By Kevin Pollard

• Danny Gokey: My Best Days, RCA/Sony

AMERICAN IDOL Season 8 finalist Danny Gokey was certainly remembered by millions for the heartbreaking story about his wife, Sophia. She encouraged him to give Idol a shot; but just a month before the audition, she died – following a long battle with heart disease. He found solace and healing in music, and his faith, and went on to a third place finish.

Coming from a background as a worship leader, I was curious to hear what kind of album he would release. I was pleasantly surprised that he went down the country/pop road.

The album has many powerful songs of hope, and his faith is not suppressed. Instead, it takes centre stage on songs like ‘I Still Believe,’ ‘Tiny Life’ and ‘It’s Only.’

Other highlights include ‘My Best Days are Ahead of Me’ and    ‘I Will Not Say Goodbye.’ Although Gokey did none of the  songwriting, he hand-picked songs that clearly speak from his heart.

• Trip Lee: Between Two Worlds, Reach Records

This highly-anticipated third studio album from Trip Lee debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart and Top Gospel Albums Chart – which was unprecedented for a Hip Hop/Rap album.

Although the genre has platinum selling artists in the mainstream, the Christian marketplace has yet to support in great numbers anyone other than niche artists Grits, John Reuben and T-Bone.

Lee looks to be changing that, with his hot beats, fresh sounds and straightforward Christ-centred lyrics.

On ‘Snitch,’ he implores people not to be ashamed of confessing their sins to Christ. Other highlights include: ‘I Love Music,’ ‘Limitations,’ ‘Yours to Own’ and ‘Twisted’ (which features rap artist Lecrae).  

If you are a fan of the rap genre, but you don't think a Christian act can measure up, take a listen to this CD – and look for his video, ‘The Invasion(Hero).’

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• Tenth Avenue North: The Light Meets the Dark, Reunion

It has been a fast ride of success for these newcomers. Their lyrically compelling pop/rock 2008 debut led to Dove Awards for both New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.

Needless to say, this sophomore album is one of the most highly anticipated releases of this year. Once again, they offer powerful and poignant lyrics, set to infectious melodies.

They are off to a great start with the first single, ‘Healing Begins,’ which declares: “This is where the healing starts / When you come to where you’re broken within / The light meets the dark.” Solid songwriting abounds on the 11 pop/rock tracks found here. Highlights include ‘You are More,’ Strong Enough to Save’ and ‘Hearts Safe (A Better Way).’

• Hillsong Live: A Beautiful Exchange, Hillsong

With more than 11 million albums sold worldwide, Australia’s Hillsong Live now releases its 20th recording. This is the first release of brand new songs in alliance with EMI Christian Music Group.

Hillsong has birthed many worship anthems that are sung around the world, such as ‘Shout to the Lord,’ ‘Mighty to Save,’ ‘My Hope,’ ‘From the Inside Out’ and ‘Hosanna.’ This latest effort is certain to contribute even more.

Recorded live last November in Sydney, and led by worship leaders Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Ben Fielding and Darlene Zschech, the album offers themes of sacrifice and redemption. Highlights include ‘Forever Reign,’ ‘Our God is Love’ and the high-energy ‘You.’

The standout, which is sure be sung in many a church, is  ‘Like Incense / Sometimes By Step.’ It marries Rich Mullins’ classic, ‘Step by Step,’ with an intimate and powerful lyric: “May my prayer like incense rise before you . . . / Oh Lord Jesus, turn your eyes upon me / For I know there is mercy in your sight.”

August 2010