I try not to critique someone else's creation especially if I can't create it myself. Music is that thing I can't create. But I do enjoy it. All bands need fans, and I'll play the role of fan. But this year, I've been given the opportunity to be a music critic.
I don't necessarily like the term "critic" but Under the Radar has asked me to be a music critic this year and I've enjoyed it. Really I'm just a fan. I enjoy going to shows, hosting shows at The Underground, listening to great music, and generally just being a supporter of artists.
Music is a voice for the soul. 2010 has proven to be a year of much needed soul tending music. And it delivered. Here are my top 11 albums of the year. Among a panel of 9 critics (uh.. fans), we came up with a final list, but over 50 didn't make the final cut. To see the final albums chosen by UTR critics, click here.
Here's my top 11 of 2010:
1. Ben Rector “Into the Morning”
The first timeI heard this album, I was driving around Nashville with some friends. It was one of those times you say “I don’t want to forget this moment right now.” I couldn’t remember where we were going, only who we were listening to. What a great album that I love for it’s piano driven beats, smooth vocals, and honest lyrics. It wins my top spot for 2010.
2. Andrew Belle “The Ladder”
There are albums I only listen to in certain seasons, but “The Ladder” is one for all seasons and emotions. I love the album for all it brings lyrically and musically. Each song demands attention. The lyrics seem personal yet relatable and real, something I admire about Belle’s songwriting.
3. Seabird “Rocks into Rivers”
“Rocks into Rivers” is so much more than Seabird’s radio hit “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.” I think this album has been overlooked and deserves notice. Brothers Aaron and Ryan Morgan lead this band with soul and dedication and is evident in each track.
4. JJ Heller “When I’m With You”
Listening to JJ Heller’s album while sitting by a fireplace and drinking a latte makes a great afternoon. “When I’m With You” is like a great book that you don’t want to put down. This album is on repeat and contends with Sara Groves “Fireflies and Songs” on my iTunes top playlist.
5. Tenth Avenue North “The Light Meets the Dark”
I love Tenth Avenue North’s album for it’s thread of hope and redemption that weaves through each track.It seems very timely and prophetic for people today. Having seen this band live twice this year, playing through these songs, it was evident that the these songs are more than just words and chords. While “The Light Meets the Dark” isn’t “under the radar” it’s one of the best gourmet mainstream Christian albums of 2010.
6. John Mark McMillan “The Medicine”
While most people would recognize McMillan’s song “How He Loves,” it’s not just this track, but the other 13 that makes this album worthy of my list. An album of poetry and worship with honest lyrics begs you to decipher McMillan’s deeper meaning. Each song has a lyric you want to underline, highlight, and put on repeat.
7. Sleeping at Last “October EP”
I’m pretty sure that Sleeping at Last’s full 12 month “yearbook” will make my top list for 2011. Each month a new 3 song EP is released, with October being the first and will continue through September 2011. Each month I’ll be waiting for the new songs, but October will most likely stand out as the best one.
8. Jars of Clay “The Shelter”
From the title track, the lyrics plead “In the shelter of each other, we will live.” An album full of guest artists including Sara Groves, Gungor, Derek Webb, David Crowder, and others is yet another reminder that Jars of Clay continues to try new things musically. I love that “The Shelter” is a call to all of us to make a difference as a community of believers. It’s beyond pop and radio, giving us theme songs for how to live life.
9. Chasen “That Was Then, This is Now”
“That Was Then, This is Now” is a perfect album title for the boys from South Carolina. It’s clear that these boys are now men, using life and their faith journey as inspiration behind the new album. A great combination of rock, melody, worship, and true lyrics makes this album worthy of my list.
10. Robbie Seay Band “Miracle”
The Robbie Seay Band has gotten a bit more recognition this past year, and “Miracle” is the reason. Robbie Seay is a great songwriter. It’s difficult to miss the lyrics in the melody, playing off each other to make songs that are worshipful to the King. An undertone of love and a plead for being real in the midst of life is heard from track to track.
11. Derek Webb “Feedback”
“Feedback” is an instrumental worship album with a theme of The Lord’s Prayer. Each track focuses on a line from the prayer. I am a digital music purchaser, but I’m thankful I bought a physical copy of “Feedback.” The album comes with pictures depicting each line of the prayer, from 2 artist perspectives. Derek Webb steps out yet again to create an experiential worship album with “Feedback.” Take an hour to worship and pray through The Lord’s Prayer with with this album and the pictures. It will be worth it.
Honorable Mention:
--Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More" - It would have made my top list of the year, but it's specific to Christian bans who are "under the radar."
--Satellites and Sirens "Self titled"
Albums I'm looking forward to in 2011:
--Brandon Heath (January)
--Aaron Gillespie (March)
--Needtobreathe (July-ish?)
JJ Heller & Sleeping at Last = <3
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