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American Idol and similar shows make it clear that many people have no clue what kind of competition they face on the path to success in the music biz. One might think that artists on TV and radio represent most of the talent pool, but they're really just a tiny minority of all the people out there trying to get their music heard.

Truth is, great artists make great art look easy. And in our media soaked-culture, it's not enough to "simply" make good music. It's also about making good music that stands out among thousands of other artists, who coincidentally or intentionally may have the exact same sound. Kind of builds your appreciation for the cream of the crop, huh?

Here's a list of the ten best of hundreds of albums sent to us in the last year.

Always Loved You EP
Pop/rock
www.addisonroad.com

If you haven't heard this band yet, chances are you will soon enough. The Dallas-based quintet recently partnered with Deep Music Distribution, which has helped get established indies like Matt Brouwer, Justin McRoberts, and Denver & the Mile High Orchestra to stores and radio. Addison Road became buzzworthy with their popular 2003 release Breaking Beautifully, an album that has done well enough to run the band ragged with opportunities to tour and lead worship all over the country. Nevertheless, they've found the time to record this little album, reflecting their commitment to rejoice in the Lord during all times, stressful or tranquil. The band resembles a more rock-focused Superchic[k], with lead singer Jenny Simmons recalling Adrienne Camp (The Benjamin Gate) and Alanis Morrisette. But whereas Addison Road's previous two albums offered good-but-generic youth-friendly Christian rock, this one reveals a more arty and mature sound—from the ear-grabbing rhythmic opener "I Have Always Loved You," to the alternative indie rock production of "Wait," and closing with the Brit-pop styled ballad of surrender "Need You Now." If Addison Road keeps this up, it only seems inevitable that they'll sign with a major label.

Marie Miller
Organic pop/rock
www.magdalenspring.com

When trying to get noticed in the music biz, it certainly doesn't hurt to have some big names attached to your project. Mark Heimermann (Nichole Nordeman, dc Talk) produced Marie Miller's self-titled debut, which explains why songs like "Accepted" and "Immerse Me" would sound right at home on K-Love or any Christian AC station. And if "On My Way" sounds like a more organic, mature version of ZOEgirl, that's partly because Alisa (Girard) Childers co-wrote it. Meanwhile, veteran Nashville songwriter Judson Spence helps Miller indulge her folk/country side on "Mother Must Be Praying" and "The Road." But unlike some other developing artists, this 16-year-old demonstrates more than a talent for networking. In addition to acoustic guitar and piano, Miller is also proficient on the mandolin and bouzouki—and moreover proves it on tracks like the instrumental "Out of Egypt." Songs like "Cold," lamenting our selfish tendencies, reveal a budding singer/songwriter similar to Nordeman or Kendall Payne. Though the big names indicate this album's quality, Miller shines on her own merits and is an artist to watch for in the years ahead.

Shades of Grey
Hip-hop
www.braillehiphop.com

Don't judge Shades of Grey by its opening track, "Right This Moment," with its annoying opera sample that sounds like a turkey warbling. This 24-year-old has a credible underground east coast hip-hop sound similar to MarsILL, The Cross Movement, and Ill Harmonics. Braille gets his name from his desire to "help people understand the things they can't see." That mission has kept him busy touring the world for the last seven years, drawing acclaim from Christian and mainstream audiences alike. Shades of Grey features collaborations with the likes of Pigeon John, Sharlok Poems (L.A. Symphony), and Manchild (MarsILL). His ode to "Hiphop Music" offers both a commentary on the scene and a personal testimonial. "10 Years" bears a smooth R&B influence while noting how perspectives change over time on life's road. "Goliath" uses a rock sample to carry David's perspective written in a way that makes it applicable to the "giants" we all face today. It's nice to hear a genuine hip-hop album that doesn't run more than 70 minutes with self-indulgent interludes sprinkled throughout. Though still not quite as innovative as Kanye West or Eminem, Braille offers solid beats, ambitious loops, intelligent Christian lyrics, and a clear rap vocal that deserve to be heard by more.

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