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John Davis (Rambler)

John Davis earned worldwide acclaim with alternative rock band Superdrag, but alcohol abuse put him on a path of self-destruction—until God intervened. Davis accepted Christ and turned his life around; he's now a devoted husband and father, as well as a solo artist. His self-titled debut is an enjoyable mix of Brit rock, '60s psychedelia, alternative pop, and straight-up gospel. With artists like PFR, Randy Stonehill, and Terry Taylor in semi-retirement, Davis takes the reins as the faith-based answer to Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney. The songs are simple, evangelical, and inspiring—an effective musical testimony from a someone thankful that the Lord turned his life around.

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Room Noises (Word/Reprise)

In the '90s, Sixpence None the Richer helped transform Christian music with alternative pop/rock that was both artistic and authentic. Now, this family band—four siblings, one cousin—carries the torch for artful music that reaches beyond the Christian subculture. Eisley has been afforded some impressive accolades and opportunities, having opened for both Coldplay and Switchfoot while receiving favorable reviews from Christian and mainstream press alike. With the extremely tight harmonies of Sherri and Stacy DuPree at the forefront, the music is floating and dreamlike, like an alternative pop soundtrack for fantasy and fairy tales. The lyrics are open to interpretation—they don't lead to Christ specifically, but they do open the door to things unseen—allowing Eisley to tap a completely different audience. Still in their late teens and early twenties, Eisley is one to watch.

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House of Heroes (Gotee)

Contemporary Christian music has evolved in such a way to force a lot of bands into the growing indie rock scene—too spiritual and raw sounding for mainstream radio, too abstract and loud for Christian radio. Like Mae and Jimmy Eat World, House of Heroes strikes a balance of emo, alternative, and heavy melodic rock that's hard to put in a box, yet still just right for the college scene. This trio from Columbus, Ohio exhibits superior musicianship with a debut album that's polished in production, yet not too clean. They're not particularly outspoken with their faith in their songs, though there are hints of it here and there. House of Heroes is seeker-friendly, planting seeds of truth in an enticing modern rock sound that should impress even those who consider "Christian rock" too stale.

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And So It Is… (Soul2Seoul)

Most of Christian music's attempts at legit R&B-flavored pop have sounded too watered down, too second-rate, or too derivative of gospel music. Well, at long last, here's someone with a project of nearly the same quality as Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Frankie J. Jontez first lent his smooth and soulful voice to God's Property (featuring Kirk Franklin) as a teen. Now in his mid-twenties, he offers an eclectic solo effort that bridges pop, urban, funk, Latin, and even Asian influences with thick beats, melodic hooks, and clear expressions of faith that aren't contrived. And though the production is thoroughly modern, there are some retro sensibilities to his sound, reminiscent of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and George Michael. It all adds up to a fresh new talent, proving that good Christian R&B need not be an oxymoron.

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