Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the artists that have been birthed recently, and how the industry has been responding to what is going on in the secular music world. Some of these artists are thrust forward or developed by the business, in order to respond to what is popular. ItÕs easy to criticize and play down these groups or individuals, but occasionally a group or individual comes along and puts all that criticism to rest.

Avalon is one of those groups originally developed by a record company, in response to market research. However, since their 1996 debut, Avalon has gathered affirmations of their calling to minister through music, including sixteen Dove nominations, one Grammy nomination, thirteen number one singles, and two Gold Records.

Their most recent effort, "Oxygen," is a collection of eleven wonderful songs that the group has been collecting since releasing "In A Different Light" back in 1999. The songs are focused around a desire to be close to God. The sounds of Oxygen range from Pop to Adult Contemporary and if you're an old time Avalon fan you will not be disappointed. Avalon will surely pick up new fans this year also, between the airplay and the upcoming tour with ZOEGirl and Joy Williams.

-Ken W.