By Kevin Pollard

• Paul Baloche: Our God Saves, Integrity

Paul Baloche is one of the world’s leading worship songwriters,  and he will surely add to his growing list of top worship songs  with his new release. This follow-up to the multiple award-winning A Greater Song has some incredible new songs, including co-writes and duets with Matt Redman, Brenton Brown and Kathryn Scott. Highlights here include the soaring title track, a rocking ‘The Kingdom of God,’ the tender ‘You Gave Your Life Away’ and the beautiful ‘Beyond Us.’ paulbaloche.com

• Pillar: For the Love of the Game, Flicker

Pillar is back with their fifth studio album. The band ranges from melodic pop-metal to hard rockers like ‘The Runaway,’ ‘Throwdown’ and the title track. They also offer the poignant power ballad ‘Smiling Down,’ which describes watching over your loved ones from heaven. The most unique song is ‘Turn it Up.’  Every lyric in the song is an album title or song title from another Christian band, excepting two lines – making reference to 34 bands, as a tribute to musicians which have influenced them.         pillarmusic.com

• Plumb: Blink, Curb/Warner

Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, the artist known as Plumb, takes a bit of a departure from her edgy modern rock with a collection of songs influenced and inspired by motherhood and her two young boys.  Joy permeates the lyrics and the ethereal sound of this collection. Harps, strings and programmed ambience replace guitars on songs like the gorgeous album opening ‘Sweet and Lovely,’ and the Sarah McLachlan-sounding ballad ‘I Love You.’ Other great songs include ‘Children of the Heavenly Father’ and ‘God Will Take Care of You.’ A great album for modern mothers who have no interest in the typical lullaby collection.               plumbmusic.com

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• Jon McLaughlin: Indiana, Island

Piano pop influenced by Billy Joel and Elton John are how many describe the music of this young newcomer. The singer / songwriter was featured on three film soundtracks this past year, including the Disney hit Enchanted. Despite his success, McLaughlin remains grounded in the faith-based values of his midwest upbringing. ‘Praying to the Wrong God’ reminds us not to put faith in worldly things, while ‘People’ reflects humanity’s desperate need for grace.                       jonmcl.com

• Jake Smith: Real, Rocketown

This debut album has a sound that is not easy to label, thanks to the myriad of musical influences on this New Orleans native. Smith offers a broad range of styles that include pop, jazz and funk, and a conversational style of songwriting. Although impressive at first, his lyrical style isn't always spiritually overt; however, there is no question where the artist is coming from. This talented 20-something is the latest to join Rocketown Records, and does a good job following alumni such as Chris Rice and Ginny Owens.          jakesmithmusic.com

• J. Moss: V2 . . . , GospoCentric/Zomba

J. Moss has returned with the follow-up to his hit R &B gospel debut The J. Moss Project. This new studio release is a musical tour-de-force, showcasing his silky smooth vocals.  He recently received Grammy nominations for the album, and the hit song ‘Praise on the Inside,’ and was honoured with various other awards.                             gospocentric.com

• Chris Rice: Peace Like a River – The Hymns Project, Eb+Flo/INO Records

Rice offers hymns with simple arrangements, using piano and acoustic guitar along with his warm vocals. He released an instrumental hymns project back in 2001, The Living Room Sessions. Peace gives him a chance to sing some old favourites, such as ‘It is Well with My Soul,’ ‘A Mighty Fortress’ and ‘How Great Thou Art.’        chrisrice.com

April 2008