By Kevin Pollard

• Various: Glory Revealed - The Word of God in Worship, Reunion

When speaker / author / minister David Nasser was talking with his friend Mac Powell (Third Day) about his idea of giving scripture new life through music, he had no idea where it would lead. Powell whole-heartedly agreed and began producing this album - with contributing vocals from friends such as Mark Hall of Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, David Crowder and Starfield's Tim Neufeld. The project uses rootsy, Americana style music as a backdrop for these new scripture-based songs. The organic, stripped down sound here gets sleepy aat times; but the album highlight - the Powell-penned 'By His Wounds' - is the vocal collaboration of the year, bringing together Powell, Mark Hall, Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys) and Steven Curtis Chapman. gloryrevealed.com

• This Beautiful Republic: Even Heroes Need a Parachute, Forefront/EMI

The recently relaunched Forefront Records has chosen This Beautiful Republic's debut album for their return. And this Ohio-raised quintet knows how to rock - with huge choruses and bold lyrics. Their melodic, modern, power pop sound will certainly attract fans of Sanctus Real, Kutless and Building 429; all 11 tracks were co-written by the band and producer Allen Salmon (Mute Math). Highlights include 'Black Box,' which questions what legacy we will leave behind in the event of a plane crash; while 'Something to Deny' uses faith as proof for the existence of God, and the moody 'Cloud Cover' effectively conveys faith during times when the Lord is silent.

thisbeautifulrepublic.com

• Jackson Waters: Come Undone, Word/Curb/Warner

This five-piece modern rock band met while attending John Brown University in Arkansas - with a common desire to reach youth through their music. Over the past few years, the band has gained notoriety among midwestern Christian colleges because of their dynamic live show and unique sound. The band made a big splash last year when their 'Center of Attention' was played on the TV drama One Tree Hill. Now their first single, the upbeat worship song 'Give Me Amazing Grace,' has seen a lot of airplay. The album weaves intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics into soaring melodies and infectious hooks. jacksonwater.com

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• Nate Sallie: Ruined For Ordinary, Curb

It's been four years since Nate Sallie's debut album, and a lot has changed - both in his life and music. Shortly after his debut pop album, Inside Out, he hit a personal breaking point - and took an extended absence from the music industry. Only then did Sallie find the 'abundant life' scripture promises, and a breakthrough followed shortly thereafter. The results are evident on this new album, which shares his internal transformation with listeners. Opening with 'Breakthrough,' the subject matter is introduced quickly; 'Holy Spirit' proclaims the power of being filled with and led by God; 'Undercover Belief' and 'What I Believe' deal with expressing his faith. Ruined has a mature, piano-based pop appeal, and even infuses a bit of New Orleans-style jazz into 'Look at Me Now.' Such touches make this one of the most original pop albums of the year. natesallie.com

• Nicole Nordeman: Recollection - The Best of Nicole Nordeman, EMI

Since her debut album in 1998, Nordeman has gone on to win nine Dove Awards; she has sold nearly a million records; and is currently the most-played female artist on Christian radio. For her first greatest hits album, she hand-picked a great mix of heart-tugging piano ballads ('Every Season,' 'I Am,' and 'Why?'); modern alt-pop ('To Know You,' 'Is it Any Wonder'); and smartly crafted adult contemporary ('This Mystery,' and mega hit 'Holy'). Along with 15 songs from her past, fans will also appreciate the inclusion of two new songs. The encouraging 'Finally Free' is a moving ballad about overcoming hurts and addictions through God, which was selected as the anthem for 2007's Women of Faith conferences. The upbeat 'Sunrise' is a great fusion of the darker themes from Nordeman's earlier albums with the hopefulness of her recent work. nicolenordeman.com

July 2007