Portable Sounds by TobyMac
TobyMac is my favourite artist, and this is my favourite album! TobyMac plays an amazing mix of rock & roll, hip-hop, rap, and pop. This album, released in 2007 and certified gold the next year, has more of a pop sound to it, with great hits like Made to Love (which reached #1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart) and I'm For You. There are also some rockier songs in it, like Ignition, Boomin', and Suddenly. The funky hip hop songs No Ordinary Love and Feelin' So Fly are also among my favourites, as are the slower, more reflective songs All In and Lose My Soul. The whole album has outstanding musicianship and production. It reached the #10 position on the Billboard 200 album chart and #1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart.
The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti and Spearhead
Michael Franti has been around for a long time, recording since the 80s. However, his most recent album, released in 2010, is definitely his best album. The Sound of Sunshine is a superb blend of lighthearted reggae, hip hop, and rock, and thankfully lacks the conspicuous and controversial political messages of some of his past albums. The best song on the album is... The Sound of Sunshine! The title song has such a cheerful, catchy sound to it, one can't help but like it. The exceptional songs Hey Hey Hey and Anytime You Need Me have a similar sound. The Thing That Helps Me Get Through is more lively and energetic, despite its awkwardly long name. This album peaked at #17 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Comatose by Skillet
Skillet is a Christian metal band well known for its success in symphonic rock, utilizing the piano, violin, and chello in recordings and live performances. Their album Comatose is a quite dramatic album, with amazing songs like Comatose and Rebirthing which feature classical instruments quite prominently. Falling Inside the Black, The Last Night, Better Than Drugs, and Whispers in the Dark are four more outstanding songs. Comatose was released in 2006 and became the band's first certified gold album.
Out of the Woods by David Wilcox
Great guitar playing transcends time. This album, the debut album of Canadian David Wilcox (not to be confused with the American folk artist with the same name), was released in 1977 and became certified gold after a re-release five years later. To be honest, my dad bought this album off of iTunes, and I initially wasn't too interested in listening to my dad's music from the 70s... but I quickly realized how much talent this man has. The lively, fast-paced tracks Hypnotizin' Boogie and Hot Hot Papa are irresistible. Groovy songs like Bump Up Ahead, Bad Apple, and A Little Chunk of You had me singing along with his crazy lyrics like the 70s are making a comeback. ^_^ This album is jam-packed with dynamic guitar playing, but Wilcox's singing is... kind of quirky.
NewWorldSon (self-titled album)
The rising Canadian Christian band NewWorldSon plays a unique blend of gospel, reggae, and soul music. This is their newest album, released last year. It features the hit There is a Way (which reached #2 on Billboard's Christian Songs chart), the catchy song In Your Arms, and the vibrant masterpieces You Set the Rhythm and Do You Believe in Love?. Their Jamaican Praise Medley is also fun and unique. Overall, this album has an old-time gospel sound to it, while achieving a fresh and alive feeling.
Tonight by TobyMac
This is my favourite artist's latest album, released in 2010. It has a modern hip-hop sound, and features many exceptional songs. City On Our Knees and Get Back Up both topped the Billboard Christian songs chart and are now among TobyMac's most successful songs. Other favourites of mine are Tonight (featuring John Cooper from Skillet!), Funky Jesus Music, Hold On, and Hey Devil. This album delivers thumping bass and sick hooks, with some of TobyMac's famous rap mixed in!
Honourable Mentions:
♩ Diverse City by TobyMac
♪ Call Me Irresponsible by Michael Buble
♫ Awake by Skillet
♬ Born Again by the Newsboys
♩ Outta Space Love by Group 1 Crew
♫ Young Love by Mat Kearney
Note: These are my favourite studio albums. I have not included any compilation albums, live albums or soundtracks.
