By Kevin Pollard

• Mandisa: True Beauty, EMI/Sparrow

IT’S BEEN just over a year since Mandisa shot to instant fame. Millions of viewers were captivated by her bubbly personality and powerhouse vocals, as she sang her way into the final rounds of American Idol. After the Idol concert tour, she recorded this debut album. She also wrote Idol Eyes , a book about ‘Faith, Fat and Fame’ – telling women they can be beautiful at any size, and that self-esteem comes only when they accept themselves as unique, much-loved creations of God.

This theme runs throughout the CD.  Infectious R&B infused tracks will have you up and dancing. Toby Mac and his Diversity Band are featured on ‘Love Somebody.’ Also included here is the song which set off a controversy with Idol host Simon Cowell: an overtly Christian cover of Mary, Mary’s ‘Shackles (Praise You).’ But it is the ballads offered here which showcase her stunning vocals, and set this album apart from your typical debut ­– as heard on the show-stopping ‘Voice of a Saviour’ and the gorgeous ‘God Speaking.’ One of the best albums of the year.                                          mandisaofficial.com

• Third Day: Chronology Volume Two, Essential/Sony/BMG

To commemorate the 10 years since Third Day’s debut, Essential offers two CD/DVD packages. This volume captures many of the hits from 2001-2006, such as ‘Show Me Your Glory,’ ‘Tunnel’ and ‘Sing a Song’ – along with new live recordings of ‘You are so Good to Me,’ ‘Cry Out to Jesus’ and ‘Blessed Assurance.’ The icing on the cake  is the inclusion of rarities such as ‘Carry Me Home’ from a 2001 EP; ‘I See Love’ from The Passion of the Christ: Songs, featuring Steven Curtis Chapman; and ‘Movin’ on Up,’ from The Second Chance soundtrack.

But what truly makes this worth picking up is the DVD.  A new documentary leads you through the group’s journey – from garage band to the Grammy and Dove winning band we all now know. Band members’ commentary and home video clips from their early years give us a real-life glimpse at the humble beginnings of this premier  band.  A must-have for any Christian music fan.                                   thirdday.com

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• Article One: Article One, inPop/EMI

Easily one of Canada’s most talented up-and-coming pop/rock acts, Ontario-based Article One combines violin, keyboards and three-part vocal harmonies to create an inventive sound reminiscent of PFR, Scott Krippayne and even the Beatles. Winner of Kingdom Bound’s 2005 International Talent Search, the trio comprises founding brothers Nathan (vocals/guitars/piano) and Matthew Piche (vocals/violin), as well as Dave DeSmit (vocals/drums).

The band’s diverse influences (U2, Top 40 and classical), and their insights into the joys and trials of Christian life, make their music stand out. Produced by Canadian Siegfried Meier (The Salads, Turn off the Stars), Article One’s first national label project showcases its extensive musical training on pop songs that are both catchy and emotionally charged.               articleonemusic.com

• Jeff Deyo: Unveil, Indelible / Word

Jeff Deyo returns with his first new studio album in three years. Unveil marks a new direction for Deyo and his band, who retain their worship-inspiring lyrics while charting new sonic territory. As a result, the CD is a bold new statement in the over-saturated ‘modern worship’ market.

Produced by newcomer The Kurnoll, and mastered in New York by renowned mastering engineer Ted Jensen (Switchfoot, Fall Out Boy, Dave Matthews Band, The Police), the album will appeal to Deyo’s large existing fan base, and win over new converts with its powerful worship anthems.

Deyo and band continue to log well over 100 days on the road every year, playing large youth conferences, festivals and sold-out concerts. They will be at October’s Unite in Worship Conference in Burnaby.                        jeffdeyo.com

• Robin Mark: East of the River, Integrity

Birthed out of one of the largest churches in Northern Ireland, Christian Fellowship Church, East of the River captures the essence of internationally-known worship leader/songwriter Robin Mark. Blending Celtic-styled Irish instrumentation with the passion of modern worship, this powerful release features 14 new songs from one of the world’s most respected worship leaders. It is his first new studio album in seven years. Mark will also perform at Unite in Worship (see above).         robinmark.com

September 2007