2 of 4

The Art of Translation
GRITS
Gotee

Russ: " … the most authentic, original, and catchy Christian hip-hop project of the year … This stuff actually is better than the majority of mainstream hip-hop acts."
Todd: "Along with other strong releases from Christian rappers this year … GRITS proves again that rap can light up the party and be relevant. In fact, this solid work by GRITS shows that hip-hop is truly an art form."

Myself When I Am Real
Bebo Norman
Essential

Amy: "With beautiful acoustic guitars, this mixture of folksy, contemplative songs and unpretentious pop creates a warm, thoughtful atmosphere. Definitely [Bebo's] most intimate, expressive album to date … "
Mike: "The worshipful radio hit "Great Light of the World" is one of his best songs ever, and is reason in itself to pick up this album – but just for you, Mr. Norman has graciously sweetened the deal with eleven other folk-pop gems."

The Eleventh Hour
Jars of Clay
Essential

Andy: " … [Jars of Clay couches] their messages amidst a sea of metaphoric poetry and a lush combination of guitar strums and effective orchestration."
Russ: "These guys have always been good, but they've hit their stride with [The Eleventh Hour], showing great promise for things to come."
Mark: "An intelligent, well-conceived, and brilliantly executed rock album."
Amy: "The band blends innovative instrumentation with provocative lyrics about their continued wrestling with deep issues of faith … A pillar in the contemporary Christian music market, Jars doesn't disappoint with their newest release."

Stanley Climbfall
Lifehouse
Sparrow / Dreamworks

Russ: "I applaud the efforts of artists such as Lifehouse, who have successfully brought songs that are inspired by Christian faith to the attention of millions … What fascinates me about Lifehouse is how much more meaningful their songs become after repeated listens … the band members are taking a significant step forward as musicians and songwriters."
Mike:" … this album was created with a level of excellence that is rare … each song offers something of hope and value to the listener who has ears to hear what [Lifehouse is] really trying to say."

A Place Where You Belong
The Normals
Forefront

Amy: "This album is refreshingly honest about our emotions and the realities of life in this world … These thought-provoking lyrics and rich melodies are rare in Christian music, and I think The Normals deserve huge acclaim for venturing out into uncharted waters."
Russ: " … the passion of a U2 ballad, the creativity of a Peter Gabriel production, the sophistication of a Sting album, and the thoughtful faith-based songwriting of Caedmon's Call … A Place Where You Belong is a rewarding listen when time is taken to truly savor it."

Hero
Daily Planet
Reunion

Todd: "Daily Planet's Hero is one of those CDs that will have you singing along by the end of songs as though they were old favorites, even if you've never listened to them before … a surprisingly sharp, rich sounding, and quality rock debut to have fun with."
Mike: " … a great album because it isn't trying to follow a trend or be 'the next anything' … simply a great pop/rock record, a trendsetter, and one of the highest quality debuts I've ever heard."
Russ: "Hero isn't just the best debut album of the year – it's one of the year's best, period … a remarkably talented rock band with a strong sense of melody, and an excellent way with lyrics that should rightfully earn them a large following in Christian music and beyond."
Andy: " … each band member's enthusiasm is contagious. Whether listening to the disc, seeing them in concert, or better yet, chatting with them one on one, the guys will put a smile on your face and direct your heart to the right place."
Amy: "Daily Planet's debut is sure to gain them huge popularity … this group definitely sounds like guys having a good time jamming away. But the CD is sure to win over many female listeners as well, as it did me."

next page... |  2 of 4