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 By Kevin Pollard
• Bart Millard: Hymned Again, INO
MercyMe’s lead singer offered up his solo debut
album in 2005. Hymned presented new arrangements of classic hymns, with an
Americana sound. Once again, thanks to producer Brown Bannister, Millard
crafts innovative and fresh arrangements – creating one of my
favourite albums of hymns. The eclectic blend of country, pop, jazz and
bluegrass will soon have you singing along with ‘Stand Up, Stand Up
for Jesus,’ ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ and
‘What a Day that Will Be.’ ‘I Stand Amazed’ has a
guest appearance from Christy Nockels; the one original song here is
‘Jesus Cares for Me,’ featuring a soothing duet with Vince
Gill. The only misstep here is ‘I Saw the Light’; after David
Crowder’s version, this just sounds second rate.
bartmillard.org
• Newsboys: Houston We are Go, InPop
The first live concert CD/DVD package from this
Australian band is a bit of a disappointment without bass player Phil Joel.
All the elements that make their live shows one of the best are here: the
lights, video screens, confetti machines, a catwalk with a secondary stage
– and of course, their spinning hydraulic lift for the drum kit. But
the quality of the DVD is second rate, with no bonus features to speak of.
Though it’s strange to see them down to a foursome, they still sound
great in front of an energetic Houston crowd – performing current
hits like ‘I am Free’ and ‘Wherever We Go,’ along
with classic tunes like ‘Shine’ and ‘He Reigns.’
But this is pretty much the same show we have seen for years. This
presentation brings nothing new to the table – so I’d hold out
for their next studio release.
newsboys.com
• Switchfoot: The Best Yet, Credential/ Columbia
Millions have embraced this San Diego band since their
1997 debut, and this release attempts to sum up their career so far. With
18 songs and more than 75 minutes, there is a lot on offer here, with hits
like ‘Meant to Live’ and ‘Dare You to Move.’
Unfortunately, the only new track included here is ‘This is
Home’ – featured in the latest Narnia film, Prince Caspian. So the basic CD
has nothing much to offer their true fans; but the deluxe edition includes
a DVD featuring all of their music videos; new videos for ‘Happy is a
Yuppie Word’ and ‘The Blues’; and special intros by the
band.
switchfoot.com
• Casting Crowns: The Altar
and the Door Live, Beach Street / Provident
If you have yet to experience this Grammy Award-winning
group on tour, this CD/DVD set gives you a sense of what is on lead singer
/ songwriter Mark Hall’s heart. Live versions of hits from their
latest studio album included here are ‘East to West,’
‘Every Man’ and ‘What This World Needs’; but just
as with their last two live EPs, this release does not give a full picture
of their concert presentation. Bonus features will help justify your
purchase: the music video for ‘Slow Fade’; behind the scenes
features; and four teaching videos from Hall. castingcrowns.com
• 33 Miles: One Life, INO
This country/pop trio builds on the momentum of their
debut album. The group can’t avoid comparisons to Rascal Flatts
– and it’s deserved, thanks to songs like ‘Gone,’
‘Something Different’ and ‘Just One of Those Days.’
And once again, their pop sensibilities shine on ballads like
‘Apologize,’ ‘Jesus Calling’ and ‘One Life To
Love,’ thanks to producers Brown Bannister and Nathan Nockels. The
second half of the album is not as strong, but the songwriting is powerful
overall. Their balance between country and pop is perfect; their songs
could be played on both Christian and country radio, without a watered down
message. 33milesonline.com
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Pollard’s picks for 2008
• Matthew West: Something
to Say, Sparrow/EMI
The best pop/rock album of the year dominated the
airwaves with catchy melodies and stellar songwriting.
• Starfield: I Will Go, Sparrow/EMI
Solid production and songwriting from this
Abbotsford group gave us the best modern worship album of the year.
• Kirk Franklin: The Fight
of My Life, Zomba
Producer/songwriter Kirk Franklin continues to push the
boundaries of gospel on his best album to date.
• Bart Millard: Hymned
Again, INO. See review above.
• Brandon Heath: What if We, Reunion
The artist who gave us the Dove-nominated
‘I’m Not Who I Was’ shows he is no one-hit wonder.
• Mary Mary: The Sound, Columbia
Award-winning sisters Erica and Tina Campbell offer a
perfect mix of R&B, gospel and soul on hits like ‘Get Up.’
• Chris Tomlin: Hello Love, EMI
Again, Tomlin shows he is the worship songwriter of
this generation – with songs like ‘God of This City.’
• Francesca Battistelli: My
Paper Heart, Fervent/Warner
One of the year’s most promising debuts, by a
20-something who has great self-penned lyrics, and infectious energy.
• Laura Story: Great God
Who Saves, INO
The songwriter behind Chris Tomlin’s
‘Indescribable’ has a lot more where that came from, on her
debut CD.
• Cadia: Cadia, Fervent
This female duo debuts with honest, empowering anthems
encouraging girls to live spiritually-focused lives.
January 2009
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