By Kevin Pollard

• MercyMe: The Generous Mr. Lovewell, INO

On the eve of the release of  their sixth studio album, MercyMe’s ‘I Can Only Imagine’ recently made history.

The single surpassed a million digital downloads, making it the first song in Christian music to go platinum in the digital domain.

But rather than just sticking to their proven formula of adult contemporary pop/rock, this album sees the sextet branching away from their sonic comfort zone.

Lyrically, they attempt something of a concept album that revolves around a fictional character – who reminds us that we simply need to love others as well as we can.

Themes of unconditional love, compassion and sacrifice permeate these 11 songs, starting with ‘This Life’ – with its programming-heavy track and proactive lyric: “Cause heaven’s in my heart / I won’t settle for less / I will lift Your name by the life I live.”

The title track – whimsical pop – with Beach Boys-esque harmonies, introduces the lead character: “Mr. Lovewell we could use a few more just like you / That care enough to give this life away.”

Not surprisingly, the first single – ‘All of Creation’ – is already No. 1 on Christian radio.

• Superchick: Reinvention, InPop

Superchick hope to tide over music-starved fans with an album featuring nine remixes from their four studio albums, plus three new songs. I’ve always been a fan of remixes when they breathe new life into hits.

Such is the case with ‘Rock What You Got,’ ‘One and Lonely,’ ‘Pure’ and ‘Hey, Hey.’

The best remix is done on ‘Karaoke Superstars’ – which begs you to turn it up. The new tracks leave you guessing, as far as the direction the band may go with their next release.

‘With You’ is an acoustic ballad performed solely by lead singer Tricia Brock; ‘Still Here’ rocks an anthemic cry of daily perseverance.

But the strongest new track for me is ‘Let it Roll,’ featuring bassist Matt Dally on lead vocal. It reminds me of their catchy ‘We Live’ – and the message of self-control is welcome, considering most of the CD is just pure fun.

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• NeedToBreathe:"The Out-siders, Atlantic/Word

At last month’s Dove Awards this up and coming rock band were surprised to receive the Group of the Year statuette – which has previously been given to the likes of  Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Third Day and Jars of Clay.

Their southern rock sound is a welcome change, as heard on the title track’s banjo intro and the foot-stompin’ hit single ‘Lay ‘Em Down.’ The band shows the diversity of their sound with the arena rock of ‘Valley of Tomorrow’; the gritty country rock of ‘Prisoner’’ and the tender ballad, ‘Stones Under Rushing Water’ – done as a duet with Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins.

• Passion:"Awakening, Sparrow/EMI

It’s hard to believe that the college-focused Passion worship gathering has been going strong for 13 years now.

This year’s live recording from the event held in Atlanta once again offers one of the strongest worship albums of the year.

Of the 12 songs here, eight are originals. The best tracks are Christie Nockels’ ‘Healing is in Your Hands’; and perennial favourite Chris Tomlin’s ‘Chosen Generation’ and ‘Our God.’

On the stirring title track, Tomlin sings:"“For You and You alone / Awake my soul and sing / For the world You love/ Your will be done in me.’ This refrain will, doubtless, soon be sung in churches nationwide.

Other highlights include Matt Redman’s ‘You Alone Can Rescue’; David Crowder Band’s ‘How He Loves’; newly included guests of honour Hillsong United, who offer ‘With Everything’; and worship rockers Fee with ‘Rise and Sing.’

Dove Awards narrowly missed huge flood

THE 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards were held April 21 at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House – just over a week before the theatre was closed due to damage from the massive Tennessee flood of early May.

Highlights from the awards ceremony included newcomer Francesca Battistelli, who walked away with two Doves. She was named Female Vocalist of the Year; and she won the Short Form Music Video category for ‘Free to be Me.’

For the second year in a row, Brandon Heath took home the Male Vocalist of the Year trophy. Jars of Clay won the Pop/Contemporary Album prize for The Long Fall Back to Earth, as well as for the album’s Recorded Music Packaging, designed in partnership with Tim Parker.

Artist of the Year was the platinum-selling Casting Crowns. The Atlanta-based band continues to be one of the nation’s top-selling artists across all genres. Its latest album, Until the Whole World Hears, made its debut at no. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, surpassing the first-week sales of rapper 50 Cent.

In the Rock/Contemporary section, NeedToBreathe saw The Outsiders  honoured as Album of the Year, and ‘Lay ‘em Down’ hailed as Recorded Song of the Year.

The  New Artist of the Year honours went to Sidewalk Prophets.

– Kevin Pollard

June 2010