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One of the greatest joys in Christian music is the diversity with which artists express their faith through song, and it's not simply a matter of genre. Some of this year's choices feature subtle expressions of faith, while others openly declare it through hymns and worship songs. Some of the artists made their debut this year, while others are making a return visit to our annual list. Six editors and writers nominated more than forty albums to consider, from which the top twelve were chosen. They're all winners.

Ashley Cleveland
Rambler Records

With so many albums of reworked hymns released in 2005, it's only fitting that we start off recognizing one of the best. The key in making an album like this work is a fine balance of fresh interpretation, musical versatility, and faithfulness to the texts and melodies of the source material. Ashley Cleveland has long been heralded as one of the greatest voices in the history of Christian music, and her bluesy, smoky pipes are a comfortable match for these church standards. You've rarely heard "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" and "I Need Thee Every Hour" belted with such conviction and soul—naturally, since Cleveland says songs like these literally saved her life when she was strung out on drugs years ago. Hymns are indeed powerful medicine for the soul.
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House of Heroes
Gotee Records

A remarkably strong debut from a band that sounds more seasoned than they really are—and one that easily stacks up to their mainstream indie rock peers. With sing-along anthems perfect for live shows, the music is melodic enough for radio, yet still sophisticated enough in its intricacies and musicianship to maintain underground credibility. And though House of Heroes isn't one of the most spiritually overt bands out there lyrically, there's still enough to convey simple truths of human longing while planting subtle seeds of faith. Tim Skipper, A.J. Babcock, and Colin Rigsby add up to a tight power trio, reminiscent of a younger Switchfoot or Relient K. Suffice to say that House of Heroes can rock with the best of them.
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Eisley
Word/Reprise Records

Meet the heir apparent to the Christian alternative pop throne left vacant when Sixpence None the Richer called it quits in 2004. Not that Eisley is a direct copycat with their more floating and dream-like progressive pop. But the vocal resemblance is uncanny between Leigh Nash and the gloriously tuned harmonies of Eisley sisters Stacy and Sherri DuPree. This mostly all-in-the-family band of home-schooled Christians isn't blatant about faith in their lyrics, but there are still hints of faith, hope, and love to be found in their poetry, which reads like something out of Narnia or Middle Earth. "Memories" illustrates grace in its depiction of ugly things made new, and "Lost at Sea" could possibly be interpreted as a worship song. If Eisley can make music this artful and haunting barely out of their teens, imagine how they'll mature in the next five to ten years.
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Bart Millard
INO Records

It was a year full of surprises in Christian music, but perhaps none greater than this uplifting solo debut from the lead singer of MercyMe. We all assumed Bart Millard would have performed his favorite hymns in the same straightforward AC pop style that characterizes his band. Instead, this sumptuously varied collection of church standards is rendered in a wide stylistic array of Americana, ranging from Southern gospel and country to jazz, soul, and early rock. Backed by strong and versatile musicianship—not to mention guest appearances from the likes of Russ Taff, Vince Gill, and Robert Randolph—Millard demonstrates why he's one of the most highly regarded vocalists in Christian pop. But most striking of all is the way Hymned proves that these beloved songs of old transcend denominations, generations, and genres.
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