Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Christian Music Editor, Mike McGonigal It was a high-profile and fascinating year for Christian and gospel music, with one of the most exciting Dove Awards events yet and an electrifying surge in praise-and-worship releases. 1999 also saw major releases from stalwart artists such as CeCe Winans, Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris, Michael W. Smith; excellent sophomore releases by Caedmon's Call, Plumb, and Delirious; and terrific debuts by Winans Phase 2 and Ginny Owens. 1. "Mountain High... Valley Low" Yolanda Adams http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001QEMB/entertainmentsit No sellout here. Yolanda Adams's soul-shattering, wide-ranging vocals and deep spiritual message are in fact more concentrated than ever on her genre-hopping major-label debut. This melange of gospel soul, smooth R&B, contemporary jazz, and hip-hop is perhaps the most startling release of the year. We'd go on raving about this one more, but then you probably wouldn't believe us. Check out the customer comments to see that we're not alone in our high praise of this triumph. 2. "Love Liberty Disco" Newsboys http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002SWQ7/entertainmentsit With their rock-solid chops, sturdy melodic hooks, strong spiritual basis, and keen sense of musical history, it's no wonder why the Newsboys are among the most successful acts in the history of contemporary Christian music. "Love Liberty Disco is a rollicking, eclectic, blissed-out celebration of God, the universe, and everything. It just might be the most uplifting rock-pop title of the year," says one Amazon.com customer. 3. "Sacred Steel Live!" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2C5/entertainmentsit This rambunctious live collection is likely the finest sacred steel disc that Arhoolie records has yet issued. "Sacred steel" refers to the electric-lap-and-pedal-steel- guitar playing found in House of God churches across the United States; influenced by Hawaiian music, blues, and R&B and loaded with soul, this is gospel like you've never heard before. And heard live, the effect of these roaring spirituals is all the more stirring. If you like your gospel charged with electricity--literally and figuratively--this is a must-have disc. 4. "Speechless" Steven Curtis Chapman http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J6BZ/entertainmentsit "Speechless," Chapman's 11th album in his 12-year career, reaches new heights and testifies to a songwriting brilliance that is almost unmatched. For the first time, the ebullient singer-songwriter has made a record with his touring band (instead of with studio musicians) and the tightness and familiarity shows. "Speechless" is the work of a musician who is perfecting his art. 5. "Jordan's Sister" Kendall Payne http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JJII/entertainmentsit It's such a cliche to call any record a "stunning debut," but how else is one to respond to the first release by the frighteningly talented 19-year-old singer-songwriter Kendall Payne? Payne's melodic, empowering songs deliver endearing there-are-big-problems-in-this-world-and-they- really-do-bother-me words that consistently avoid the banal trappings of her peers. Payne's spirited, spiritual work fits easily into the late-'90s softer-sounding girl-with-a-guitar genre (Sixpence, Jewel) and displays a keen melodic sense (she wrote or cowrote all the songs), which, by any right, will bring future success. 6. "Testify! The Gospel Box" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000J63J/entertainmentsit Noted reissue label Rhino takes on African American gospel music with the elaborately packaged three-CD set "Testify!" The reach of the collection is wide, beginning with jubilee-style singing from the '30s and ending with the latest funk-soul gospel. The selections are superb (Golden Gate Quartet, Highway QC's, Reverend Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Oleta Adams, the Winans) and the sound quality surprising. As an introduction to an innovative, hugely influential, thoroughly spiritual, and frequently misunderstood music, this set should be your first choice. 7. "40 Acres" Caedmon's Call http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000IFUT/entertainmentsit We can't rave enough about this record. This seven-piece ensemble has made a name for itself, not only with chart success, but with its hook-laden acoustic pop and extensive touring. The experience shows with smooth rhythms, layered guitars, and evocative vocals. Songwriters Aaron Tate and Derek Webb are two of the brightest hopes in contemporary Christian music's future. Bravo. 8. "This Is Your Time" Michael W. Smith http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002SWMT/entertainmentsit Michael W. Smith's 13th full-length, "This Is Your Time," is deeply passionate and exceptionally moving. The record's title track was inspired by Cassie Bernall, the Columbine High School student who was murdered after declaring her belief in the Lord. You can pre-order a copy today of the emotional, spirited new album from this multiple-Dove-Award-winning artist. 9. "True North" Twila Paris http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001IVLC/entertainmentsit On this superb CD, hymn writer Twila Paris celebrates her 20 years in contemporary Christian music with a host of talented pals. This subtle, pleasing music--made with members of Out of the Grey and Jars of Clay and coarranged by Charlie Peacock--is pure Twila, full of devotional praise and bursting with joyous melody. 10. "Tri-Danielson!!! Part 2: Omega" Danielson Famile http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000GWZG/entertainmentsit Warning: this is an exceptionally weird record, even by the edgy standards of the alt-rock scene that has embraced this eccentric group; the musically unadventurous best steer clear. From one moment to the next, their sound veers from campfire sing-along to Christian vaudeville to silly, strummy, bouncy acoustic rock. A family affair, Danielson is big brother Daniel Smith, 26, and his younger sibs, who range in age from 14 to 23. Chris Palladino's organ adds psychedelic girth to the acoustic guitar and drums, which are fortified by the sisters' flute and xylophone and the blend of voices. ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Christian & Gospel Music section at Christian & Gospel ******
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