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Saturday, January 22, 2011

2011 Christian Album Reviews (ongoing)

Here is going to be my grading scale.
1 - worst album of the year
2 - regretted listening to it once
3 - worth one listen
4 - one good song
5 - two to three good songs
6 - four good songs
7 - five good songs
    ( 8-10 are worth buying)
8 - six good songs
9 - seven good songs
10 - instant classic
 Just remember, music is all personal taste. My 1 could be your 10 so don't get bent out of shape!
4.6
a couple of good songs but mainly songs that didn't make the cut for Rehab
6
Not a bad worship album. Still, most of the good songs I've heard before, either on Passion CDs or EPs. Not in the Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Hillsongs category, but then again who is?

4
British? Australian? worship album with a few good songs like Love Divine and Jubilee
4.7
Great words with good, mature spiritual insight but the songs and melodies and passion is lacking. Very disappointing as I was expecting so much more.
1.5
Scream-o Christian rock. Yech!

NPS
This album is the cure for insomnia. Being a Dr. I realize how valuable a non-medicinal cure is. However this album is NPS (non-prescription strength). Seriously though, I was thinking about this album again and if you have young children this would be a good CD to play for them at night when they go to sleep. (I had to add Rebecca St.James to Darlene's review. Exact same record)


3
I'm probably too white to review this gospel album and give it justice but I didn't care for it.

3.7
This year's Neworldson. Take my advice, download "Innocent" and don't buy the album

1
Christian Screamo. Calling an album the worst of the year in February takes guts, but I don't see anyone topping this

5.2
Not a bad Australian/Brit worship band featuring a guest appearance from Martin from Delerious

5.5
Like Kutless only not as good or Christian

4.3
Some screamo but some good songs intermixed

7
Expanded 23 song version
I liked 7 songs on this CD so technically I should have given it a 9. However, with 23 songs that means I didn't like16. Plus, the ones I didn't like were really bad so it's hard to recommend an album when you dislike over 2/3. Thank goodness for itunes where you can download the songs you like, which I did.

4.4
Maybe it's me, but I just don't think a worship album should sound depressing

4.6
Ho hum another Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Jaden Ladvik, etc. etc
6.1
Best worship album of the year (until 3/8)
5
Live worship from the people that brought you Revelation Song

3.3
Stryper returns! If you like early 80s Petra and 80's,... well - Stryper, you are in luck. Me personally, I don't believe in luck.

1.6
Oh how the mighty have fallen. His last album

6.9
My first pleasant surprise of the year. Still not great but some songs worth buying. 2nd best album of the year so far.

4
Once again, not a genre I'm interested in or well versed in but I didn't care for it. With all her hype I thought it would be better.

4.9
Sounds a lot like sixpence none the richer. If you like artsy, hipster, melancholic, veiled lyrical, coffee shop music (which critics seem to) this is for you. Probably would grow on me with more listens but I'm not willing to pay that price.

4.5
A lot like Luminate which I reviewed earlier. One great song "Come Undone" which in my view is secular but could be sung on American Idol tonight.

1.1
Christian screamo - yech!! Fortunately only has 9 songs. I think I could make one of these myself.

3.8
The title reminds me of Carole King, the album cover reminds me of Jennifer Knapp, and the songs remind me she won't be a starr.

6.8
Sorry, Charlie (Hall). The songs left off were better than the ones put on. Too much inviting Jesus to come  and the Holy Spirit when they are already here just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe I'm off on that but I just don't like it. However on 2nd and 3rd listen I'm liking it better.

3.6
Poorly produced, poor song writing (2 heart/start rhymes on the same album) I expected more. The critics will like it because they love this guy, though. I just don't see it.

3.9
Abandon Kansas? Should be Abandon Songwriting. Seriously this band has skills but the 1st album should include all the best songs you've written over years waiting to get signed. I fear their sophomore slump.

6.5
Audio Adrenaline returns with some friends and redo 3 songs and do 7 new ones. Very soft/mellow but some good song writing.
1.3
The 5th screamo band of the year and it is only March. You know how bad movies come out January thru March; I hope it is the same with Christian music.
4.4
A flashback to very early worship music. I guess that is why it is from Maranatha

6.2
Good Shawn has been missing in action for some time now. He's back. (I didn't say great Shawn)
4.0
The last song is good. BTW, are those man-boobs? Get a diiferent cover,please.

4.8
Artistic, creative, just not all that good. Does every song start with a "she" or "he"?

5

No Stomp or  Say you want a Revolution woo woo or TobyMac collaborations here.
1.5
Screamo with talent

4.5
It woke up near the end

5.3
3 out of 5 ain't bad

5.4
Emery, if you cant tell by the cover, is the best screamo band ever. Still that isnt saying much.

4.1
Disappointing

2.5
Seriously, when you are a Christian you shouldn't put out a depressing album

7.1
We have a winner. The album Mary, Mary - Kirk Franklin, Francesca, Holly Starr meant to put out. Finally Hawk Nelson has met it's match.

4
Songwriting, songwriting, songwriting!


3.9
May have to change the name of my office

7.2
Sorry, Mandisa; your reign lasted 1 week

.273
Thats what your brother Matt is hitting; not very good

4.5
This replaces Brandon Heath as my biggest disappointment of the year

4
Rule #1 Never buy an album where the artist is in bare feet

4.1
Winner of American Idol 1986

5.3
Screamo meets Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Good Christmas present for all your gothic friends.

3.7
Female Kirk Franklin wannabe falling way short

2
I think kids can appreciate the music of TobyMac without this horrific remake

7
Good songwriting. Christian AC radio will love this.

3.5
Sitting on the fence has got to hurt, Playdough, pick a side

6
Not bad. There haven't been many rock albums without screamo this year (this, Red,Stryper, and Abandon Kansas) and this is the best so far


7.3
Yay; the boy bands are back! Lots of good songs here, nothing great though. Still nothing worth buying this year. Nothing you could give to a non christian to show them how great Christian music is. They will be coming later this year (Switchfoot, Needtobreathe)

5
When my parents want to rock (which is actually never) they put Newsong in their cassette player

4
The Disney Channel and Christian music have a baby

3
Props for being unique. Cussed in one song

6.7
A pleasant surprise.