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We always see the same complaint: "There just aren't any good new artists anymore." Sorry, but we beg to differ. As usual, plenty of artists made their national debut as a band or solo artist in 2008, but we found twelve that we particularly hope to hear more from in years to come—six bands, five young women, and one veteran who showed us he can take his music into new directions apart from his band. If you're looking for fresh talent in Christian scene with an engaging sound or insightful songwriting, consider these new favorites.

Abandon Abandon EP (Forefront Records/EMI)

A short EP might not seem like enough to call Abandon one of the year's best new bands. But then it was certainly enough to recognize something special in Mute Math back in 2004. And it was also enough for music exec Chris York, who first heard Abandon playing a set at the venue next door as he was enjoying dinner with his wife. The band certainly has magnetic appeal, offering an alternative, yet accessible mix of power pop, Brit rock, and nü-new-wave. Sure enough, their MySpace page lists Sanctus Daylight Is Coming, Delirious, The Killers, U2, and yes, even Mute Math as influences—that last one all-too-obvious in their nonetheless impressive finale "Atmosphere," with its jazz-inflected ambience, dynamic surge, and aggressive drumming. Yet the San Antonio band avoids sounding derivative, largely because of their verve and skill as musicians. They also avoid making worshipful anthems like "Be Alive in Me" or "All Because of You" seem patterned or obvious, while crafting an interesting response to Peter's denial of Jesus in "Providence." This digital release may only offer five songs, but with such contagious choruses, varied arrangements, and openly spiritual songwriting that generally avoids clichés, Abandon has fully whetted our appetites for their full-length debut in April 2009.
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After Edmund Hello (Slanted Records)

We knew that After Edmund would make this list after first hearing them. What we couldn't have expected was how long that would take, since the band's 2007 debut was delayed nearly a year, giving time for the record label to prepare a proper marketing strategy. Most would agree that After Edmund was worth the wait, as they sound less like rookies and more like seasoned pros that have been making music for years. Their inventive modern pop/rock style is confident and distinct, their lyrics neither subtle nor obvious in Christian inspiration. "Clouds" stands out with its thunderous guitar riff and smart lyrics about being caught between heaven and earth, while "Tears" captivates with the explosive chorus and passionate plea for renewal. Also, you don't want to miss seeing this band live. They tore it up on the Projekt Revolution Tour with Linkin Park, impressing audiences with their polished musical training and lively instrument swapping. For all that, After Edmund scored a Grammy nomination with their very first album, confirming what we've known for nearly two years—this band has potential to develop into intriguing directions while amassing a strong fan base.
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Francesca Battistelli My Paper Heart (Fervent/Warner)

It's interesting how some who typically shun Christian pop have so readily embraced Francesca Battistelli for offering something "different" than the norm. Truth be told, she's not that radically different than your average twenty-something in Christian pop—some of the songs on her debut could have easily been delivered by BarlowGirl or ZOEgirl or some other girl. But that's more a matter of sound and arrangement for parts of Battistelli's debut. She clearly has the skills as a songwriter, pianist, guitarist, and singer, especially with that distinctively throaty and soulful alto. There are natural comparisons to Vanessa Carlton, Bethany Dillon, Kelly Clarkson, and most of all, Sarah Bareilles, making  several of the songs on My Paper Heart sound timely compared to secular radio, particularly the bouncy piano pop of "I'm Letting Go," the R&B flavored "Blue Sky," and the funky title cut. The album dwells on themes of identity, accepting imperfections made perfect through Christ. That message comes through loud and clear with the hit single "Free to Be Me," which recently earned Battistelli the honor of being the most added new artist in the history of Christian radio. It's pretty obvious she's going to be around for a long time—and rightfully so.
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