By Kevin Pollard

• Delirious?: Kingdom of Comfort, Furious?/Sparrow

Delirious? return with their 12th album – which continues where they left off on 2005’s The Mission Bell – with its urgent call to action. Musically, the album strikes a balance between guitar driven Brit rock (‘God is Smiling’ and ‘Stare the Monster Down’) and passionate worship (‘We Give You Praise’ and ‘All God’s Children’). The album is sonically robust, thanks to producer Sam Gibson (Pearl Jam, Hillsong United). It is also lyrically provocative, as on the title song: “Save me from the kingdom of comfort where I am king . . . I rob myself of innocence with the poison of indifference.”The band’s recent mission trips to Cambodia, India and South Africa influenced much of the material – including the powerful ‘Love Will Find a Way,’ which says: “I stare in the eyes of this flesh and bone / I’m a tourist here so tomorrow I go home.”Delirious? make their only western Canada tour stop at the HistoryMaker youth conference in Chilliwack, May 19.           delirious.co.uk

• Ashley Cleveland: Before the Daylight’s Shot, 204 Records

Although she is a critically acclaimed singer/ songwriter, most had not heard Ashley Cleveland’s seventh album when it was honoured at this year’s Grammy awards for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album. This is nothing new for her. It was her third Grammy – yet you will not hear her bluesy roots pop/rock songs on Christian radio. The CD features the hard-edged blues of ‘The Blessing,’ the guitar pop of ‘Streams of Mercy’ and a bluesy cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Higher Ground.’ ashleycleveland.com

• Matthew West: Something to Say, Sparrow/EMI

Since his debut in 2004, Matthew West has released two albums, seen his songs ‘More’ and ‘Only Grace’ become hits on Christian radio, and lent his pen to songs for the likes of Rascal Flatts, Natalie Grant and Mandisa. This new CD is one of the best AC pop/rock albums of the year. West seems poised to dominate the airwaves with his catchy melodies and songwriting abilities  – which put him somewhere between Steven Curtis Chapman and TobyMac. There are too many great songs to list; but highlights include the tender ‘Safe and Sound’; the infectious pop of ‘The Center’; and the guitar riffs of ‘A Friend in the World. matthewwest.com

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• Leeland: Opposite Way, Essential

This Grammy-nominated, five-piece rock/ worship band from Baytown, Texas present the follow-up to their highly successful and critically acclaimed debut. The album features passionate, progressive Brit pop/rock songs – which I would describe as lyrically worshipful, but not for a corporate setting. Leeland’s vocals remind me of Charlie Peacock or Phil Keaggy, on songs like ‘Count Me In’ and ‘Thief in the Night. leelandonline.com

• Cadia: Cadia, Fervent

Some may say there are plenty of pop/rock female artists in Christian music already; but if you’re looking for something new, give a listen to this self-titled debut. Long-time friends Courtney Myers and Tori Smith, both aged 19, offer honest songs aimed at encouraging their peers. Empowering anthems by some of today’s finest songwriters, such as Nichole Nordeman and Cindy Morgan, exhort girls to sexual purity and spiritually-focused lives. The duo’s vocal abilities shine on ‘Inside Out,’ ‘This One’s for the Girls’ and ‘Radiate.’                   cadiaonline.com

• Mark Harris: Windows and Walls, INO

Following up his successful solo debut, The Line Between the Two – which included the Dove award winning ‘Find Your Wings’ – Harris once again delivers powerful AC pop which is sure to please any 4Him fans. The title track addresses the integrity of living out our faith with our families; ‘Let the Redeemed’ creates a classic worship moment; and ‘Use Words’ encourages us to live in such a way that words are no longer necessary.    

markharrisonline.com

May 2008