Here is the place to find CD reviews and ratings of CD's by artists whose names begin with A - L. If you're trying to decide what to buy this is a great place to learn more.
Prayers, the debut independent CD from 1000 generations, the worship team of the Indianapolis Vineyard.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "The illustrious group goes out on a high note, a fitting farewell for such favored artists."
Catchy pop-rock that's bright and upbeat is what this talented and fresh band brings to the table. However, the lyrics are pretty veiled, leaving me a bit confused.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "The Afters know how to lead us right to the Throne, and yes, we all win there."
This is a really strong sophomore effort from The Afters. They are establishing themselves as a band with a lot of all-around appeal to Christian fans as well as secular audiences.
There are plenty of shining moments in Better Questions. Todd, as usual, is lyrically unbeatable. He doesn't sugar-coat a single word or lead anyone to believe that he subscribes to the "as long as it looks good, it works" theory.
Todd's debut release introduces us to an artist with a lot of talent and some really great songs.
Reflection of Something mixes thumping bass, great guitar rock and blues with a strong message that basically says, "What does your life reflect?"
Article One may not have made a huge splash when they debuted but they're making up for that now. It's as if they've found their groove and they're definitely making it their own.
This band has a bright future ahead of them as they continue to grow and evolve.
I really didn't realize how much Audio Adrenaline's music meant to me until I sat down to listen to their farewell. It's amazing what memories a song you haven't heard in years can bring back. So thank you AudioA ... for the memories, for the moments and for all of the times that your music helped me make it through.
Avalon members were inspired by each and every one of these songs to do what they do and their versions will inspire you. Another hats-off moment for Avalon.
Avalon has always had great talent, so good music coming from their camp isn't at all unexpected. This new glimpse of Avalon takes the cake, however, and stands above their previous award-winning releases.
I wondered if it was possible for the Barlow sisters to top their debut release ... but, I need not have worried. The girls outdid themselves on their sophmore effort and showed not only growth, but a little more of their softer side.
The Barlow sisters debut release says "hello world" in a HUGE way.
BarlowGirl has put out another 5-star winner with How Can We Be Silent. The sisters continue to amaze with their talent and their commitment to making a difference through their ministry.
It’s pop, yes, but there’s enough truth, passion, instrumental skills and energetic vocals to get you over that hump.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "The Journey is reminiscent of Joy Williams’ or Rebecca St. James’ up-beat pop-rock, laden with pop hooks and simple lyrics."
What happens when you put music by Sara Groves, CeCe Winans, Ronnie Freeman, Amy Grant, Travis Cottrell, Steven Curtis Chapman and a few other greats on one CD? You find yourself moved from start to finish.
Big Daddy Weave always brought a heartfelt zeal to their projects, and "What I Was Made For" is no different. But the solid sincerity of their worship comes through on every song with a new strength, strength of "hurricane" proportions.
If you want fluff that will ride around with you in the car, not actually impacting you or your day, then don't buy 'Everyday Man.' However, if you want one of the most heartfelt and real CDs that you will hear this year, then go grab a copy of this release.
Bobby Bishop has spent the last eight years of his life working with inner-city youth in Boston. The issues that he helps them face and overcome are what you'll hear about on Government Name, his latest release.
Pat Boone's style of music may not be well received by fans of hard rock, rap or modern rock, but before you write him off, remember that the music of today evolved from the tunes of yester-year.
This former All-Star pitcher is for real. Kent Bottenfield doesn't hide behind the glory years of yesterday, maintaining a picture perfect image of a man with no problems. He steps out and steps to the plate and shows us a man who is human ... a man who has lost his way ... and a man who ultimately findsd his way back home.
Each song rings with deep honesty and vulnerability, even as she mixes styles throughout.
Jim Brickman breathes new life into old favorites like "Holy, Holy, Holy," "How Great Thou Art" and "Joyful" with his ethereal piano presence.
Brother's Keeper is a good band. They are one of the few groups out there that can nail it a cappella and they don't sound bad with music either. But they need to pick a style and stick to it.
At first listen I was immediately struck by the rich power of Carolynne Brown's voice; the girl has a Voice.
Pastor Clint Brown has released his 16th full length album with little fan-fare, but with a great deal of praise.
Bryan Duncan is truly in his element here and that fact shines through every song.
Overall this CD is a strong showing for Building 429 and they should feel good about successfully overcoming the dreaded "sophomore slump." The album flows well from start to finish with good energy, plenty of emotion and honesty and a well-done sound mix.
By The Tree didn't reinvent themselves or the wheel with this release, and while they sound a bit different on the vocal end of things, they are still the By The Tree that we've come to know and love.
This debut CD from the flagship band for Beach Street Records is a winner all the way around.
Bottom line - my hat goes off to Casting Crowns for a job well done, once again.
Reviewer Brian Jones says, "While paying obvious homage to bands like U2 and Queen in the flow and delivery of this CD, it's still a good piece of work that isn't what I'd call a "copy-cat"."
Andy Chrisman's debut solo outing is bouncy, energetic and at times very worshipful, but you're gonna have to like pop for this one!
Honest, exciting and electrifying, Circleslide hits the mark with their debut release, Uncommon Days. You may not initially be drawn to thickly swirling guitars but give yourself time to move farther into this music. You won't be sorry.
Packed full of convicting truths, Ethos 7 is well delivered in a variety of styles.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says "A close listen reveals Clay's heart for the lost even as he worked through his own teenage struggles."
Michael Cook has the intelligence and the passion to create good music, and while this is not the most exciting debut of the year, I think we’ll be hearing more from him, and I myself look forward to it.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "The album showcases Cottrell’s stirring vocals featured in sweeping melodies and symphonic instrumentation."
Justin David, Chris Wright and Dan Harris, collectively known as Cross Culture, bring a mixture of funk, rock, jazz, hard, melodic rock, gospel, alternative and rap to the table with a sprinkling of salsa and a large dose of lyrics that make you think.
The fresh new face belonging to Adam Cunningham is one you'll come to know and love. The more you listen to his debut release, the more you'll come to love his music as well.
Helping people find "life in the midst of adversity" is what DA MINISTA creates his songs for. For this military vetran, rapper, pastor, husband and father of three, this isn't entertainment ... it's ministry and he's for real.
Their message is intelligently presented, embracing the mysteries of God. Dalton gives up infectious hooks, some hypnotic rhythms, and soaring vocals.
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."
The bottom line about Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s release, The Faith, is that it is hard-hitting and strong, well-crafted and passionate, with great beats and a great message.
DecembeRadio has succesfully mixed classic rock, old school metal, southern rock, blues and a tinge of pop to become "The Band" of 2006. Their debut lacks nothing and offers a little something for everyone. This band will be rockin' the radio waves all year round!
Decyfer Down - Crash - CD Review of Crash by Decyfer Down
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "One of the most noteworthy things about these up and coming rockers is the way their music so aptly illustrates the lyrics."
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says "Long under-rated, the band was given the opportunity by Floodgate Records to write and hammer out each song in a group effort, to a satisfying payoff."
"Target of Your Favor" is definitely more rock than blues, but I was not disappointed for a moment and I can't imagine any listener would be.
Reviewer Aaron Hollis says, "This is a very solid album overall. Desperation Band delivers a much needed more modern worship album with originality."
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says that you must love pop to enjoy this one, but the unique vocals, strong pop feel and danceable music definitely make it worth a listen.
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.
Review of Dietrech's sophmore release, "Always In My Heart".
While this release will probably appeal to musicians more than to the mainstream because it is 100% instrumental, those who like the vocal "meat" of songs should still give it a listen because there is more to this than meets the eye.
Bottom line ... this release rocks! Dyscyple's "No Weapon" now resides proudly in my MP3 player and two of my kids are picking out songs they want on their own MP3 players as I write this review.
Eisley's Room Noises is fresh, original and slightly trippy, making it be probably not accessible to all, but that’s not really a bad thing.
Eleventyseven's music is catchy and just plain fun. The energy is as obvious as the fact that these guys have something to say to the younger generation. The fun doesn't get in the way of the message.
Save the Humans is Ian Eskelin's first solo venture in ten years and his first release on the Inpop label.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Excelsius doesn’t back off of the truth, whether it’s about what is and isn’t holiness, spiritual warfare or growing up without a father."
Still the Cross is a great CD by a great group. Heartfelt and powerful stuff on this release.
Fighting Instinct, Gotee Record's new 3-piece band out of North Carolina, brings some seriously strong rock tracks to the table with their self-titled debut.
Flatfoot 56 is loud and proud and if you like punk, you'll love these guys. The celtic elements intermixed make it the most unusual release of the year and musically as well as lyrically, they're on the money.
The new young female fronted act from Texas has a lot going for them. Lacey Mosley has a powerful voice and the emotion that comes through is impossible to ignore, especially when it's combined with lyrics that are real life, instead of reality TV.
Foolish Things' debut, "Let's Not Forget The Story," starts strong with "Who Can Compare," letting listeners know that this group is serious about their Lord and Savior.
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.
The Need to Feel Alive is packed with musical excellence, variety and great vocals.
Not one to follow the trends of what is popular for the moment, Genie speaks from her heart. Her voice, while as sweet as an angels, is not syrupy or heavy. It's a perfect blend for the extraordinary piano work found on this CD.
I had the good fortune to slip my new copy of Randall Goodgame's "War and Peace" into the car's CD player and delicious and delightful songs filled the car and my mind with irrational joy, the best kind.
Grand Prize's debut release on A’postrophe Records is catchy, enthusiastic, energetic and sincere. Identity is definitely worth a listen.
This CD features 17 of Amy Grant's re-mastered hits and features Amy herself as the executive producer.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Producers Vince Gill & Brown Bannister give us, as you would expect, an impeccable offering, with that amazing voice floating over perfect instrumentation and nice arrangements."
Group 1 Crew takes the sound that won them the Dove Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year earlier this year and makes it bigger and better on 'Ordinary Dreamers,' while still keeping it roughly the same. Fans will love this release and new listeners will catch up pretty quickly.
A review of Sara's third release, due in stores on March 23, 2004.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "I'm going to take a deep breath and promise to try not to carry on too much but it won't be easy. What can I say: I feel in love, I dropped to my knees, I ran into the streets to beg strangers to listen to Shaun Groves' amazing new CD."
Chris Sligh and the rest of the Half Past crew have outdone themselves on their debut release. Seventeen songs cover pretty much every color of the musical rainbow and the CD itself is the pot of gold, so it's not just at the end! The gold runs all the way through!
The Deluxe Edition adds six new tracks and three videos that you can view on your computer.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Most of these tunes have strong pop overtones laying on a smooth bed of R&B, but several add a nice jazz flair."
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "I’m tellin’ you, you don’t have to like country to like Heatherly. He’s got attitude to spare and some of these truth-packed tunes really rock."
First discovered on "American Idol", RJ deserves the attention he got as a finalist. This youth-oriented CD showcases both his talent and his message well.
This release is fresh, passionate and appealing, even if the mixing’s not the best I’ve ever heard.
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.
It is very clear after listening to 'When Silence Falls"'that Tim Hughes is only interested in one thing ... praising God with every word that comes out of his mouth.
Techno music is here to stay so get over yourself if you're still fighting the inevitable. That being said, Andy Hunter is one of the genre's more successful Christian artists, having had his music placed in major film and TV venues, as well as video games. In other words, he is reaching the culture. Rock on, Andy.
Hyper Static Union went old-school with "Lifegiver" - yet they added so many "now" elements ... successfully combining pop, rock and funk to make some incredible worship music for a new day and a new generation. Much like track 6, I just "Can’t Leave It Alone!"
Blessed with musical talent, The Immortals refuses to be classified into any one style.
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.
Our Guide to Country Music, Shelly Fabian, has an excellent review of this project on her site. Reviewer Jolene Downs says, "The songs are all reflective, so there is none of the foot stomping Southern Gospel. But it is just a soothing album to listen to all the way through."
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.
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."
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 pre-tween crowd - no matter how "hot" the 6th graders think Nick is.
This former God's Property member really brings it with his debut offering.
A review of R&B newcomer Julian's debut release, "Fruit of the Spirit".
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.
Reviewer Frank Rasenberger says "All I can say to my friends in the world of mainstream and Christian radio is 'Wake up to this! It’s huge!'"
In the two years since Kids In The Way released their last studio album they've gone through some changes. A new bass player, a new sound and better writing. This is one of those albums that will get your attention and hold it ... for a good long while. So if you're looking for a new band to listen to and KITW wasn't your cup of tea before, give them another listen. There is a lot to like!
Review of Kirk & Joni Bovill's CD - Are You Ready?
Review of this new artists debut CD, Mercy Dancing.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, Kurt Carr and his seven-voice ensemble are exuberance personified. I loved this CD beginning to end.
Some folks didn't like Strong Tower because it was a slower and softer Kutless. Those people will be happy to know that the Kutless of old is back with To Know That You’re Alive ... well, sort of back anyway. This side of Kutless mixes power ballads with all-out rockers and they do it in such a way that most people should be pretty happy with it.
L. Spenser Smith & TESTAMENT - ASSIGNMENT No. 1 CD review
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."
Musically, they are a tight rhythm section that doesn't give an inch.
Maybe 'Sound Of Melodies' isn't the huge breath of fresh, new air that the hype predicted, but Leeland's debut album is definitely refreshing. Passionate to the core, the album offers modern, brit-infused pop/rock/worship in each and every song. Strong musical arrangements and a passion that is almost palpatable make 'Sound Of Melodies' a CD that you feel as much as you hear.
Lost Anthem's release "Otherside of Nowhere" is a promising offering from this TN band.
