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The Choice Picks for Best Faith-Based of 2009 from Our Sister Online Publication CCM.

LINDSAY WILLIAMS ANDY ARGYRAKIS MATT CONNER ANDREW GREER

1. Leeland, Love Is on The Move (Essential) 1. , 1. , The Long Fall Back to Earth 1. Sara Groves, Fireflies & Songs (INO) A picture of social justice never was painted more (Atlantic/lowercase people/Credential) (Gray Matters/Essential) Groves’ latest catalogs more impeccable heartache eloquently. A return to the socially conscious tones of The best get better with stronger pop sensibilities hymns in yet another installment of her personal that’s once again loaded with than ever before. discography. For the good days, and the bad, Groves is a best bet. (Sparrow) 2. Steven Curtis Chapman, Beauty Will Rise crossover appeal. You’ll cry buckets upon first listen. Beautifully raw; 2. David Crowder Band, Church Music (sixstepsrecords) 2. Switchfoot, Hello Hurricane gut-wrenchingly honest; Chapman's best yet. 2. Skillet, Awake (Atlantic/Ardent/INO) Crowder continues to defy genre boundaries. (Atlantic/lowercase people/Credential) Yet another blockbuster that debuted at No. 2 on the Lyrically and musically, this packs more punch per (Sparrow) 3. Britt Nicole, The Lost Get Found entire Billboard charts. For Panheads and newcomers track than most rock records dare. It’s official: These guys are 3. Philip LaRue, Let the Road Pave Itself (BEC) A surprisingly mature sophomore effort that will alike, it’s a sing-a-long from start to finish! around for good. delight even those naysayers without a penchant for Honest songwriter effort proves itself to be surprise pop with Britt’s thoughtful lyrics and catchy hooks. 3. Sara Groves, Fireflies and Songs (INO) of the year. 3. Sara Watkins, Sara Watkins (Nonesuch) This is her most honest and heartfelt Watkins’ plaintive originals make perfect dance (Atlantic/Word) (BEC) 4. , The Outsiders singer/songwriter record to date. She continues to 4. Falling Up, Fangs partners for her impeccable cover selections on a They may be outsiders, but this record solidifies their expose her soul and not be afraid to express personal Concept raises Oregon act to new levels. record that captures the essence of folk. position as INSANE musicians. We’re lucky to have vulnerabilities and fragilities. them in our circle. 4. Steven Curtis Chapman, Beauty Will Rise (Sparrow) 5. Steven Curtis Chapman, Beauty Will Rise (Sparrow) 4. Relient K, Forget and Not Slow Down (Mono Vs. Stereo) Never at the top of my list, this is not a sympathy 5. Fee, Hope Rising (INO) Chapman saves his best for last with this career Catchy, infectious and a crossover hit waiting to card. Chapman has laid his heart on the line, and we This one took me by surprise—great songwriting, highlight. happen. This release also marks the band’s Christian listeners are all the better for it. Thank you, Steven. strong hooks that are perfect for corporate worship. market debut on its own label. 5. Skillet, Awake (Atlantic/Ardent/INO) Awake 5. , Stockholm Syndrome (INO) I can’t help but love these guys. was the record Instead of a stripped down affair, Webb pulls off Skillet was born to make. an album of fully produced variety that includes old-school soul, jazz and his most diversity to date. Check out www.CCMmagazine.com/news/stories/11623645 for more top music picks. YWJ

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