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By Kevin Pollard
• Ayiesha Woods: Love Like This, Gotee
 It has taken me awhile to discover Ayiesha Woods. This
is the best urban/pop album of the year, in my books. Her debut snagged
nominations for both Grammy and Dove awards.
This sophomore album will certainly introduce this
singer/songwriter’s throaty alto voice to many more fans. The CD has
so many instantly singable melodies, I don’t know how they will be
able to choose a select few for radio singles. There are flawless pop
sounds, and one jazzy number; and the urban synth-laden tracks
‘Because of Your Love’ and ‘New Beginnings’ will
have you pressing ‘repeat.’
ayieshawoods.com
• Downhere: Ending is Beginning,
Centricity/Word
 One of Canada’s best kept secrets has been this
alt/rock band. Downhere has won Juno and Covenant awards, and been atop
critics’ choice lists since their 2001debut; but they have yet to
experience the mass recognition they deserve.
This, their fourth album, is nominated for a Juno as
Contemporary Christian Album of the Year.
With well crafted lyrics, and the amazing dual lead
vocals of Marc Martel and Jason Germain, the songs have a perfect balance
of artistry and ministry – offering hope to a broken world.
A good example is ‘Something
Heavenly,’ which declares: “Air is cleaner, grass is always
greener / For the crowd of hosts up where they are / If I could visit,
I’d just contaminate it / Why so big a place for me in Your heart /
To leave Your glory home / Just to make a broken man Your own?”
downhere.com
• Mission Six: Superhero, Infinity
 Newcomers Mission Six will certainly fit right in with
the Jonas Brothers on the playlist of Radio
Disney.
These five young guys also offer high energy and
enthusiasm; they play their own instruments; and they co-wrote several of
the songs this debut album (an exception is the Go-Go’s ‘We Got
the Beat.’
Their pop/rock sound is perfect for their tween peers,
and their positive music has occasional spiritual references: ‘Walk a
Mile’ is a metaphor for salvation; and ‘Tomorrow’ talks
about God’s hand in our lives.
There’s certainly enough here to give parents
peace of mind – but not quite enough for my recommendation.
missionsixmusic.com
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• Family Force 5: Dance or
Die, Tooth & Nail
 When Family Force 5 hit the scene in 2006 with their
debut, Business Up Front, Party in the Back, you could not escape the hype.
Their crunch-rock sound and dynamic live shows were
making them the band to watch for.
But this sophomore album offers 80s rock –
which sounds dated, rather than hip; and the lyrics here are pointless.
Maybe some of the songs could be fun to see performed
live; but this effort has little to be desired.
myspace.com/familyforce5
• Grits: Reiterate, Revolution/Provident/Sony BMG
 Grits’ eighth full-length album marks the
beginning of a new era for Teron ‘Bonafide’ Carter and Stacy
‘Coffee’ Jones.
After a decade with Gotee Records, they have started
their own indie label.
This hip hop duo shows their diversity here on the 80s
groove of ‘Sky May Fall’ and ‘Remind Me’; the
smooth soulful sound of ‘Something about You’ and
‘Walking My Way’; and the hard-hitting ‘Get it
Started’ and ‘Livin Dreams.’
There are surprising guest turns from rockers like Dan
Haseltine (Jars of Clay) and Mac Powell (Third Day), worship singer Martha
Munizzi and pop singer Britt Nicole.
myspace.com/officialgrits
March 2009
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