Andy Barlow Blog

It’s a sobering thought to think that 2009 is quickly coming to a close, but it certainly is closing quickly! I remember looking at my calendar in March and thinking, “This year is gonna fly!” and it did not disappoint. And at the close of every year, we celebrate a major holiday in the U.S. – Christmas!

I really don’t intend to promote the consumer mentality that almost entirely describes Christmas in the U.S., but what if you’re looking for an inexpensive, readily available gift for the Christ-follower in your family? I myself love music and a new CD/music download always serves to encourage me in new and fresh ways. However, I despise artists who lack the creativity to write/record more than 1 good song per album, so I’m constantly looking for collections (albums) that are good start to finish. This is especially important to me because I do not listen to anything besides Christian music.

Just in case you’re looking for something along these lines, I’ve decided to, over the next 2 days, run down my…

(all available both by digital download and at Christian music stores)

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2009
ARTIST: David Crowder Band
ALBUM: Church Music
LABEL: Sixsteps Records

My favorite album by far of 2009 is the David Crowder Band’s “Church Music” album. I just can’t find a song on the album that I don’t enjoy. In fact, since it arrived at my office in early September, I haven’t listened to much else! You’ll find typcial Crowder sounds including acoustic and electric guitar, bouncing bass, and crisp drums, as well as a myriad of keys and programming loops, making the very eclectic musical sound that has come to define Crowder music. You’ll find awesome originals like “Alleluia, Sing” and “How He Loves”, as well as incredible cover songs like the Flyleaf song “All Around Me”. If you’re serious about Christian music, you should own this album, most definitely.

ARTIST: Skillet
ALBUM: Awake
LABEL: INO Records

My #2 goes to one of the hardest rocking and oddest named Christian music bands on the planet – long-time rockers Skillet. If you like loud, heavy riffs and a great blend of male and female vocals, Skillet will not disappoint you with their latest musical offering, “Awake”. For the faint of ear, be forewarned – this is not your grandmother’s Christian music. It’s long and loud, but sound theologically speaking. For the rocker in you, pick up Skillet’s “Awake” album!

ARTIST: KJ-52
ALBUM: Five-Two Television
LABEL: BEC Recordings

Coming in at the #3 slot in this particular Best of 2009 countdown is KJ-52′s latest submission called “Five-Two Television”, available from BEC Recordings. KJ’s distinct style and rhymes make this hip-hop offering a must have, featuring an incredible 24 tracks for your listening pleasure. Certain favorites like “End of My Rope” and “He Did That” will catch you ear with funky rhythms and great rhymes, done only the way KJ-52 can do. This album would be great for that young person who like hip-hop/rap music – heck, they might even be surprised to learn the lyrics actually preach!

ARTIST: Switchfoot
ALBUM: Hello Hurricane
LABEL: Sparrow Records

This #4 album is coming from probably my all-time favorite band, Switchfoot. I actually would have ranked this album higher, but I’ve only had it for about 3 weeks and, though I’ve spent more time with others, I can tell this is an album I’m going to like for a long time. You’ll find “Mess of Me” and “Your Love is a Song” just catchy enough to keep you singing for hours afterward, and most likely, you’ll be blessed by offerings like “Free” and “Yet”. Pick it up and check it out today!

ARTIST: B. Reith
ALBUM: Now is Not Forever
LABEL: Word Entertainment Inc.

I most certainly can’t pronounce his name (Reith = wreath or right or rithe?), but newcomer B. Reith’s “Now is Not Forever” album is fun, energetic, and fresh on the Christian music scene. I would classify it as urban pop music, along the lines of a mix of TobyMAC, Kirk Franklin, Jimmy Needham, and Jason Mraz, but you may or may not agree. At any rate, I think you will easily be able to agree with me that he’s got a niche and it’s good! “The Comeback Kid”, “I Know”, and “Mess” will groove their way into your mind and you’ll be hooked as I was. Anyway, check B. Reith out…and if you figure out how to pronounce his name, let me know.

And there you have it…exactly 1/2 of my Top 10 Albums for 2009! Be sure to check back tomorrow so you can be in the know just in time for any Christmas shopping you might do this weekend. Have a great Friday!