Pollard's picks: Top 10 albums of 2001

• CeCe Winans: CeCe Winans, Wellspring, 2001.

Winans' fifth solo effort is a perfect balance of smooth R & B, jazz, praise, pop, gospel and even hip hop, in a top notch production which lifts the name of Jesus high.

• Various: Shout to the Lord Kids, Integrity, 2001.

I know this inclusion will scream my age and the influence of my family -- but this top notch live album has never left the CD carousel since the day we got it five months ago.

• Steven Curtis Chapman: Declaration, Sparrow, 2001.

On Chapman's 12th album, he continues to stretch the boundaries of his past adult contemporary acoustic pop work, as he surges forward with a modern pop/rock sound.

• Michael W. Smith: Worship, Reunion, 2001.

Smith assembled an all-star choir of Christian artists to take part in a live worship recording; but what makes this record so powerful is the fact that no soloist's voice is ever featured -- as all their voices are united in pure worship.

• Tree 63: Tree63, InPop, 2000.

This one came out in 2000, but I didn't get it until the end of the year and it continues to stand out as one of the best.

• FFH: Have I Ever Told You, Essential, 2001.

This vocal-based group is back with their third album, offering more of the catchy pop melodies and great lyrics which have brought them so many hits.

• Superchick: Karaoke Superstar, InPop, 2001.

The best new act of the year. Their high energy pop/rock sound is unlike anything out there; think of a hip and younger Newsboys, with a couple of female band members.

• Point of Grace: Free to Fly, Word, 2001.

Once again, these women surround themselves with some of today's best songwriters. No groundbreaking sound, but fabulous songs laden with their signature harmonies.

• 4Him: Walk On, Word/Epic, 2001.

4Him's latest offers a fresh new sound; and as we have all come to expect, the songs are full of biblically sound, relevant lyrics that focus on the importance of faith.

• Katinas: Destiny, Gotee, 2001.

In a world of slick boy bands, it's refreshing to hear these brothers sing with fabulous harmonies and Christ-centred lyrics -- all in a hip R & B / funk / pop package.