Christian CD Reviews - I - J

'Save the Humans' is Ian Eskelin's first solo venture in ten years and his first release on the Inpop label.

Icon For Hire is just familiar enough with the "sounds like" of Fireflight and The Letter Black, but original enough to get your attention and keep it.

Inhabited is headed up by brother/sister duo Marcus and Sara Acker, making music out of their passion for young people. I can't think of a better reason, and their hearts for ministry come across strong in every tune.

There is a tone of truth that comes across strong in every song and it serves to draw you in.

'Above The Noise' is one of those worship albums that make you feel like you're a little closer to God. It makes you feel like you can survive the day, knowing that your Savior is right there by your side.

Jaime Jamgochian - don't worry about how to pronounce her name - just be sure you remember it because this is one talented lady that you're going to be hearing an awful lot of in the very near future.

'Real' delivers enough high-quality music that you may find yourself wondering how in the world Jake Smith pulled it off on a debut release. This guy is good - really good!

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says "A close listen reveals Clay's heart for the lost even as he worked through his own teenage struggles."

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Jars of Clay has succeeded wonderfully in their desire to bridge the relevance gap between the church of yesterday and today."

Jeff Deyo shows us much of the same Jeff we've come to know and love in 'Unveil,' but he also hints at an older, deeper, wiser Jeff.

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "There’s a nice diversity of styles on 'Everything,' covering worshipful ballads to full-on rockers to radio-friendly pop."

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, 'Vertical' is a breath of fresh air, and by breath I mean a howling glorious wind of creative passion, Yoder-style, not to be missed.

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Daniels sings with an aggressive insistency that pairs up perfectly with the recurring theme of God’s pursuit, through pop and outstanding concept songs."

This CD is definitely a keeper! Jill Phillips keeps it real through-out with real lyrics about real life. Without a doubt, 'Nobody's Got It All Together' is one of the best releases of 2006 thus far.

Jim Brickman breathes new life into old favorites like "Holy, Holy, Holy," "How Great Thou Art" and "Joyful" with his ethereal piano presence.

Christian singer / songwriter Jimmy Needham's 'Not Without Love' is good ... rainy day good; sun shining good; I'm happy to be alive good and even I feel bad and need my soul soothed good.

The first thing that popped into my mind when I heard Jimmy Needham's 'Speak' was "Wow! A male version of India Arie!" He's got soul, he's got a bit of jazz, he touches on pop and rock and he challenges you in your own walk every step of the way. This young man has a lot to say, and I suspect that over the years, we're going to hear much more from him.

The only thing wrong with JJ Heller's "Deeper" is that it doesn't last long enough! This 5-star jewel packs a punch that I could listen to all day. Thankfully, with repeat, I can keep it going long beyond the 35 minute mark.

Joe Henschel's debut CD, 'Capture Me,' is worship music with an acoustic ballad flare that works well but doesn't have any particular stand out style that makes separates him from the rather large pack of contemporary worship leaders saturating the airwaves today.

'Made to Shine' really does have something for everyone and I can't say enough except buy it! You will be blessed by his humble spirit and his haunting melodies.

Jon Foreman is growing and maturing and he is gracefully sharing this with us through his solo releases. He embraces the good and he doesn't hide from the bad or the ugly. To me, this means so much. I respect Jon even more now than before because he seems even more real than before.

Jon Foreman, the well-known frontman for the multi-platinum band, Switchfoot, continues his solo side projects of indie-folk with 'Spring and Summer.'

Nicholas Jonas still has an incredible voice that has plenty of room to grow, but in many areas of the album, it clashes with his brothers. When you add that to lyrics that are shallow and music that can't decide if it wants to be bubblegum pop or pop/punk, you don't get much that will appeal to anyone beyond the tween crowd.

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Jonny Lang’s newest album, 'Turn Around,' is his most personal project yet, sure to have tongues wagging again, not to mention toes tapping and necks bobbin’. Oh yeah, a LOT of neck bobbin’! This album is hotter than the proverbial dog days of August, dripping with soul, gospel, and all things funky."

This former God's Property member really brings it with his debut offering.

'God and a Girl' is top notch and well worth a listen. After that listen, you'll find that Joy Whitlock's debut will make a great addition to any music collection.

Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Only 22, Williams is coming off a year jam-packed with a new management company, a new booking agent, a new record, and most significant, a new husband. The latter is evidenced by the standout track, "I’m in Love With You," passionate and personal."

Julian is smooth and whether he's singing, talking or just sharing music, he shines brightly.

This is the whole package and I expect that this young band will just get better and better with age.

A popular favorite among the "tween" audience, Jump5 is also a favorite with my 10 year old and her friends, so I have the opportunity to hear them frequently. While Jump5's songs aren't going to give solutions to the world's problems, they're just plain fun to listen to, regardless of your age.