Everyone has heard music that touches them on a deeper level than usual; music that makes them weep or dance or shout with joy. I listen to Christian music 7 days a week and never tire of it. It's not just my job, it's my passion. My taste has been described as eclectic by some and strange by others (my teens mostly) because I like so many different styles of music. These Top 10 picks are my personal favorite albums of 2004. They don't fit into any particular mold, just like me!
1. BarlowGirl - 'BarlowGirl'
Fervent
This is it ... the best album of the year ... hands down. I loved it, my husband loved it, my three daughters loved it and the charts show that you loved it too. While the music of the Barlow Girls is great, after talking to them, I found that their committment and dedication to their ministry is even better. Great CD, great lyrics, great people!
2. L. Spencer Smith/Testament - 'Assignment No. 1'
This anointed group from Tuscaloosa, Alabama have put together a stellar musical feature that is sure to reach the church and the secular arena with a fresh new sound that they call "NEO-SOUL" gospel. If you can sit still while listening to "Out of the Box" and "Under My Feet" (featuring BB Jay), you better check your pulse ... 'cuz you probably don't have one!
3. Kutless - 'Sea Of Faces'
bec recordings
Who doesn't like Kutless? The band outdid themselves on this release with "Passion," "Not What You See" and "Perspectives."
4. Steven Curtis Chapman - 'All Things New'
Sparrow
Go back in time a few years and remember the first Christian CD that you ever bought for yourself. Do you remember who it was by? I do ... my first Christian CD purchase was by the man himself, Steven Curtis Chapman. I still like him as much now as I did then.
5. Mat Kearney - 'Bullet'
Inpop Records
Inpop Records' Mat Kearney is going to be one of those faces to watch for in 2005. His debut album features everything - hip-hop beats, pop choruses, acoustic folk, spoken verses - all moving in a seemingly effortless way, from one influence to another, without losing track of the core meaning.
6. FFH - 'Still The Cross'
Jeremy, Jennifer, Brian and Michael have been around for a while and they just keep getting better and better. This is by far the best FFH project to date.
7. Shane & Shane - 'Clean'
Inpop Records
There are no bells and whistles with Shane & Shane. What you see is what you get ... and with this album what you get is pure worship music with no apologies for the lack of flash.
8. Natalie Grant - 'Worship With Natalie Grant & Friends'
Integrity
With friends like Darwin Hobbs, Israel & New Breed and John Elefante how could Natalie Grant go wrong? "Come Into This House," "Let It Rise," "Awesome in This Place" "Crown You With Praise" and "More of Your Glory" are stand-out tracks on a stand-out project.
9. Newsboys - 'Devotion'
Some reviewers have not given the second "worship" album from Newsboys high marks. I don't begrudge them their opinion a bit ... even if mine differs. "God of Nations" alone would have made me a fan, even if I didn't already like this band. Having interviewed Duncan Phillips twice now, I also respect where they are and how they do business. It's not about seeing their name in lights ... it's about doing what God called them to do.
10. Monk & Neagle - 'Monk & Neagle'
Courtesy of: Provident Distribution
This is another new face in the Christian music crowd and it's one that I predict you'll be seeing a lot of in 2005. "Dancing With Angels" is an absolutely beautiful song with lyrics that can touch even the hardest of hearts.
