Round-up of new and recent CCM releases

This article appeared in the October 2004 Lakeside Spire.

Almost 4 years ago, CNN described Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) as the fastest growing segment of the music industry. In March 2004, CNN published a story stating the number of religious stations in America grew by 32 percent last year. With sales growth of over 20% per year, CCM sales top classical, jazz and new age combined. Many artist are now "crossing over" into mainstream radio and video. Mindy Smith's "Come to Jesus" gets regular airplay on MTV. Mercy Me and Switchfoot enjoy nationwide airplay on many mainstream rock format radio stations. Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mercy Me played on Jay Leno. The list could go on and on.

Because there is so much music out there I thought I'd write a round up of some of the better new and recent music releases. This certainly is not the last word for what's good, just a list of my current favorites.

By the Tree - Hold You High - insightful, deep lyrics, unique rock sound, worshipful. Check out "Throne of Grace", "Beautiful One", "Only to You", "It Is Well".

Casting Crowns - self titled - less worshipful, still powerfully Christian. This album has been on top of the charts nearly all year. Highlights include "If We Are The Body", "What If His People Prayed", "Who Am I?"

Chris Tomlin - Arriving - released Sept 21, 2004, the lead single off this album "Indescribable" has shot to the top of the charts. Also check out "Holy is the Lord", "How Great is our God", "Unfailing Love" and "All Bow Down".

David Crowder Band - Illuminate - modern rock worship at its best. Original, exceptional worship songs with crisp "ear candy" performances. This is my current most listened to CD. My favorites include "Open Skies", "Revolutionary Love", "Only You", "No One Like You" and "All Creatures of Our God and King".

Jeff Deyo - Light - another one I listen to very often. Founder of SonicFlood, this is Jeff's second solo album. His writing and arranging have matured, but his songs still exude an intense joyful enthusiastic modern rock feel. "Bless the Lord", "Ray of Light", "We Come To Your Throne With Weeping (featuring Mac Powell of Third Day)", and "Keep My Heart (featuring Natalie Grant)" are some of the highlights.

Jeremy Camp - Carried Me - the Worship Project - inspired, soulful, modern rock worship. "Walk By Faith" has enjoyed a long stay at the top of the charts. He does a powerful cover of Chris Tomlin's "Wonderful Maker". Also check out "Enough" (another Tomlin cover) and "Carried Me".

Planetshakers - Hosts of the largest Christian Youth Conference in the Southern Hemisphere, the Planetshakers CD is full of modern, dynamic worship rock. Top tracks include "Open Up the Gates", and "It's All about Jesus".

Steven Curtis Chapman - All Things New - no longer in the country pop genre, his 14th cd is an excellent modern pop worship album. "Angels Wish", "Believe Me Now", "Much Of You", and "Big Story" are some of the top tracks.

Tree63 - the Answer to the Question - a return to their "roots" - modern worship with evocative, meaningful lyrics "King", "Blessed Be Your Name", "Overdue" stand out among many great songs.

Watermark - The Purest Place - worship driven expressions of faith, includes guests Charlie Hall, Tim Hughes, and Caedmon’s Call’s Danielle Young. Listen to "Glory of Your Name", "Purest Place", and "Holy Roar".

Again, these artists are only some of those that are out there. I pray that these artists and songs will help you to grow closer to God, and hunger for Him more.