YouthWorker Journal - March/April 2009 - (Page 57) The Choice Picks for Best Faith-Based Albums of 2008 from Our Sister Online Publication, CCM 4. Decemberadio MUSIC RAVES 1. Brooke Fraser Albertine (Wood and Bone) Satisfied (Slanted) These rock ‘n’ rollers are really the only Christian band in history to give classic rock bands such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith and the Black Crowes a legitimate run for their money. MATT CONNER 1. Paper Route Are We All Forgotten EP (Low Altitude) Nashville electro-pop/rock finds a label and creates laptop-driven bliss. LINDSAY WILLIAMS 2. John Mark Mcmillan The Medicine (independent) Springsteen-like sophomore release proves emotive rock debut wasn’t a fluke. One of the most stunningly beautiful projects I’ve ever heard. Brooke Fraser is brilliant. 5. Anberlin New Surrender (Universal Republic) Major mainstream breakthrough that’s been building since the band’s indie success from day one, though this is ironically its most spiritual album to date. 3. Sandra McCracken Red Balloon (independent) Easily the most prolific work of this impressive songwriter’s career. 2. Brandon Heath What If We (Reunion) What if we all communicated as honestly as Brandon Heath? 4. Josh Garrels Jacaranda (Small Voice) Impossible to describe, impossible to avoid. The North Carolina neofolkster hits his full stride. 3. The Afters Never Going Back to OK (INO) The perfect blend…poetic, artistic, beautiful and all-out FUN! GRACE S. CARTWRIGHT 5. Delirious 1. Brooke Fraser Albertine (Wood and Bone) Stunning songwriting anchored by soaring vocals and crunchy piano ballads. Watch out United States, Brooke Fraser is here to change your music world. 4. Chris Tomlin Hello Love (sixsteps) Hello one more excellent batch of Christ-centered anthems. Kingdom of Comfort (Sparrow) Legendary Brits go out on top with challenging anthems. 5. Third Day Revelation (Essential) A defining album for one of Christian music’s most beloved bands. ANDREW GREER 2. Matt Wertz Under Summer Sun (Universal Republic) Finally creeping out from the independent shadows… The acoustic release of the year… punchy love songs and sleepy guitar, courtesy of Mr. Wertz. 1. Cindy Morgan Beautiful Bird (independent) Making the dobro accessible again, 2008’s “Songwriter of the Year” releases her finest record yet. ANDY ARGYRAKIS 1. Downhere Ending Is Beginning (Centricity) Superb mixture of piano-bathed ballads, ethereal swells and melodic masterpieces. 3. Rush of Fools Wonder of the World (Midas) The guys from Alabama slam out an album that shows their hit single “Undo” was just the tip of the iceberg. They also will endear fans with new love song/single “Never Far Away.” (Everybody say “Awwwwww…”). 2. Charlie Hall The Bright Sadness (sixsteps) For those who question and yet still believe, The Bright Sadness is a work of art. 3. Leeland Opposite Way (Essential) Leeland = cutting-edge rock with lyrics to sink your teeth into. Not bad for young ‘uns. 2. Kirk Franklin The Fight of My Life (Zomba) The gospel/R&B/hip-hop/rocker continues to raise the bar with every album, and this is by far his most diverse disc to date. 4. Jason Gray Acoustic Storytime (Centricity) He may be one of Christian music’s best-kept secrets. This album captures the essence of Mr. Gray’s live show. 4. Decemberadio Satisfied (Slanted) With a smoking live show and crazy hot licks, Southern rock never sounded so fine. 3. Brooke Fraser Albertine (Wood & Bone) This New Zealand superstar’s an incredibly vivid storyteller who’s just as engaging as she is charming and not afraid to showcase her faith (despite the mainstream nature of this album). 5. Laura Story Great God Who Saves (INO) No, Chris Tomlin didn’t write “Indescribable”! Laura Story did! And there’s more where that came from… This is a must-have for any fan of authentic, singable worship. 5. Randy Travis Around the Bend (Warner Bros.) This articulate storyteller raises the bar on his own fairytale career. Easily one of his best. YouthWorkerJournal.com | March/April 2009 57 http://www.YouthWorkerJournal.com
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