Tweet

Comments (0)

 1 of 3

Wrapping up the year is our Best Artists list, which is meant to partly compliment our annual Reader's Choice awards while offering some strong potentials to consider for this year's Gospel Music Awards. Check out these twenty selections, reflecting the year's best in vocalists, bands, and solo artists.

Everybody already knew from her previous four albums that Grant had the powerful pipes of a pop diva. But she showed a new level of artistry and versatility with the 2005 releases Awaken and Believe (her first Christmas album), effortlessly spreading her wings into pop, rock, gospel, soul, and jazz. Maybe it's because she's co-writing more of her own songs, or maybe it's her newfound mission to raise awareness about human trafficking, but Grant also seems to be singing with increased passion and vigor—"Held," anyone? This was indeed her breakout year, and you can bet there's more to come.

Blame it on the infrequency with which she releases albums, but Cleveland is too often overlooked as one of the best vocalists in Christian music. Not this time. With 2005's Men and Angels Say, Cleveland impressively interpreted classic hymns with her gritty and graceful bluesy style. She's redefined what it means to cry for mercy and grace with the way she sells it vocally on this album.

Bergquist is famous for her passionate and versatile vocalizing, both readily heard on Drunkard's Prayer. Here she runs the gamut from heartbreak to romance, poignantly expressing the near breakup of her marriage. Her performance of "My Funny Valentine" is breathtaking, and for those who haven't yet seen Over the Rhine live, it's not uncommon for Bergquist to surpass her album's performance in concert.

One of gospel and pop music's all time greatest voices returned in fine form with 2005's Purified. The album again demonstrates that Winans is just as much at ease delivering a power ballad as she is with funky R&B. Hers is a strong voice with a sweet and tender undercurrent that keeps it controlled, preventing her from going over the top while establishing her as one of the best in the biz.

St. James has long proven capable of more than the usual pop/rock range, able to stretch her highs and lows while utilizing her voice for densely overdubbed background vocals. With the eagerly anticipated If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something, she again shows herself capable of soothing balladry ("Forgive Me," "I Need You") while also indulging her inner rock chick ("God Help Me," "Alive").

Last year, Millard made our list on the merits of his powerful voice and tender delivery. Add versatility to his strengths, evidenced by a pair of 2005 releases. Hymned No. 1, his solo debut, surprised everyone with eclectic arrangements that allowed him to flex his vocal muscle over pop, country, gospel, and more—there's also something to be said for someone who can hold his own in a duet with Russ Taff. Later, his band released The Christmas Sessions, showing that Millard can deliver soaring rock vocals with the best of them. This man's voice impresses in every way.

Hobbs could well be one of the most under-appreciated singers in Christian music today, but chances are you'd recognize his uniquely deep tenor from guest appearances on the albums of … well, seemingly just about everyone in pop and gospel. Look no further than his own Worshipper for impressive examples of his range and versatility, as he delivers some seriously stirring and soulful renditions of favorite worship songs.

next page... |  1 of 3