The Best Christian Albums of 2003
posted 1/01/2003
 1 of 5
Time again for our annual Best Albums in Christian music, with six journalists teaming up to determine our favorite projects since December 1, 2002. Beginning with a list of 70 nominations, we gradually whittled it down to 12, based on creativity, talent, and broad appeal among the panelists. This year's dozen winners will surprise some, especially since only a few names will be familiar to Christian radio listeners. That's because the emphasis is not on radio singles, but projects that are consistently enjoyable for their entire duration. As such, we hope to introduce you to some extremely talented lesser-known artists worthy of a wider audience. Additionally, as a footnote, we've allowed each panel member to select one album they wish made the final cut, but didn't for one reason or other. Now, on to the Top 12 winners' list, presented to you in reverse order.
#12
Old
Starflyer 59
Tooth & Nail
Like a fine wine, Starflyer 59 just seems to get better with time. Never ones to put their musical career on autopilot, the band has grown seemingly more experimental with each album, progressing nicely from 2001's acclaimed Leave Here a Stranger. With Old, they combine their trademark atmospheric dream rock with classic rock and ambient effects. Lyrically, Starflyer uses abstract poetry to communicate their faith, reflecting on the past and life so far as they enter their 30s. This seminal Christian indie rock band may be growing older, but they're also growing wiser, and with that comes greater artistic accomplishment.
Click here for the original review.
#11
How to Start a Fire
Further Seems Forever
Tooth & Nail
Yes, there is life after Chris Carrabba. The band's future seemed uncertain when their lead singer left to start up Dashboard Confessional, but they bounced back stronger than ever with the addition of Jason Gleason, who mimics Carraba with added force. The rest of the band supports him admirably. They've smartly shifted away from meandering emo-screamo rock in favor of a tighter, more melodic, hook-filled, and hard-hitting style. Their lyrics have also become more meaningful, addressing real life issues relevant to their target audience of teens and college students. Further Seems Forever is now more memorable and accessible without sounding clichéd or sacrificing creativity.
Click here for the original review
#10
Unclassified
Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Reprise/Warner
Hands down one of today's best live acts—a jam band at least as good as Dave Matthews Band and Phish. Robert Randolph & the Family Band are single-handedly reviving the sacred steel guitar genre, taking vintage gospel to a new place. Compared to their previous live album, this studio recording is tighter and more accessible. Perhaps too tight, because the shorter songs don't quite fully showcase the foursome's level of musical proficiency. A glimpse of it is still enough for you to appreciate what they're doing. These guys define "joyful noise" with their unique blend of funk, rock, blues, and gospel.
Click here for the original review.
#9
Me Died Blue
Steven Delopoulos
Universal South
Rather than rest on his laurels and attempt to recreate the sound of his former band, Burlap to Cashmere, Delopoulos provides listeners with a throwback to great '70s singer/songwriters like Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, and Paul Simon. However, Delopoulos refrains from simply crafting another typical folk-pop album. With the aid of producer Monroe Jones, he succeeds in coloring his music with soft synthesizers, complex percussion, and traditional Greek instruments in addition to the standard acoustic guitars. Delopoulos also paints his introspective words with unique imagery, touching on his faith while remaining poetic. A beautiful and haunting folk album for the thinking man.
Click here for the original review.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free!
|
 |
|
Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only.
If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| |
|
