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Curb/Warner

Much as we've always loved the music of Fernando Ortega, his mellow approach to hymns and AC pop was becoming a bit old hat. Thanks to newfound creative freedom with Curb Records, he's made an overdue stretch beyond the lulling dynamics of his past albums and finds an elegant, sometimes darker alt folk sound in the same spirit as Daniel Lanois and Los Lobos. Deftly intertwining the sacred with the secular, the songwriting on this self-titled album is more metaphorical, intelligent, and personal, but still quiet, heartfelt, and inspirational. Like Steven Curtis Chapman and Rachael Lampa this year, Ortega shows significant growth without resorting to a radical departure.
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Sparrow/EMI

Why can't more modern rock bands be this good, especially in Christian music? Sanctus Real gave off some energetic sparks on 2002's Say It Loud, but their follow-up is sonically superior. Thanks to producer Tedd T., the band is louder, punchier, more aggressive, and more slammin' while remaining as melodic and catchy as ever. Chris Rohman offers some playfully acrobatic guitar riffs, and Matt Hammitt has got to be one of the best rock vocalists around today. The lyrics strike a nice balance of real and straightforward—neither too cheesy nor too vague. It's clear that Sanctus Real aspires to clearly communicate their faith walk while aspiring to become one of the premier rock bands of their time. They're one step closer on both counts.
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Word/Warner

Despite changes in their lineup with every album, Salvador has remained a consistently great jam band. But ever since their debut in 2000, fans have been waiting for an album that adequately raises the bar on their songwriting while showcasing their instrumental prowess. The appropriately titled So Natural finally gets it done—this is the real Salvador. Charismatic front man Nic Gonzalez again surrounds himself with able musicians that also seek to glorify the Lord with excellence. The songs are vertically focused without succumbing to watered-down worship music. They prove it possible to be reverent and entertaining. Also, while they do a great cover of Los Lonely Boys' hit "Heaven," they deserve much more recognition for their original material.
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Essential

Anyone who thought that Caedmon's Call had no hope to carry on without Derek Webb needs to think again. This album ranks with their best, finding them at an exciting new phase in their career. More than just inspired by mission trips to Brazil, Ecuador, and India, Caedmon's goes the extra mile with a hands-on approach that blends their acoustic folk pop style with the world music (and musicians) of the three countries. Comparisons to Paul Simon's legendary Graceland are inevitable, but not unwarranted. It works together so well without sounding overly forced or altered, we wouldn't mind hearing more like this in the future. More importantly, this is one of the best missions-focused recordings ever, causing Christians to think more globally. Is there a more important album this year?
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