Better late than never, here’s some of the albums I listened to on Spotify in January.

	Soul Survivor & Momentum 2009 – Not Ashamed (Listen on Spotify) For the nostalgic amongst us, a live worship album is a great way to remember a conference you have been to. They can also serve as a good source of new songs. But if you weren’t at the conference and you already know all the songs, then these albums have little to offer, especially when the arrangements of the songs differ very little from the “official” versions of the songs. Having said that, the quality of musicianship and recording is high, so there is plenty to enjoy here with some good live versions of songs written by Ben Cantelon, Phil Wickham, and Tim Hughes. It features Hosanna, and How He loves, both tracks that have showed up all over the place in recent years. 2 CDs (or 1 and a half since the second CD only features half a dozen tracks) represents good value, but only if you don’t already have all the songs on other albums. It wasn’t until well into the second disk that I heard my first unfamiliar songs – Great is the Lord and King of Wonders Rating:
	Brenton Brown – Adoration (Listen on Spotify) Somehow the titles on Spotify are completely muddled up on this album except for two tracks. The correct titles are as follows: A Thousand Stars All who are thirsty Adoration Because of your love (correct) Amazing God Come let us return (correct) Holy Our God Saves We Need You Send Your Rain Wonderful It’s well produced, and features a few old favourites All Who are Thirsty and Holy. Whilst there are no killer tracks, he clearly has the knack for writing congregational songs, and I wouldn’t be surprised if songs such as We Need You and Wonderful start doing the rounds of churches. Rating:
	Casting Crowns – Until the Whole World Hears (Listen on Spotify) Despite their popularity, I’ve never really got into Casting Crowns. Their latest album come out in November. As usual what they bring to the table is forthright lyrics rather than any musical innovation. The songs include themes of discipleship, witness, and repentance. The album also features several modernisations of hymns. Rating:
	Newday 2009 – No Shout too Loud (Listen on Spotify) This is (with the exception of a repackaged mid 90s Stoneleigh album King of Love), the first newfrontiers live worship album to feature on Spotify. Newday is a youth event and worship was led by Phatfish and Simon Brading, with Matt Redman making a guest appearance. Phatfish introduced a number of songs from their new In Jesus album, but I can’t say I’m overly keen on the blues direction they seem to be going in. Simon Brading also introduced some new songs, the best of them being The Third Day. Matt Redman’s new You Alone Can Rescue is the album highlight for me. Rating:

OK, I’ve got really behind with these, and my album reviews probably will be a lot less frequent now that Spotify no longer release spreadsheets of all the new albums available. Because of the Christmas special I did, these are actually albums that appeared back in November (December and January have been extremely quiet for CCM releases anyway).

	Phil Wickham – Heaven & Earth (Listen on Spotify) Phil Wickham has firmly established himself as one of my favourite artists over recent years, so I was eagerly anticipating this new release, and it doesn’t disappoint. His style has evolved slightly, with more electronic elements present in the arrangement of the songs. This one features Because of Your Love which previously appeared on his free Singalong album. My favourite is probably the cheerful and catchy The Time is Now. Rating:
	Sara Groves – Fireflies and Songs (Listen on Spotify) Christianity Today consider this to be the best album of 2009. It has a nice mellow easy-listening vibe throughout (if slightly melancholic in places). One disadvantage of checking out new albums on Spotify is that you don’t have the lyrics to hand, meaning that the songs take several listens before you get a proper grasp of the stories they tell. I’m not sure it beats Tell Me What You Know, but all the songs on the album are strong with the exception of the irritating country track Setting up the pins. Different Kinds of Happy and Joy is in our Hearts are probably my favourites. Rating:
	Keith & Kristyn Getty – Awaken the Dawn (Listen on Spotify) This new album from the Gettys starts of nicely with an atmospheric Celtic Hear O Israel, reminiscent of Iona. It seems that most tracks on the album are co-written with Stuart Townend, a writing partnership that works remarkably well at producing a steady stream of theologically rich hymns with strong melodies. Kristyn Getty is the vocalist, and the arrangements are stirring without being overdone (although it does get a little syruppy in places). Nevertheless I’ve enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would. It would be great to see a number of these hymns working their way into the worship of many local churches. Rating:
	Delirious? – History Makers: Greatest Hits (Listen on Spotify) Given that several live albums also feature the same tracks, its hard to see what this compilation has to offer except for those who don’t already own the albums featuring these hits. Having said that, it is a fair reflection of their greatest hits, with a generous helping of tracks from their earlier material. I enjoyed re-listening to classic songs such as History Maker, Majesty and Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble. Rating:

And in the famous for one song category, check out solo albums from Marie Barnett (writer of Breathe) Heaven Came Down, and Laura Story’s (writer of Indescribable) Great God Who Saves.

Here’s another update of what I’ve been listening to on Spotify last month. As for book reviews, I’ve been a bit slack the last couple of months, but I am nearing completion of a few, so normal service should resume.

	Bethany Dillon – Stop and Listen (Listen on Spotify) A nice easy listening album, but lacks any stand-out tracks, and is a little short on variety. I prefer her earlier albums Waking Up and Imagination. The opening track Get Up and Walk has a sound reminiscent of Sara Groves. Everyone to know and Reach Out are the best songs on offer here. Rating:
	Matt Maher – Alive Again (Listen on Spotify) Another singer-songwriter worship leader album, in the mould of Chris Tomlin. Having said that, I’m not sure all of these are positioned as congregational songs, despite his making his name with the popular “Your Grace is Enough”. Interestingly, given that he sounds virtually identical to most contemporary evangelical worship leaders you have  heard, Maher is a Roman Catholic, with a passion for unity within the church. I found his lyrics thoughtful and gospel centred. Sing Over Your Children, No Greater Love and Christ is Risen are my picks. Rating:
	David Crowder Band – Church Music (Listen on Spotify) David Crowder Band are back with another album full of their quirky dance-infused rock. You certainly get value for money, with 17 tracks running together into a 73 minute epic. Eastern Hymn and The Veil continue in the same vein as their Remedy album. They cover "Oh how He Loves", which seems to feature on everyone’s album at the moment. I was a little disappointed that there seemed to be few that would be useful in corporate worship, but nevertheless it is another solid album from them. Rating:
	Derek Webb – Stockholm Syndrome (Listen on Spotify) This one gained notoriety for the use of a naughty word in one of the songs (although the song in question isn’t even featured on this version of the album). Derek Webb seeks to be a prophetic voice to the church, and pulls no punches. Think emerging church and you’ll have an idea where he’s coming from. Musically it is interesting and varied (not sure what genre it falls into – techno?). Lyrically, he succeeds in being provocative and challenging in an enigmatic sort of way. A dose of the gospel of grace might help a bit if he is to connect with his target audience, unless its not evangelicals but fundamentalists he’s aiming at. In which case I would say that "Freddie" Phelps was never going to buy this album anyway. Rating:

As I hinted last month, there have been some really exciting new CCM albums released on Spotify. First is the news that Matt Redman’s latest album is available – his first full album on Spotify. Second, is the appearance of two more albums from Survivor Records, one of the main British publishers of Christian music. Hopefully this marks the start of them adding all their new albums to Spotify. It would be great to see them begin to add their back catalogue as well.

	Ben Cantelon – Running After You (listen on Spotify) The first full-length album from this Canadian born worship leader now based at Soul Survivor Watford. A couple of his songs are doing the rounds of churches in the UK, although he has a way to go before yet before he’s as well-known as his predecessors (Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and Martyn Layzell). A solid, if unspectacular album. My favourite track is Remain. Rating:
	New Wine Worship – Saving Grace (listen on Spotify) Rather than producing a live album this year, New Wine took the decision to record an album of their new songs before the conference, featuring a variety of songwriters including Eoghan Heaslip, Neil Bennetts and David Gate. Despite being at the summer conference, there were few tracks here that I remembered singing, and a couple I already had on other albums. It’s an album that has grown on me over several listens. None Like You, and Love Came Down are my picks. Rating:
	Matt Redman – We Shall Not Be Shaken (listen on Spotify) Matt Redman is back yet again, and, despite the bizarre font sizing on the album cover, he hasn’t lost any of his edge. You Alone Can Rescue stands out as the one that will most readily be adopted by congregations. The opening track, This is How We Know is also very strong. A consistently good album from start to finish. Rating:
	Tim Hughes – Happy Day (listen on Spotify) This live album features a several of Hughes’ most popular songs (including the smash hits Beautiful One, Here I am to Worship, Happy Day and Consuming Fire), as well as introducing a few new ones, several of which are becoming well known. With the exception of a cringe-inducing rap in the middle of the lyrically unimaginative Dance, this is a good album. It is also nice to see a strong theme of mission in many of the songs. Rating:
	Leeland – Love Is On The Move (listen on Spotify) For me, this didn’t get off to the best of starts with the lyrics opening track The Door verging into “Jesus is my girlfriend” territory. But Leeland can always be relied on for some exquisite melodies and harmonies, so despite it being a bit syrupy in places its worth a listen. Follow you and Via Doloroso are among the best tracks. Rating:

After a quiet couple of months, some really exciting new albums arrived on Spotify over the last few days, with British Christian artists finally starting to appear in greater numbers. But I’m going to resist the temptation to mention them until I’ve had a few more listens. So until then, here’s a brief sampling of what came out earlier in August. Click on the album titles for the Spotify link.

	Aaron Shust – Take Over. The two strong opening tracks To God Alone and Come and Save Us had previously been released as singles, so I was looking forward to hearing the whole album. And whilst you wouldn’t describe this as a particularly adventurous album, the quality of songwriting is high, making this the best of the bunch this month.  Rating:
	Rachel Scott – Resolution. I hadn’t heard of Rachel Scott before, and apparently this is her first full album. It’s a very impressive debut, with a sound reminiscent of Sara Groves. I will definitely be checking out any future albums from her.  Rating:
	1000 Generations – Turn Off the Lesser Lights I usually like Vineyard artists, but the jury’s out on this band from Indianapolis. There are some slightly eccentric production decisions on the earlier tracks. I felt the worship songs were fairly formulaic, but the second half of the album actually features better material. Their single, Fail Us Not is their strongest track.  Rating:
	Britt Nicole – The Lost Get Found After liking the opening track The Lost Get Found which was released as a single last month, I was looking forward to hearing the whole album. The full thing is pleasant enough to listen to although I found the clichéd pop production a little grating in places. So if you like melodic upbeat pop and don’t mind gratuitous use of auto-tune this might be for you. But for the rest of us who aren’t 14 year old girls, there are better choices.  Rating:
	Philips, Craig & Dean – Fearless. These guys have been around for ages, but this is the first of their albums I have listened to. They do a good cover of Hillsong’s “From the Inside Out”, successfully pulling off the epic Hillsong sound. Their strength is their use of harmonies, and stylistically, they are similar to Leeland.  Rating:

Last month was a little disappointing in terms of new Christian music on Spotify, but here’s the best of what I’ve been listening to recently:

Some New Albums

	David Ostby – Because of You Polished production of worship songs from a Norwegian worship leader. Whilst I doubt any of the songs will become mainstream in the UK, the standard of song-writing is high, and Ostby is probably one to watch for the future. The title track, “All because of you” is the strongest. Rating:
	Brandon Bee – This is the Revolution This is an album from a producer turned solo artist. The sound is somewhat similar to Phil Wickham, but featuring heavier guitar work. “Your holiness” is my favourite track. Rating:
	Michael Bahn – Pure Another worship-leader album, featuring the same sound as, well, all the other worship leader albums I have been listening to recently. Again, the song-writing is of a consistent quality. “You are in control” and “I believe” are my favourites. A solid, if unspectacular album. Rating:
	Nick Battle – King of My Heart I’m not sure this one deserved its 10/10 rating from Cross Rhythms, but it is an interesting collection from this producer/songwriter with the help of several guest vocalists/collaborators. The styles are varied, and not all were exactly to my taste. The folksy “All the Kings Horses” is probably pick of the bunch for me. Rating:

Some Singles

Here are a few recently released singles from some excellent artists which I am hoping will be followed up with the availability of the full albums soon…

• Matt Redman – This is How We Know
• Sarah Reeves – Sweet, Sweet Sound
• Leeland – Follow You
• Aaron Shust – Come and Save Us, To God Alone
• Kristian Stanfill – Beautiful Jesus
• Britt Nicole – The Lost Get Found
• Matt Maher – Alive Again
• Brandon Heath – Love Never Fails

Last month saw two good new albums from female artists, and since my previous Spotify recommendations have been a little male dominated, I have decided to make this girl’s month for my monthly CCM Spotify recommendations.

Christy Nockels – Life Light Up. (4/5) Christy Nockels is a worship leader with the Passion movement. There are some great melodies and enough surprises thrown into the chord sequences to prevent this from being just another worship album. A Mighty Fortress is Our God is a wonderful adaption of the classic hymn which I hope will be picked up by many churches. She does a great rendition of Brooke Fraser’s Hosanna, but it is a song that just seems to be on everyone’s album at the moment. You are able is another strong track on what has been my favourite new album of the month.

http://www.christynockels.com/

Lanae’ Hale – Back and Forth. (3.5/5) This is the first album from singer songwriter Lanae’ Hale following here very successful debut EP two years ago. It opens with several upbeat pop/rock tracks that showcase her excellent voice, before settling down for a few stripped down ballads. If I’m Broken and Here’s to the Girls stood out for me. An enjoyable listen despite the lyrics being a little girly in places.

http://www.lanaehale.com/

Amy Grant – Lead Me On 20th Anniversary Edition (4/5) – Amy Grant has had a remarkable career in the Christian music industry, spanning decades, but the pick of her albums is clearly 1988 release "Lead Me On". It has been voted number one Christian album of all time. Sure it sounds a little dated now, but I still find it a good listen. Title track Lead Me On and the pointed What About the Love are my favourites. The bonus second disk includes some alternative versions and a few brief interviews.

http://www.amygrant.com/

Vicky Beeching – Double Take (Painting the Invisible & Yesterday, Today and Forever). (3.5/5) Vicky Beeching is a worship leader and songwriter with Vineyard. Originally from the UK, she is now based in Canada. Several of her worship songs became well known after being included Vineyard UK albums, including Yesterday, Today and Forever, Above All Else, and There’s No One Like Our God. I really like the hymn-like The Wonder of the Cross. The double-album format represents excellent value for money, if you’re not listening on Spotify. It would be nice to see a new album from her in the near future.

http://vickybeeching.com/blog/

Sara Groves – Tell Me What You Know. (4/5) Sarah Groves has been churning out successful albums for a decade now. Thanks to Spotify, I have been able to listen to a few of them and have picked out 2007 release Tell Me What You Know as my favourite. I like her distinctive and almost conversational song-writing style such as Song for my Sons, or the stirring When the Saints.

http://www.saragroves.com/

Here’s some of the albums I’ve been listening to on Spotify last month. Apologies to any readers in countries unable to use Spotify.

Newsboys – In the Hands of God (3/5)

The only Newsboys album I own is Thrive, which I thought was a nice mixture of the anthemic and the quirky. In some ways this new album has a similar sound, but lacks the stand-out tracks that Thrive has. Lyrically it was a little disappointing. "This is your life, treat yourself right, treat others right, live like you know you should". … "heaven’s calling for your best shot", sound like little more than a motivational pep talk. "In the hands of God" and The Upside are my favourites.

Chris and Conrad – Chris and Conrad (4/5)

This a very strong debut album with impeccable production quality. In fact, it almost seems too slick in places – did we really need auto-tuned vocals in Rescue? Its filled with lots of big, anthemic melodies. The songs are well crafted, and the lyrics express complete devotion to Jesus. Lead me to the cross (which interestingly also features on the Newsboys album – I don’t know whose song it is), Love Revolution, and Breathe Your Life are my favourites.

Jeremy Riddle – The Now and Not Yet (3/5)

Jeremy Riddle is a Vineyard pastor / worship leader. The album features a mix of driving praise tracks and more reflective ballads. Bless his name is perhaps the most suitable for congregational use, with a strong melody if a little unadventurous. I didn’t think any one track really stood out, but I liked Among the Poor and I am Redeemer.

Jonny Diaz – More Beautiful You (3.5/5)

This album has a cheerful and sometimes cheesy pop sound, but thanks to some nicely crafted lyrics and melodies, I still found it enjoyable. The opening track More Beautiful You, tackles self-esteem issues in young girls, although risks sounding a little clichéd. The humorous bonus track The Opener is a nice addition.

Abandon – II (3/5)

Rather unconventionally, Abandon have followed up their debut EP with another EP rather than a full album. The opening track Song for the Broken has a U2 feel to it. If I could write a song, has a beautiful melody, although I was not entirely sure I knew what it was about.