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The Book of David: Vol. 1 The Transition (GospoCentric/Zomba)

There are plenty in gospel and R&B who will make a passing reference in their songs to some healing or hurt that God helped them through. And then you find an artist like Dave Hollister, who practically redefines "testimonial" by putting recent life struggles on full display with his first album. Here we don't just find mention of his divorce—we also get the court appearance, the shameful aftermath, and the healing grace that comes only from God. A former member of '90s R&B powerhouse Blackstreet, Hollister succeeds in making an album that's anything but typical gospel/R&B. An openly honest and emotional road to redemption that's relatable to saints and sinners alike, Hollister's debut is quite possibly the best thing to happen to the genre since the music of Toné x and Kirk Franklin. Please tell us there's a Volume 2.

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Sound of Melodies (Essential Records)

The buzz band of the year, and despite some over-hype, much of it is justified. There's a more than ample supply of Brit pop/rock imitators in Christian music inspired by the likes of Coldplay, Keane, and the Doves. But to find one that tackles the sound with this much aplomb, and with their first album, and with a singer/songwriter still in his teens, well, that does make Leeland rather special and hard to ignore, doesn't it? Adding fuel to the fire is the earnest passion and majesty with which Leeland Mooring and company render worshipful anthems for a new generation ("Tears of the Saints," the title track, "Come to the Table"). There's definitely room for improvement, but considering how young they are and the potential they demonstrate, that future promises to be all the more exciting.

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Tales from the Badlands (Gotee Records)

Lately it seems like most R&B and hip-hop artists have succumbed to stale formulas and posturing. So what a pleasure it is to discover Liquid (aka Victor Oquendo), a singer/songwriter/producer who relies on genuine musicianship and heartfelt lyricism to create an eclectic-yet-cohesive effort that's additionally steeped in jazz, pop, Latin, funk, and soul. Part Barry White, part Roots, it all comes together surprisingly well as he paints a poignant and diverse picture of hometown life growing up in the streets of Philadelphia, warts and all. The message? Inner-city neighborhoods are not beyond redemption, nor are gangs and drugs enough to personally separate us from the grace of Jesus Christ. Tales from the Badlands might just challenge your perceptions of the ghettos and the music associated with them. We're also betting that Liquid still has plenty more stories to tell.

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