By Kevin Pollard

• Avalon: Another Time, Another Place, Sparrow/EMI

JUST AS we have seen classic pop songs given new interpretations by artists like Rod Stewart and American Idol contestants, Avalon has released an album of songs that defined contemporary Christian music. Subtitled ‘Timeless Christian Classics,’ the CD has songs from many pioneers of CCM. These new versions have the signature Avalon sound, on favourites from the 80s and early 90s – like Steven Curtis Chapman’s ‘For the Sake of the Call,’ First Call’s ‘The Reason We Sing,’ Russ Taff’s ‘We Will Stand’ and Amy Grant’s ‘Thy Word.’ Their vocal harmonies and fresh arrangements bring new life to ‘God is in Control’ (Twila Paris), ‘People Get Ready’ (Crystal Lewis) and ‘Friend of a Wounded Heart’ (Wayne Watson).       avalononline.com

• Jars of Clay: Live Monsters, Essential
• Jars of Clay: Greatest Hits, Essential

Jars of Clay’s critically-acclaimed Good Monsters is brought to life on Live Monsters, recorded during the 2006-2007 North American tour.  If you missed the great live show they put on in Metro Vancouver, you can experience the raw energy and emotion of hits such as ‘Work’ and ‘There is a River.’ Since launching its career in 1995, the band has amassed more than six million in sales, multiple awards, 17 number one hits and numerous film credits. Their Greatest Hits package includes ‘Love Song For a Saviour,’  ‘Worlds Apart’ and ‘Flood.’ It’s certainly not definitive, though, as many of their big hits are missing here.                                    jarsofclay.com

• Michael English: The Prodigal Comes Home, Curb

Although Michael English tried to make a comeback in 2000, with Heaven to Earth, he was not physically or spiritually ready – as he continued to struggle with an addiction to painkillers. After rehab and spiritual revival, he is back with this new album of soulful pop songs – and a tell-all autobiography with the same title. The songs represent the grace, forgiveness and redemption he has experienced, and his honest and vulnerable vocal delivery is truly unmatched. Highlights here include ‘Sanctuary,’ Matthew West’s ‘Feels Like Redemption,’ the haunting ‘Breakthrough,’ and the title track.                            curb.com

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• Hawk Nelson:  . . . is my friend, BEC

This Ontario-based pop/ punk band has made a lot of friends since their debut in 2004, selling nearly half a million albums and gaining a high profile song placement (‘Bring ’Em Out,’ on NBC’s NFL Sunday Night Football). Now the group offers their third album – which includes the most creative CD packaging I have seen, with the liner insert folding out into a board game. The new album showcases this foursome’s pounding guitars on ‘Friend Like That’ and ‘I Still Miss You.’ Their diversity is shown by honest ballads like ‘Somebody Else,’ and ‘I Still Miss You’ – which is a tribute to a dearly departed grandmother.       hawknelsonismyfriend.com

• Jaci Velasquez: Love Out Loud, Apostrophe/Word

In the 10 years since her platinum selling debut, Heavenly Place, Velasquez has experienced many highs with multiple awards and hit songs. But in 2005 she hit a lifetime low point, going through a divorce. After a time of searching and renewal – including marriage to Salvador’s Nic Gonzales, and their first child – she returned to the studio. Released on her own Apostrophe Records, the album takes the listener on a musical journey of hope, healing and love, on songs like the worshipful ‘Jesus (The Way),’ the Latin-flavoured ‘Tango,’ the upbeat ‘Nothing But Sky’ – and ‘A Likely Story,’ about falling in love with her husband.                jacivelasquez.com

• The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: I’ll Say Yes, Integrity

One of the most decorated choirs in music today are back, with their 26th album. With 13 songs and more than 70 minutes of worship, there is something for everyone here. From their special music features, like ‘I Need You Once Again’ or ‘I Never Lost My Praise,’ to the straightforward worship of ‘Hallelujah You’re Worthy’ and ‘We Fill the Sanctuary,’ the power and passion are unmistakable here. As evidenced on this stellar effort, it is no surprise that they have been recognized with six Grammy awards, seven Dove awards and four million in album sales.

integritymusic.com

June 2008