Keeping You in Tune with Today's Music
Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Happy New Year to all of you as we kick off Christian Music Today 2006. We hope you stick with us in the months ahead as we continue to cover the latest in Christian music.
Did you hit the stores in the days after Christmas? That's what the Christian music industry was banking on. In years past, record labels typically offered a bulk of new releases in November, anticipating the seasonal shopping spree. It usually makes things pretty hectic right up to Thanksgiving, and then the music business slows down until mid-late January.
Not so this year. Several Christian labels kept November relatively light and instead released more than a dozen new albums on December 27—thinking that all of us who rushed to the stores with gift cards and unwanted presents might buy one the new albums.
Call me skeptical, but I always thought record labels were in the business of promoting artists and their music, sparking demand and driving fans to the store to buy a specific album. That's why they've traditionally built expectations in November, so people could put albums on their Christmas lists. This December 27 strategy seems to make albums an afterthought—an impulse buy as consumers desperately try to cash in their store credit.
True, most people don't buy albums on street date. Music has a longer shelf life than a movie's theatrical run, for example, so expect these new releases to be continually promoted in the months ahead. But I am curious to know if any rushed to the stores right after Christmas to buy a new release. Drop us an e-mail with your thoughts, or vote in our online poll.
No new stories or reviews this week. We already covered some of those December 27 releases—including Delirious, FFH, and The Second Chance soundtrack—and last week we added reviews of the latest from Derek Webb, Chris Tomlin, Vicky Beeching, Parachute Band, Spring Hill Worship, and Vertical Music's Worship Project H2.14.
And don't miss our latest features. The legendary Oak Ridge Boys discuss their long and storied career, as well as their latest Christmas album. Worship leader Darlene Zschech talks about her family's new mission to help the people of Rwanda, and how her new album relates to it. Also, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay (from Buffalo Springfield and Poco) shares with us a little about his new life as a solo artist and pastor in Colorado. Finally, we offer a new Glimpse of God about the latest from classic synth-pop band Depeche Mode, which demonstrates some examples of spiritual longing.
God bless your 2006,
Russ Breimeier
ChristianityToday.com
To reply to this newsletter: music@christianitytoday.com
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 Derek Webb
Mockingbird (INO Records)
Alt folk/pop
 Vicky Beeching
Yesterday, Today & Forever (Sparrow)
Worshipful pop/rock
 Chris Tomlin
Live from Austin Music Hall (sixsteps/EMI)
Modern worship
 Parachute Band
All the Earth (Hosanna!/Integrity)
Contemporary worship
 Various Artists
Worship Project H2.14 (Vertical/Integrity)
Modern worship
 Spring Hill Worship
Beautiful Wounds (Spring Hill)
Worshipful adult contemporary/pop
| more reviews |
 Mighty Oaks
The Oak Ridge Boys have been going strong for decades, and with a new Christmas album and tour, they don't appear to be slowing down one bit.
by Andy Argyrakis
Keeping Things in Zschech
Whether leading worship for Hillsong, recording a solo album, or on a mercy mission to Rwanda, Darlene Zschech brings hope and healing to a hurting world.
by Christa Banister
The Sound of the Furay
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield, Poco), now a pastor in Colorado, is still making music. These days, it's what he calls "devotional songs."
by Mark Allan Powell
The Scoop
Sufjan Stevens gets top reviews of '05; Caedmon's readies new worship CD; R&R Worship Circus gets a new name; and more.
by Andree Farias
 Saving Orphans
His family has already adopted three girls from China, but Steven Curtis Chapman isn't stopping there. He's working hard to help more families get in on the adoption option.
by Maryann B. Hunsberger
No Stones for Stapp
When a few of our readers bashed Scott Stapp for his recent alleged bad behavior, many other readers came to his defense. And no one seems to want to cast the first stone.
The Man Came Around
Johnny Cash was not ashamed of his Christian faith—though it was sometimes a messy faith—and even got some encouragement from Billy Graham along the way.
by Dave Urbanski
 Voice from Home, CD
Rooted in FFH's original pop sound and singable melodies,
their new album captures God's message of healing, peace,
and love for his people in a fresh and captivating new way. |  WOW Hits 2006, 2-CD Boxed Set
Thirty-three chart-topping radio hits by your favorite
Christian artists, including Michael W. Smith, Nichole
Nordeman, MercyMe, Newsboys, Casting Crowns, and more!
|  Men and Angels Say, CD
Known for her stunning rootsy-rock vocals, Ashley
Cleveland brings you a diverse blend of rock, blues,
gospel, country, and alternative styles!
|  Music Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, CD
After watching this fantastic movie, let the experience
linger with music inspired by the film! Includes songs by
Jeremy Camp, Nichole Nordeman, Rebecca St. James, and more! |
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A New Orleans Treasure
Aaron Neville has hit it big with his brothers, in duets with Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood, and with solo albums highlighting his faith—including a new Christmas CD.
The Best Christian Children's Albums of 2005
Looking for the best in audio projects geared towards children? Then look no further than our new annual list, ranging from Christmas and worship to silly songs and stories.
Bone, Bling, and a Benz
Christian rapper T-Bone wears the bling and even owns a Benz. He says it's no act, but just a part of who he is—a street dude, hip-hop personified.
She's Cool with Discomfort
Veteran singer/songwriter Ginny Owens has never felt comfortable in the spotlight. But lately, she's been learning how to embrace the uncomfortable—and to grow from it.
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Did you rush out to stores the week after Christmas to buy music?- Yes, I was itching to redeem some gift certificates
- Yes, I needed to exchange some gifts anyway
- Yes, one of my favorite artists released a new album
- No, I was content with my Christmas gifts
- No, there was nothing I needed to rush out for
Vote here, and see how your answer compares to others'.
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WWhich classic Christian artist would you most like to see make a comeback with a new recording?- dc Talk: 44%
- 2nd Chapter of Acts: 8%
- Steve Taylor: 7%
- White Heart: 7%
- Burlap to Cashmere: 6%
- Andrae Crouch: 5%
- Susan Ashton: 5%
- Big Tent Revival: 4%
- Dallas Holm: 3%
- Randy Stonehill: 3%
- Cindy Morgan: 2%
- Evie Tornquist: 2%
- Resurrection Band: 2%
- The Call: 2%
- Allies: 1%
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