Honored to be a part of Under the Radar’s critic panel, the most recent task at hand was to compile this year’s top 11 albums. Each critic submitted their top choices and the final list was announced this week.
Click here to read Under the Radar’s list.
Below are my personal top 11 I submitted as a critic. Not all made the list, including my top choice. But, alas, there were over 35 albums submitted and only 11 made the cut. I wanted you all to hear my top 11, so I’ve included them below with a brief summary. Feel free to spend all your Christmas money on these albums, plus the ones on the UTR list. One side note: I discovered Josh Garrels’ album far too late in the year, otherwise, “Love & War & The Sea in Between” would have made it in my list.
Also, you can listen to Under the Radar’s radio show featuring the Top 11.
Click here to listen to it.
Top 11 Albums:
1. “Yearbook” by Sleeping at Last
The last 12 months has been a treat with Sleeping at Last releasing a 3 song EP on the first day of each month. This collection of 36 poetic songs called “Yearbook” is a masterpiece of incredible lyrics and melodies.
2. "The Reckoning" by Needtobreathe
“The Reckoning” takes my number two spot for it’s dedication to creating music that remains true in a world of music that is simply out to get number one hit singles. While no longer “under the radar” due to their tour with Taylor Swift, the musicality of this southern band had alot riding on it’s shoulder with this release. They did not disappoint and certainly did not compromise their heart and soul with this album.
3. “Economy” by John Mark McMillan
With lyrics like “harbor me in the eye of the storm, I’m holding on to the love you swore” it’s obvious that this album would make my list. “Economy” is an album that seems to have come from the heart with questions of faith, with the thread of worship throughout.
4. "Frequency" by Satellites & Sirens
Like many bands, Satellites & Sirens started with a record label and went backwards. Now on their own, their new release “Frequency” defines the DNA of who they really are. Questions of faith, relationships, and life are major themes of this album.
5. “Brokenness Aside EP” by All Sons & Daughters
The duo worship band brings honest worship in this seven song EP. This is an EP that plays on repeat while I sit with a cup of coffee and a journal. I’m inspired by their lyrics and moved by their melodies to worship and create.
6.“Vice Verses” by Switchfoot
I cannot overlook “Vice Verses” on my top album list. Switchfoot does it again with this release. Anthem songs with quotable lyrics bring hope to all who listen. I’m always encouraged and inspired when I listen to “Vice Verses.”
7. “Control” by Abandon
“Control” is an upbeat creative passion-filled album by the guys of Abandon. This early year release set the tone for summer. Josh, the lead singer of Abandon so desperately wants to share the hope of Christ through his lyrics and has carried that through in the melodies and beats.
8. “Deeper” by JJ Heller
An acoustic driven album by JJ Heller brings her back to her roots in some of these previously released songs. I’m enjoy listening to this album not as background music but as as sense of a “time out” from life’s crazy schedule.
Name a duo who has better harmonies than The Civil Wars? It’s not possible. Their much anticipated album “Barton Hollow” did not disappoint.
10. “Anthem Song” by Aaron Gillespie
“Anthem Song” is a great worship album. Deep lyrics of worship and prayer assumes Aaron Gillespie isn’t out t be praised, but to praise God with these songs.
11. “Ghosts Upon the Earth” by Gungor
It takes just a few listens to recognize that “Ghosts Upon the Earth” should be on the top 11 list. While many albums focus on creating hit singles, Gungor focuses on making both the instruments and lyrics come together in a harmonious worshipful experience.
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