11. Skillet - 'Comatose' (2006)
Courtesy of: Lava/Atlantic and Ardent/SRE
The album that gave us the Dove Rock Song of the Year in 2008 was undeniably the best in the Skillet catalog. Hard-driving and passionate while still being lush and lyrically meaty, this release will wake up even the sleepiest of believers. 
Essential Songs from Comatose:
- "Looking For Angels" (Purchase/Download)
- "Rebirthing" (Purchase/Download)
- "Falling Inside The Black" (Purchase/Download)
More Skillet
12. Audio Adrenaline - 'Until My Heart Caves In' (2005)
Courtesy of: EMI
Raw and unprocessed is a good way to describe this album. Guitarist Tyler Burkum's vocals are silky smooth and when you combine them with Mark Stuart's raspy sound you get a sound unlike any other on the market. The GRAMMY 2006 Best Rock Gospel Album will be a winner for a long time to come.
Essential Songs from Until My Heart Caves In:
- "Undefeated" (Purchase/Download)
- "Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher And Higher" (Purchase/Download)
- "Clap Your Hands" (Purchase/Download)
More Audio Adrenaline
13. Krystal Meyers - 'Krystal Meyers' (2005)
Some called her "the Christian Avril Lavigne," and Krystal Meyers' debut album lives up to the moniker in spades. Her guitar skills match her powerful voice and her lyrical prowess, making this a great album for rock fans.
Essential Songs from Krystal Meyers:
- "Fire" (Purchase/Download)
- "Sing For Me" (Purchase/Download)
- "Fall to Pieces" (Purchase/Download)
More Krystal Meyers
14. Third Day - 'Wherever You Are' (2005)
We saw a softer, gentler side of Third Day with Wherever You Are, and it's no surprise that the Dove Awards Pop Contemporary Song of the Year in 2006 came from the album. The pop overtones don't take away from the depth or the rock flavor of this intensely personal release.
Essential Songs from Wherever You Are:
- "Love Heals Your Heart" (Purchase/Download)
- "Mountain Of God" (Purchase/Download)
- "The Sun Is Shining" (Purchase/Download)
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15. BarlowGirl - 'Barlowgirl' (2004)
Fervent
One of my "bands to watch" of 2004, BarlowGirl as a band and as an album is a breath of fresh air. None of the songs go where you expect them to musically and the lyrics go far beyond the surface. The musicianship and vocals are all top quality and the production is just right ... not overblown, but not "just not quite enough."
Essential Songs from BarlowGirl:
- "Mirror" (Purchase/Download)
- "Clothes" (Purchase/Download)
- "On My Own" (Purchase/Download)
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