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Christian/Gospel Roundup - Winter 2012 playlist.The new year is barely underway, but we already have some great Christian and gospel releases to show for it, from modern rock and worship to sophomore projects and promising newcomer debuts; solo ladies take up four of the 10 slots here. Read on to find out more about our favorite Christian and gospel releases of 2012 so far.
1. Audrey AssadHeart
Her 2010 debut landed on many year-end "best of" lists (including ours), and this February release is a quirky Valentine that continues to showcase Audrey Assad's heady songwriting and spiritual depth. Heart finds her returning to some familiar collaborators like producer Marshall Altman, as well as songwriters Brooke Fraser, Natasha Bedingfield, Matt Maher, Derek Webb and Marc Broussard. "Sparrow" is a beautiful reworking of the old hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," featuring a fresh, new melody. Overall, this is a courageously raw record that lets listeners inside. [Wendy Lee Nentwig]
2. Kari JobeWhere I Find You
This time around, pint-sized worship powerhouse Kari Jobe teams with returning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman), then adds Matt Bronleewe (Natalie Imbruglia, Josh Wilson) to helm a sophomore release that shows why she's one of Christian music's best-selling female artists. Jobe continues to blossom, with her popularity taking her away from her "day job" as a worship leader in Southlake, Tex. The message remains the same, though: this Dove Award winner creates music that doubles as ministry, drawing inspiration from the stories of everyday people, and focusing on the unchanging nature of God during good times and bad. Where I Find You aims to spread peace, hope and healing. [W.L.N.]
3. Hillsong UNITEDLive in Miami
Aftermath, released in 2011, was a studio effort -- unheard of for the Hillsong gang, who always favored live recordings. Now, Live in Miami gives many of those same tracks the "live" treatment, creating another youth-friendly collection boasting their big, stadium-ready sound. Before listening, it's important to remember that Hillsong UNITED aren't a band, they're a movement -- a musical force committed to the simple goal of seeing God praised in arenas and venues around the world. The Aftermath Tour, during which this album was recorded, definitely succeeded, logging sold-out nights of worship across the country (they were the first Christian act to sell out the Staples Center). Don't expect a Latin vibe, despite the title -- this is pure Australian worship. [W.L.N.]
4. StarfieldThe Kingdom
These Winnipeg-based rockers are back with another album, but The Kingdom marks a new chapter for the band, as this independent release is their first since departing Sparrow Records and its big EMI major-label umbrella. Maybe that's why Starfield's new music is characterized by a fresh energy. Helmed by brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld, the band delivers 10 new songs aimed at reigniting a fire in others as well. The title track is, not surprisingly, a standout, and a great blueprint for how to do worshipful rock right. [W.L.N.]
5. Parachute BandMatins : Vespers
This new double disc from New Zealand's Parachute Band is based on the spiritual concept of morning songs (or "matins") and evening prayers (also referred to as "vespers"). Unlike so many modern worship projects, the result draws on more ancient practices. Tracks like "Hope Is a River" mimic an awakening, and the music from Track 1 on creates a great "Wake Up!" soundtrack. Standouts include the passionate plea of "Run to You (+ Meet You)" and the bluesy-sounding "In Your Name." [W.L.N.]
6. Nine LashesWorld We View
If you're looking for some new modern rock, Tooth & Nail Records' latest signing delivers. Though brand new, the band already has some Christian rock cred: Nine Lashes were discovered by Thousand Foot Krutch's Trevor McNevan, and this promising debut features guest vocals from Demon Hunter's Ryan Clark on the track "Our Darkest Day." Named for the beating Jesus took, the moniker was chosen to keep Christ's sacrifice always at the forefront of the music the group makes and to prompt others to ask spiritual questions. The band tapped producer Aaron Sprinkle to lead them in the studio, going for a sophisticated rather than rough sound. Don't miss McNevan's guest spot on "Adrenaline." [W.L.N.]
7. Jaci VelasquezDiamond
We've watched Jaci Velasquez grow from a talented teen to a seasoned singer, radio host, actress, wife and mother of two. After a four-year break, she returns to recording with Diamond, a radio-friendly pop project and her first release on the Inpop label. The music landscape has changed, and Velasquez is eager to show she can keep up, taking on dance ("Trust in You"), pop ("Give Them Jesus"), worship ("The Sound of Your Voice") and Latin styles ("Con El Viento a Mi Favor"), to name just a few. While there's no denying that voice, the project seems a little lacking in polish, making it at best a diamond in the rough. [W.L.N.]
8. The Crabb FamilyTogether Again
Despite Jason Crabb's solo success, he hasn't forsaken his singing siblings. While The Crabb Family are officially retired (their last tour, in 2007, was a farewell to fans), you can't keep family from getting together, especially a close-knit Southern gospel family like this one. Together Again captures a one-time-only reunion of the group, who have all remained busy with their own projects. This new music holds few surprises, but it does create a warm, fuzzy, family feel that is hard to resist. [W.L.N.]
9. Lindsay McCaulIf It Leads Me Back
Chicago-based singer-songwriter Lindsay McCaul shines on her 11-song debut, produced by Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp. A linguistics major at Moody Bible Institute, McCaul understands the power of words and uses them wisely. She may not be translating the Bible for a living, but her degree is put to good use as it helps her translate everyday spiritual lessons into songs that have wide appeal. Notable tracks include "If It Leads Me Back," co-written with her CCM hero Cindy Morgan, and the very personal "Let Go," about Lindsay's struggle with an eating disorder. [W.L.N.]
10. Brian Courtney WilsonSo Proud
Produced by Stan Jones, PJ Morton (India.Arie, Trin-i-tee 5:7), and Aaron Lindsey, So Proud is meant for the masses, but it's also dedicated specifically to the people who have inspired and impacted Wilson's personal life throughout the years. This Best New Artist Dove Award and Stellar Award nominee delivers a third album that encourages listeners to nurture the vision God has given each of them for the future, not forgetting their value, no matter who has cast them aside. With his smoky-yet-smooth gospel sound, Wilson tackles hits like "One Day at a Time," a celebration of marriage and the work it takes, and "Obey Anyway," penned by Toby Hill. [W.L.N.]