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Bebo Norman
Watershed / Essential

Mike: "Bebo's textured voice, his perspectives on life through his songwriting, his unique guitar playing … , and his personable presence make me want to listen to his music over and over again."
Camerin:" … the lyrics engage the mind and emotions … while the acoustic-based pop doesn't beat you over the head musically."
Andy: "Norman shows incredible maturity both musically and lyrically on Big Blue Sky … "

Nicole C. Mullen
Word

Camerin: "[Talk About It] captures all that's great about divas — attitude, soaring ballads, hip dance songs, and vibe — for all the right reasons … "
Andy: "Mullen has improved from her debut effort, developing a glossier sound with hearty lyrics that appeal to listeners from any musical or racial background."
Mark: "[Nicole] has delivered and then some. Stunning vocals and an eclectic mix of pop, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, gospel and more will make this a regular in my player for years."
Mike: "That Nicole managed to outdo her debut album is truly an achievement."

downhere
Word

Andy: "This is a rock solid debut rooted in eclecticism and stellar musicianship, guaranteed to be the beginning of an ongoing career for downhere."
Russ: "I found more and more to praise about this album with every listen, forcing it near the top of my list … "
Camerin: "All it took was one listen to their debut CD to decide they'd wind up on my list of favorites."
Mike: "The quality of the musicianship and lyrical content for such a young group is astonishing. I can't wait to hear how far these guys will go with future albums."

P.O.D.
Atlantic

Andy: "[P.O.D. is] never ashamed to share their faith, set to the soundtrack of skillfully blended hardcore, reggae, and rap elements."
Mark: "The tunes are hard and heavy and excellent, but it's P.O.D.'s ability to impact secular culture in a huge way that makes this CD, and this band, extra special."
Russ: "Christian artists who truly want to influence the world around them should study what this band is accomplishing and take notes."
Mike: "They may look rough in appearance, but this album has a message worthy of a pastor's sermon, set to music that kids are rapidly embracing."

Sara Groves
INO

It's worth mentioning that this album was independently released in 1999. However, it was only widely distributed beginning March 2001. We also suspect that most critics did not fairly consider Conversations for their 1999 best-of lists because it was an independent release at the time.

Mark: "I first heard Conversations as an indie release 18 months ago, and was blown away by Groves' sensitive, insightful songwriting"
Russ: "Sara Groves's brilliant songwriting seems as vital and important as Rich Mullins and Michael Card."
Mike: "The words and phrases from song to song will continue to surprise and resonate with the listener."
Camerin: "Amidst her questions are the kind of challenges, insights, and wisdom I need to hear and offer more regularly in my own conversations."

Steven Curtis Chapman
Sparrow

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