Entertainment

Best Christian Rock Albums

By Kim Jones, About.com Guide

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Using electric guitars, passionate vocals and drum kits beating out killer back-beats, Christian rock is a way to share the Message of Hope with people in churches who want more than traditional hymns and to those outside of the church that don't know Jesus.

If you are new to the genre', this is a list of essential albums that will help start off any collection.

1. DecembeRadio - 'DecembeRadio' (2006)

Courtesy of: Slanted Records

The Dove Rock Album of the Year for 2007 successfully mixed classic rock, old school metal, southern rock, blues and a tinge of pop to make DecembeRadio "The Band" of 2006. Their self-titled debut lacks nothing and offers a little something for everyone.

Essential Songs from DecembeRadio:

"Least Of These" (Purchase/Download)
"Drifter" (Purchase/Download)
"Live And Breathe" (Purchase/Download)

More Decemberadio

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2. Switchfoot - 'The Beautiful Letdown' (2003)

Red Int / Red Ink

Switchfoot's fourth studio album was the first in their catalog to release to both the mainstream market and the Christian market. It received critical acclaim, spent months in the charts, won five Dove Awards and went multi-platinum because it didn't stick to one single format and had honest and meaningful lyrics.

Essential Songs from The Beautiful Letdown:

"Meant To Live" (Purchase/Download)
"More Than Fine" (Purchase/Download)
"Dare You To Move" (Purchase/Download)

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3. NEEDTOBREATHE - 'The Heat' (2007)

Atlantic Records

From the melodic worship ballads to the all-out rockers, The Heat is filled with a fire that belies the young age of the band. Songs that make you sit up, take notice and then really listen to the lyrics are always winners in my book and this disc is full of them.

Essential Songs from The Heat:

"Streets Of Gold" (Purchase/Download)
"Moving On" (Purchase/Download)
"More Time" (Purchase/Download)

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4. Third Day - 'Offerings II: All I Have to Give' (2003)

Essential Records

Third Day could perform "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and make it sound great so it should come as no surprise that they can perform worship songs and not lose their sound identity. Maybe it's the passion that goes part and parcel with every Third Day song that makes it work so well. Having seen them perform live, I know for a fact that it's not studio effects that make their music reach to the very core of listeners' souls ... it's the joy of what they're doing.

Essential Songs from Offerings II: All I Have to Give:

"Nothing Compares" (Purchase/Download)
"Sing A Song" (Purchase/Download)
"Creed" (Purchase/Download)

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5. Decemberadio - 'Satisfied' (2008)

Slanted

The Dove Rock Album of the Year for 2009 certainly lives up to its name with twelve songs all geared toward leaving listeners, well ... Satisfied! Amazing guitars, powerful vocals and plenty of punch, whether the band is rocking your socks off or serenading you with a ballad, DecembeRadio does it with plenty of style.

Essential Songs from Satisfied:

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6. Superchick - 'Rock What You Got' (2008)

Inpop Records

Nobody does "grrl power" and "rock-a-tronic" like Superchick and Rock What You Got brings it in a way that is both flashy and fearless. Perfectly blending the rock guitars with the electronic looping and the plucky vocals, Superchick does indeed rock what they've got! It was no big surprise when the album got a GRAMMY nod for 2009 Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

Essential Songs from Rock What You Got:

"Rock What You Got" (Purchase/Download)
"Hey Hey" (Purchase/Download)
"Cross The Line" (Purchase/Download)

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Purchase/Download

7. Third Day - 'Revelation' (2008)

Essential

We saw a softer, gentler side of Third Day with Wherever You Are, but don't expect a repeat with Revelation. The southern rock sound is back with a passion that can't be beat and yes, they did a few ballads that will touch your heart to the core. It's no surprise that this gem won the Dove Awards Pop Contemporary Album of the Year in 2009.

Essential Songs from Revelation:

"This Is Who I Am" (Purchase/Download)
"Run To You" (Purchase/Download)
"Take It All" (Purchase/Download)

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8. BarlowGirl - 'How Can We Be Silent' (2007)

Fervent Records

How Can We Be Silent takes the listener on a musical journey with a consistent theme of faith. Each song reminds you that your beliefs and your Savior are worth standing up for and even fighting for.

Essential Songs from How Can We Be Silent:

"Million Voices" (Purchase/Download)
"One More Round" (Purchase/Download)
"The Guy Song" (Purchase/Download)

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9. Kids In The Way - 'A Love Hate Masquerade' (2007)

Flicker Records

A Love Hate Masquerade showcases all of the new KITW sensations (bassist Wille Bostic (formerly of Sky Harbor) joining the line-up, vocalist David Pelsue leaving the screaming behind and their sound growing from screamo to hard rock) in a wonderful way. This is one of those albums that will get your attention and hold it ... for a good long while.

Essential Songs from A Love Hate Masquerade: