2008 Music Awards: Our Suggestions
An examination of the year in Christian music, highlighting the artists and songs most likely to earn nominations, along with some other worthy contenders.
by Russ Breimeier | posted 10/09/2008
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We're entering into awards season, and every year, without fail, whether it's the Dove awards or a Reader's Choice survey, I hear the same thing from industry insiders and readers alike: "Y'know, I wish I remembered so-and-so when it came time to cast my vote. I completely forgot who was eligible!" Along with that, I'll often hear complaints that Christian music tends to award the same artists over and over again. The issue is not that the winners are undeserving, but whether we're truly looking for the best in this broad world of Christian music, or are we content to award the most popular and familiar?
With that in mind, we've come up with a "For Your Consideration" article for anyone looking for an overview of the year's best. Let me be clear in saying that the point of the piece is not to tell people who to vote for. Nor does Christian Music Today want to completely tip its hand in advance of the anticipated best-of lists that we run late in the year. The objective here is simply to serve as a guide for voters, professional or otherwise: Doves, Grammys, Reader's Choice, blogs, or personal lists.
My colleagues and I were very intentional to offer realistic suggestions for consideration. We realize that some of our favorite artists and albums from the last year haven't a ghost of a chance of winning a major award, so don't expect to see them in this article (but do look for some in our own best-of lists later on). Instead, the goal for this article is to note both artists we think are likely to be nominated, as well as those which we believe have a practical chance of being nominated.
Best Female Vocalist
Despite a tradition of superb female vocalists in Christian music, there's a tendency to focus on an elite few. Veterans like Sandi Patty and Amy Grant are certainly no strangers to this category, but they didn't significantly distinguish themselves in 2008. Likewise, the latest from past award-winner Nicole C. Mullen hasn't generated a stellar performance anywhere near as memorable as "Redeemer" and "Call on Jesus." And though perpetual Dove nominee Rebecca St. James is a perennial favorite with Reader's Choice surveys, she was practically invisible in 2008.
The clear frontrunner of the last few years has been Natalie Grant, and it's particularly deserved after 2008 with the release of Relentless, an album nearly as good as 2005's Believe. That's likely enough to earn this gifted vocalist an additional recognition, though buzz not be strong enough for her to win a fourth Dove in a row.
With that said, perhaps it's finally time to give recognition to other talent … but who? Teen pop sensation Krystal Meyers immediately comes to mind, steadily gaining popularity over the last three years, and even earning a pair of Dove nominations early in her career. Her latest album demonstrates more range than ever, so she may be the closest thing to competition for Natalie Grant.
And though Sara Groves may not be the greatest singer around, she's still a very good one. Besides, look at folksy singer/songwriter Chris Rice. He's won the Dove for Male Vocalist before, more for his ability to connect than for vocal acrobatics—so why not Groves?
If it's truly vocalists that people are looking for, however, American Idol contestants Mandisa and Brooke Barrettsmith have been making some waves ever since releasing their debuts. And for that matter, newcomers Meredith Andrews and Francesca Battistelli are certainly strong enough singers to compete on American Idol, so they're certainly worthy of recognition from the Christian music industry.
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