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New Christian Album Reviews
Shane & Shane’s seventh studio album, Everything is Different, now stockpile CCM shelves everywhere. Thankfully, the album doesn't derive its name from a huge 180 in style or sound. The duo's impassioned harmonies still simmer over a raw acoustic set to create an organic "front row" experience. "Turn Down the Music" is the track that ironically deserves the most volume. "Everything is Different" and "My Hope is Built" also demand repetition. Shane & Shane grew as a college-circuit fave because their live performance consistently exceeds their studio performance. This album is worth it. The ticket will be too. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: "Turn Down the Music", "Everything is Different", and "My Hope is Built"
 Fearless by Phillips, Craig, and Dean
If worship was a vitamin, Phillips, Craig, and Dean (PCD) offer a popular and nutrient rich diet with their new CCM rock release, Fearless. Their version of "Revelation Song" spent 15 weeks atop the Christian AC charts. "From the Inside Out" and "Counting On God" will probably follow. After the first three cover tunes though, the catchy hit-status worship disappears from the building like an Elvis impersonator. "Nothing to Prove" claims two roles on the album: the guaranteed country radio remake and the only other noteworthy song. PCD made a valiant attempt to branch out, but fearless? That's a stretch. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: "Revelation Song" and "Nothing to Prove"
I listen to a lot of CCM, and am not often truly refreshed by an artist’s message anymore. But Aaron Shust’s latest album, Take Over, is a welcome surprise. Shust is still asking questions, not pretending that he has all the answers. Over and over, each song reinforces the fact that yes, life is a mess, and we may make it messier each and every day, BUT this is a journey, and we can acknowledge the dark sides of life, while moving toward hope. He does this beautifully in tracks such as “Still You Love Me”, “Breathe in Me”, and my favorite, “Carry Me Home”. His singles are great too; a little edgier than say Chris Tomlin, but very radio-worthy. This is an album you’ll want to play a few times, and get a little deeper each time. - rebekah wilson
Album Highlights: "Carry Me Home", "To God Alone", and "Live to Lose"
On any given Sunday, chances are your church worship set includes at least one Hillsong, a Tomlin, and a Matt Redman. Known for hits such as “Blessed Be Your Name” and “The Heart of Worship”, Redman has been around for a long time and recently released a new project, We Shall Not Be Shaken. Maybe it’s the fact that I spent some time in the UK during his proverbial glory days, but listening to his music is like pulling on a snuggie and sipping cocoa: it’s familiar, it’s comforting, and it doesn’t disappoint. Well, maybe the only disappointing thing is that there are plenty of good songs on this album, but not anything completely amazing. The long and short of it is that if you like Matt Redman’s music, you will like this album, its solid lyrics, and signature style. - rebekah wilson
Album Highlights: “This Is How We Know”, “You Alone Can Rescue”, and “How Great Is Your Faithfulness”
Jason Gray delivers a tasteful and smooth blend of excellent songwriting, driving rhythm, and flowing melody in his new album, Everything Sad is Coming Untrue. His vocals, particularly on the ballads, demonstrate an intimacy with the lyrics and passion for the message. His vocal technique was also impressive, controlled, and accurate. The song choices are a nice balance of up-beats and ballads, all with the clear motive of praise and worship to God. Each track is catchy, personal, and fresh; this is an album you could listen to again and again. - monique derr
Album Highlights: "For the First Time Again" and "Jesus Use Me, I'm Yours"
On September 29, rock 'n' roll snuck across U.S. borders with a Norwegian swagger. Dreampilots' under-the-radar release, Comedown, struts the fine line between in-your-face, throwback rock and an accessibly layered production style. Most of the tracks feel like a fresh footprint on familiar soil. Scandinavian innovation meets Brit-rock familiarity, and sparks fly through the earbuds like an audible aurora borealis. U2 sonically haunts the album's guitars with especially edge-y ghosts appearing on "Comedown". Another surprising influence is the special sauce of Snow Patrol-ish songwriting that tenderizes "Throw Myself". Future headline: "Dreampilots Make Rock 'n' Roll Fans Dream Again" - rob vischer
Album Highlights: “Keep My Soul", “Comedown", “Throw Myself”
The Reason is an astonishing blend of crossover-country and contemporary Christian music. Diamond Rio has been performing together over 20 years and has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, and their debut album is a testament to their extraordinary talent. The songs are filled with such passion; you can feel their love for God seep into your very core as you listen to these sooth harmonies, gorgeous vocals, stirring words, and incredible instrumentals. These tunes are nothing short of breathtaking, and what’s more impressive is that this is their first album in the CCM genre. They’ve proved themselves just as profound in CCM as they have for years in country music. - monique derr
Album Highlights: "The Reason", "My God Does", "In God We Still Trust"
With the heartfelt endorsement of tobyMac and the catchiness of Jason Mraz, it’s difficult not to envision B.Reith’s freshman album, Now is Not Forever, scaling the charts like a knight tangled in Rapunzel’s braids. The singer/rapper/songwriter/producer sports a knack for the do-it-all approach that defies the traditional “jack of all trades, master of none” philosophy. He even sprinkles a Dippin’ Dots size portion of pop comedy and Kanye-esque arrogance throughout his otherwise artistic shtick. A rapper rapping about rapping usually borders on lyrical puke, but somehow B.Reith makes it taste like ice cream. He’s just that good. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: “Comeback Kid", “Mess", “Antidote", “Just For You", “Breathe”
There’s never a second chance to make a first impression, and Mark Schutlz capitalizes on the old adage in Come Alive, his first studio album in three years. The instrumental intros on almost every track draw you in like a firm handshake and a warm smile, but then the cliché-ridden conversation begins. The production, melodies, and vocals on each song ignite creative potential that is quickly drenched by lyrics sopping in “praise & worship”-isms. “What It Means to Be Loved” is the tingles- to-tears bright spot of the album. The rest of it suffers from an inability to honestly bleed. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: "All Has Been Forgiven", "What it Means to be Loved"
Just by looking at the 3D album booklet, fans can rightly assume that this is a creatively thought-out record from Hawk Nelson. "Live Life Loud" - the title track - is the record's token anthem, reminiscent of their past hits, "Friend Like That" and "Bring 'Em Out". It's a catchy, never-going-to-get-it-out-of-my-head song. Luckly, once you get passed the expected "let's party!" tracks, listeners will discover the true favorites. Famous for their kazoo work in "Hello", the guys break even more punk rock rules by adding the ukulele, a church organ, and bagpipes to the album. It works. Actually, it's what makes me inclined to agree with lead singer Jason Dunn; Live Life Loud is the band's best album to date. - hannah goodwyn
Album Highlights: "Meaning of Life", "'Tis So Sweet", "Ode to Lord Stanley", "The Final Toast"
If mosh-pits and radio play measure success, Pillar’s sixth album, Confessions, will be quite smashing. Unfortunately, after the fist-pumping melodies end and the driving guitarmonies fade, there’s not much there. Unwrapping this album is like going on a blind date with a gorgeous airhead. Looks good. Seems fun. But not very clever. The last two tracks glimmer in honest mediocrity, and sadly, the best song “Shine” is a Collective Soul cover. Though they may not be wordsmiths, every track on Pillar’s latest release sounds radio-worthy. Their producer, Rob Graves, performed a miracle. He made music speak when the lyrics couldn’t. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: "Lose It All", "You Are Not the End"
Derek Webb - the most important prophetic oasis in the wilderness of Christian music since Rich Mullins - released Stockholm Syndrome to a sandstorm of controversy surrounding the censorship of “What Matters More.” INO Records shoved the tune onto the chopping block because of “strong” language. Luckily, the album’s strength doesn’t reside in the hubbub over one missing track. It’s in the tangy glitch-driven beats, the digital sushi bar of musical hooks, and the lyrics your mind marinates in. From “Opening Credits” to “American Flag Umbrella,” Webb manufactures sonic Velcro from authentic melodies and trendy timelessness. Warning: “Strong” album. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: “Jena & Jimmy,” “Heaven,” “The Spirit vs. The Kick Drum”
Since their debut album released in 2004, the Barlow girls have encouraged fans with their faith-filled songs. With an album title that seems a bit contradictory, Love & War seeks to shower God with love and hit on the tough blows life can throw your way. One particular song, "Running Out of Time" speaks to the reality of spiritual warfare with lyrics such as "This is war, So pick your side. It's time to move, not time to hide. Don't let lies, make up your mind.
Cause you will see, We're running out of time." Love & War is intimate with a few string pieces and energetic with the group's Superchic[k]-esque anthem beats. Fans and newcomers to the BarlowGirl sound will not be disappointed. - hannah goodwyn
Album Highlights: “Come Alive", "Beautiful Ending", "Sing Me a Love Song", "Tears Fall", "Hello Sunshine"
Centering on a theme of physical and spiritual poverty in the world around us, Grammy nominated Leeland has crafted a series of vertically inspiring songs on their third release, Love is on the Move. Based on the maturity of the music, it is hard to believe there is no member of the band over the age of 25 years old. While not quite possessing the energetic pep of 2008’s Opposite Way nor the stylishly refreshing Sounds of Melodies from 2006, Love is on the Move carefully blends the two styles together. The end result is a satisfying mix that showcases the bands intense spiritual focus. - chris carpenter
Album Highlights: “Pure Bride” (a song about Jesus’ atoning sacrifice), “Lift Your Eyes Up” (their most musically diverse track complete with a string arrangement), “Follow You” (a rock fueled duet featuring Brandon Heath)
Bethany Dillon’s newly released album, Stop & Listen, will not disappoint her fans. She is known for her soft, acoustic-based sounds and distinct vocals, and those are exactly what she gives. One issue I have with buying a Dillon album is that after awhile, some of the songs seem to blend together. Her lyrics are always solid, but she will have to work on adding something new musically on her next project. On the whole, this album is very enjoyable, but maybe a little predictable. - rebekah wilson
Album Highlights: “Everyone to Know", "Get Up and Walk", "Deliver Me"
One of Christian music's favorite rock bands Thousand Foot Krutch is pleasing fans once again with their latest record, Welcome to the Masquerade. From the instrumental powerhouse that is track one ("The Invitation"), the album sets itself up as a rock experience not to be missed. This fifth studio release from our Canadian friends gives us a great ballad in "Already Home", "Smack Down" with its Queen-esque beat, and a high-energy song, "Fire It Up", which was featured in a movie trailer for G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. - hannah goodwyn
Album Highlights: “The Invitation", "Welcome to the Masquerade", "Outta Control"
Into the Light is Phil Stacey's Christan music debut. With an inspirational vibe and a familiar Christian pop sound, this record is undoubtedly CCM. A longtime fan of the late great Rich Mullins', Stacey honors him with his version his never recorded song, "Hard to Get." This new album puts the former American Idol contestant on the right track to No. 1 hits and a loyal Christian music fan base. - hannah goodwyn
Album Highlights: "Inside Out", "Glorious", "Sanctuary"
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rating system
5 Spins - Buy two copies (you'll wear out one within
a month)
4 Spins - Should be a favorite
3 Spins - Skip to the good tracks
2 Spins - May collect dust
1 Spin - Leave it in shrink-wrap
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Read more reviews in
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new releases
November 3, 2009
- Shane & Shane - Everything is Different
- Plumb - Beautiful History: A Hits Collection
- Steven Curtis Chapman - Beauty Will Rise
- Paul Baloche - Glorious
- The Almost - Monster Monster
- Trin-I-Tee 5:7 - Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas
November 10, 2009
- Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane
- Annie Moses Band - Christmas with The Annie Moses Band
November 17, 2009
- Casting Crowns - Until the Whole World Hears
- Delirious? - History Makers: Greatest Hits
- Sara Groves - Fireflies and Songs
- tobyMac - "A City on Our Knees" (Single)
- Phil Wickham - Heaven & Earth
- Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir - Declare Your Name
- Jeremy Camp - Jeremy Camp LIVE
November 24, 2009
- Newsong - Give Yourself Away
December 22, 2009
- John Reuben - Sex, Drugs and Self-Control
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