you've been, but keeping your eye on where you're going. It's a message that some of her forgotten fans need to embrace, realizing that life and the choices we make along the way may not be perfect, but the God we serve is still the same today, as He was in our past, and will embrace each and every one of us as soon as we're ready. I for one, welcome Amy back to music. Let's hope this is the start of renewed passion in her illustrious career.
Top 10 Album Of 2009 | Posted January-04-2010
My heart is broke for the Chapman family. Tragedy in any circumstance is never easy to understand, yet it's something that most of us will face in some form or another. The loss of a child, as the Chapman's experienced in 2008 with the death of his five-year-old daughter Maria, is simply unspeakable. As a father of two young children, my emotions overtake me when I think about where I was when I heard the news.
For Steven, life and music have always been inextricably intertwined so it's no surprise that this project is defined by the process of healing. Beauty Will Rise is filled with raw emotion song, after song. A longing for a daddy to once again play with his daughter. An overwhelming sadness of trying to move forward without Maria by his side. An expectation of rejoining his daughter in Heaven in a joyous embrace. This is Steven's personal Psalms. They are cries to heaven that Steven has decided to share with the public.
Songs about tragedy in Christian music is nothing new. Artists like Casting Crowns and Mark Schultz have made a career out of singing about the more challenging times we face and the hope that tomorrow brings. But hearing about personal tragedy from an artist so respected is certainly a jolt to the senses and a part of me wishes this album would never have seen the light of day.
Many of these songs will never make it to the radio, which is probably a good thing since tears flow freely whenever I put this album on. It's possible this will not be a commercial success for Steven. I doubt we'll see a Beauty Will Rise tour. But I guarantee this album will do more for more people throughout the years than most of the albums on this Top 10 list ever will. The reality of losing a loved one, in any circumstance, is something we will all face, and Steven could have done what so many people do in this circumstance--retreat, hide and let anger set in. Instead, we find a broken man, much like the one we read about in Job, walking on the dark side of God's Sovereign purposes and plans. And in the process of being made whole, Steven leans hard on the biblical truths that he's been singing about since he released his first album twenty-two years ago.
I strive for that faith every day, in the good times and the bad. On the mountain tops and in the valleys. And now I won't have to look far when needing an encouraging song to remind me the path built on pain also leads straight to the heart of God.
I simply wish it were not so heartbreaking to listen to.
Top 10 Album Of 2009 | Posted January-04-2010
Inventive. Daring. Artistic. These are not words typically used to describe a new album by a praise and worship band. Modern worship has fallen into a familiar rut as of late and while that's certainly not a bad thing (as a worship leader, worship music will always be an untouchable art form to me) there's certainly been a successful formula that many worship artists have followed. Hats off to David Crowder Band, one of the most successful praise and worship groups, for crumpling up the manual and drop kicking it out the sanctuary doors.
Lyrically, Church Music is a worship album through and through. The songs are filled with "hallelujahs," "praises" and "holies." Musically, Church Music is made for the dance floor. Think Nitro Praise (remember that series?) meets Passion. The result on paper almost certainly sounds disastrous, full of cheesy clichés' and wannabe production aspirations. Neither is the case with this incredible collection of music. Songs like "Eastern Hymn," "The Nearness" and "The Veil" are some of the best electronic songs you'll hear all year. "All Around Me" takes a hit Flyleaf song (yes, a FLYLEAF song) and transforms it into an incredible worshipful experience. "How He Loves" is by far the best take on this modern worship song that has been recorded by many other artists this year as well. They hit it out of the park.
I give huge props to David Crowder Band by taking a giant leap forward in their music, forgetting about how many churches can pull off their songs on a Sunday morning or how their fans would react to what is an obvious progression, but still a bit shocking at first. They have produced an entertaining album full of vertical lyrics that never point anywhere else but up and created a subgenre that they can own all by themselves. Well done.
Top 10 Album Of 2009 | Posted January-04-2010
These guys are on a roll and The Long Fall Back To Earth may be the album that finally surpasses their debut in terms of quality from start to finish. After 2006's stellar Good Monsters, and 2003's equally impressive Who We Are Instead, Jars Of Clay continues to produce creative music and engaging lyrics that few other bands are matching.
The Long Fall Back To Earth, the band's tenth studio album, is a captivating collection that kicks off with the engaging instrumental song "The Long Fall" and doesn't let go until the last electronic beat of the album's final track, "Heart." The Long Fall trades in the acoustic guitars from their debut for synthesizers, creating a very raw electronic drive, powered by key lines and beats that sound lifted from a Joy Electric album. Lead vocalist/lyricist Dan Haseltine delves into the bare bones reality of the beauty and tension of relationships, and what makes them worth fighting for, a common thread that has tied everyone exposed to Jars of Clay’s music together for more than a decade.
Stand out tracks include "Closer," "Two Hands," "Safe To Land" and "Hero." This album not only sounds different from everything else out there, it feels different as well. There's a greater purpose to most of these songs that require repeat listenings to fully appreciate the depth both musically and lyrically. What makes this one of the best albums of the year is the fact that these songs get better the more you explore them, and that's a very rewarding process to experience over and over again.
KevinMcNeese_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
