The following are what I think were the best Christian albums released in 2006 (or the very end of 2005), in no particular order…
Jars of Clay “Good Monsters” - Hailed as CCM’s Album of the Year, this is by far the Jars’ best album since their self-titled debut in 1995. They rock out a little more than usual, and Dan Haseltine’s voice sounds as strong as ever. I was blown away by the first 3 songs on the disc, as well as the title track “Good Monsters”. Former Sixpence singer Leigh Nash makes a nice cameo appearance, trading lyrics with Haseltine in “Mirrors and Smoke”. There are a couple of skip-able tracks, but the quality songs more than make up for it.
File under: Alternative/Rock
CCM rating: A+ My rating: A
Plumb “Chaotic Resolve” - Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, aka Plumb, has been one of the most underrated Christian artists since she started in 1997. Her fourth album, “Chaotic Resolve” was produced by Matt Bronleewe (Leeland, Rebecca St. James, Joy Williams), and the tracks are very tight and innovative. Plumb is by far one of the best female rock vocalists out there. Her lyrics are honest and real. These songs range from hard rockers to a couple love songs to her husband, and a song dedicated to “cutters”, those who injure themselves, in keeping with Plumb’s custom of dedicating one song per album to abuse victims. This album is quite a ride, from the intense and hard hitting “Better” and “Good Behavior”, to the electric, gothic strains and self-scrutinizing lyrics of “I Have Nothing”.
File under: Rock
CCM Rating: B+ My rating: A
Rebecca St. James “If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something” - Released in 11/05, but having most of its impact in 2006, RSJ’s latest flat out rocks. The lyrics are very genuine and personal, and as usual, producer Matt Bronleewe makes the production click. There is only one song I don’t like, which is very forgivable for an album this good.
File under: Rock
CCM Rating: A My rating: A
Kutless “Hearts of the Innocent” - This time around, in addition to their customary hard-rocking anthems, the guys have a few more power ballads. And that’s a good thing because Jon-Micah Sumrall knows how to sing them. As usual the production rocks thanks to Aaron Sprinkle (Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp, Fair). Solid effort.
File under: Rock
CCM Rating: A- My rating: A-
NEEDTOBREATHE “Daylight” - This was the best debut of 2006 in my opinion. According to CCM: “…”Daylight” is so deep on potential rock radio singles, this disc would make a good “best of” album for a lot of other bands.” And yes folks this is a DEBUT. It features great melodies and engaging hooks. Lead singer Bear Rinehart is a versatile vocalist, and plays a mean piano. Except for one song, I listened to this over and over when I first got it. Strongly recommended.
File under: Rock
CCM rating: A- My rating: A
Leeland “Sound of Melodies” - I think this was the 2nd best debut of 2006. Frontman Leeland Mooring is only 18, and his songwriting and vocal ability are far beyond his years. Producer Matt Bronleewe produced five of the songs, and not surprisingly they are mainly the album’s best. The album is very passionate and worshipful. This band has a great future. Michael W. Smith recruited Leeland Mooring to co-write eight songs on his newest album, “Stand“, which should help put Mooring’s talent in perspective.
File under: Worshipful Rock
CCM rating: A- My rating: A-
Hawk Nelson “Smile, It’s the End of the World” - No sophomore slump here, as the boys bring it on their second album. High energy pop rock is the flavor, with great production once again thanks to Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Jeremy Camp). The lyrics are honest, and it’s a fast listen. Time flies when you’re having fun…
File under: Punk/Pop
CCM rating: A My rating: A
Skillet “Comatose” - This album has a HUGE arena rock sound. It is mostly hard music, but without the screaming. Instead, lead singer John Cooper brings great melodies and powerful choruses. Keyboardist Korey Cooper provides great backup vocals. The lyrical themes are not new or unique, ranging from love, relationships, truth, life’s difficulties, etc, but the sound is gigantic and will rock you from here to kingdom come.
File under: Rock
CCM rating: B+ My rating: A-
Pivitplex “The King in a Rookery” - This sophomore effort from Montana-based Pivitplex is an astounding improvement from their first album “Under Museum Quality Glass”, which wasn’t too bad to begin with. This new disc brings an alternative power-pop sound, with some brit-rock influence. It is heavy in the melody and hook departments, and features great guitar riffs, complex vocal arrangements, and thought provoking lyrics. Strongly recommended.
File under: Eclectic Modern Rock
CCM rating: A My rating: A
MUTEMATH (self-titled) - Over two years ago MUTEMATH released an EP “Reset”, which I read a good review on, and picked it up. It was very good, and featured the song “Control”, which is one of my favorite songs of all time. They disappeared for a while, but resurfaced in 2006 with this debut full-length album. It features an electro-alternative style, and creative instrumentation. The songs “Control”, “Typical”, “Chaos”, and “Break the Same” are alone worth the purchase price. And the rest of it rocks as well. Lead singer and keyboardist Paul Meany has a great voice, and his intensity fuels the fire on the above-mentioned songs. This is my favorite album of the year. MUTEMATH also puts on a phenomenal live show. I saw them in November, and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. It’s hard not to like a show when the keyboardist pulls off various aerial stunts from his amp, and the drummer is so intense that he duct-tapes his earphones to his head so they don’t fall off while he head-bangs.
File Under: Eclectic Rock/Alternative
CCM rating: Not reviewed. My rating: A+
Switchfoot “Oh! Gravity” - After releasing the platinum-selling “The Beautiful Letdown”, and its follow-up “Nothing is Sound”, Switchfoot returns with yet another strong album. They have set the bar extremely high, and they live up to expectations for the most part. They continue with the same formula: melodic rock, crunchy guitars, and compelling insights on modern life. While staying with what has worked for them, they do not just go through the motions. The songs rock, and are fresh and catchy. Highlights include “Awakening”, “Dirty Second Hands”, and “Yesterdays”-a song which reflects on the loss of a friend, but gives hope for eternity. Excellent album.
File under: Melodic Rock
CCM rating: B+ My rating: A
Newsboys “Go” After taking a few years to focus primarily on worship music, the Newsboys have returned with a diverse rock offering. “Go” includes styles from all points in their career, so there is definitely something here for every Newsboys fan. CCM: “…the group achieves the rare distinction of having a cross-generational impact, maintaining its old school die-hards, while giving the younger crew something substantial to sink their teeth into”. While I’m not sure Peter Furler should be using the slang “Holler back”, the album is an enjoyable listen.
File under: Rock/Pop
CCM Rating: B+ My rating: B+
Jeremy Camp “Beyond Measure” - Jeremy returns with his new release "Beyond Measure". I heard the first single, the high-powered "Tonight" before the album released, and liked it a lot. I am a little disappointed that there are few other songs that "rock out" like this one on the album, though "No Matter What" isn't bad. I was hoping for a return to his earlier, more aggressive stuff along the lines of "Stay", "Lay Down My Pride", and "Take My Life", at least for a few tracks on the album. Perhaps super-producer Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Hawk Nelson, Fair) should have been employed on more than just 3 tracks. Not surprisingly, 2 of these three, "Tonight" and "What It Means" are a couple of the project's best. The majority of the songs consist of mostly well-crafted melodies, especially "When You Are Near". At times, some of the lyrics are a little cliché-ish. His wife, Adie (check out her solo project), provides some nice background vocals on the album. Overall, a decent disc but I was hoping for more voltage. If you like Jeremy’s music, don’t hesitate to get this.
File under: Pop/Rock
CCM Rating: A My Rating: B+
Adie “Don’t Wait” - Adie, wife of Jeremy Camp and former lead singer of the band “The Benjamin Gate”, releases her solo debut. This is lighter music than the energetic power-pop of BG, but Adie’s ethereal voice makes it a great listen. She sings strongly and passionately, yet maintains vulnerability. Highlights include the up-tempo “Your Way” and “When It’s Over’, and the title track. The album also features an Aaron Sprinkle produced cover of the Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn.”
File Under: Pop/Rock
CCM Rating: A My Rating: B+
Starflyer 59 “My Island” - Starflyer has been around for a long time and has consistently made quality music, but remained underrated for some reason. “My Island” has heavy influences from 80’s new wave and alternative rock. On a few songs, a cross between Depeche Mode and A Flock of Seagulls would be a good way to describe the music. Frontman Jason Martin produced the album himself, and busts out the synthesizer and alt rock guitar and creates some mesmerizing sounds. Starflyer has a lot of albums. I’ve listened to a few of them, but this one is my favorite.
File Under: Rock/Alternative
CCM Rating: A My Rating: A
Fair “The Best Worst-Case” Scenario” - On this album, prolific producer Aaron Sprinkle launches his own band. He is the lead singer, lead guitarist and producer of the album, and his power-pop alt-rock style dominates the cd, which was grammy-nominated for “Best Recording Package”. Naturally, the production is top-notch, and so are the lyrics, which are interesting if you pay attention. This gem is one of the best albums of 2006, but due to limited exposure, it probably hasn’t/won’t get the attention it deserves. Also, a band name like “Fair” isn’t the most creative. It also looks like they currently limit their touring to the Northwest, where the band is based. No matter, pick this one up.
File Under: Alt/Modern Rock
CCM Rating: A My Rating: A
Jessie Daniels (Self Titled) - This debut is a good collection of pop tunes, and if you like Kelly Clarkson you will probably like this. Lyrically, it’s not especially deep but the catchy hooks make up for it. Future looks bright…
File Under: Pop/Rock
CCM Rating: B My Rating: B
Aaron Shust “Anything Worth Saying” - Modern rock worship is nothing new, but Aaron Shust sure makes it sound good. This album was good enough to get Aaron voted “Best New Artist” in CCM’s Reader’s Choice Awards for 2006. With thoughtful lyrics and a great voice, he delivers an excellent debut, featuring the radio hit “My Savior My God”. Other highlights are “Glory to You”, “Matchless”, and “Give It All Away”.
File Under: Worshipful Rock
CCM Rating: Couldn’t find it, may not have been reviewed as it didn’t get noticed right away after being released. My Rating: A-
Sanctus Real “Face of Love” - Back with their 4th album, Sanctus Real takes a lyrical step forward while maintaining their alt-rock sound. I got to hear them explain some of their songs when they performed after the Phantoms game in Philly last year. The lyrics are honest, and they gave real-life situations that inspired them. “I’m Not Alright” emphasizes the need for God, and “We’re Trying” points out the reality of the state of humanity. Very good album.
File Under: Modern/Alt Rock
CCM Rating: A My Rating: A-
