Something For Everyone

The Year 2000 was huge for the Christian music scene with a surge of teen artist and phenomenal veteran follow-ups. So where do you start? Well I'll fill you in on a few of my favorites for the year.

Let's start with Rachel Lampa and her debut Live For You. Rachel's voice is mesmerizing. "Day of Freedom" and "Live For You" drive right to the heart. At such a young age Lampa is a great role model for generation. If her talents evolve into writing as well as performing, Lampa will be around for a long time.

Next up is Skillet with Invincible, yeah I'm a little eclectic. "Best Kept Secret" just shouts out with the joy of salvation. That awesome feeling one gets when they discover Christ, and the urge to shout it out and let everyone know. Keep in mind that Skillet also did a Praise CD this past year as a part of the Ardent Worship series.

Speaking of Worship there's Offerings by Third Day. Offerings was one of the years biggest Worship albums selling 325,000 units. The only thing that could have made it better is if it was all recorded live! "Agnus Dei / Worthy" is my top pick on this CD, and not just because they mention Salem, VA.

Polorboy released its sophomore CD, 4008. This album really makes one think about how God is there for us during our hard times. It reminds me that as Christians we are "over comers". (1 John 4:4) This is a very mature CD with tones of strength, courage, and commitment. (Bonus points were awarded for the band being stuck in Hazel Green for a week.)

At the top of my list, well the virtual top is Rebecca St. James with Transform. If she doesn't tour with a full orchestra I'll truly be disappointed. I can already envision the orchestra performing the intro to "For The Love Of God", and then Rebecca making an explosive entrance on stage. I had the pleasure of seeing Rebecca last year and besides being a great performer she can speak effortlessly to teens about abstinence and the glory of God.

Overall the year was spectacular, and things have started out just as grand for 2001. Early releases this year included LaRue's Transparent, Greg Long with Now, and Broomtree with Maybe This Time. I'm looking forward to another great year in Christian music and some awesome live performances.

-Ken