2 of 2

Read the original review here.

P.O.D.
Atlantic

This hardcore/reggae/rapcore CD was slated for an August release, but was delayed for promotion on MTV. Satellite finally released on September 11, the day of the terrorist attacks. And how fitting, because it's filled with songs of hope for a hurting world — precisely P.O.D.'s target audience. The tunes are hard and heavy and excellent, but it's P.O.D.'s ability to impact secular culture in a huge way that makes this CD, and this band, extra special.

Read the original review here.

Carolyn Arends
Signpost Music

OK, I'm biased toward intelligent female singer-songwriters — they've filled my top two slots (and three of my top six). Carolyn Arends has always had a brilliant way with words — her marvelous book, Living the Questions (Harvest House), is further proof of that — and her writing keeps getting better. Travelers, part of the Living Room Series on fellow Canadian Steve Bell's Signpost label, has a warm coffeehouse feel with Carolyn's mellow vocals and a fine acoustic trio.

Sara Groves
INO

Though it's hard to pick a Top 12, No. 1 was a no-brainer. I first heard Conversations as an indie release 18 months ago, and was blown away by Groves' sensitive, insightful songwriting-not surprising for a former high school English teacher — tender melodies, and smooth vocals. I'm still blown away, probably 50 listens later. Every song's a gem on this 13-track CD, ranging from pop to jazz, but my favorites are "How Is It Between Us," "Going Home," "Tent in the Center of Town" and "Generations." Speaking of which, this CD is good enough to endure for many generations to come.

Read the original review here.

first page |  2 of 2