In our annual service to our readers Tony Cummings, Mike Rimmer and Lins Honeyman look back on the best CDs from the 1,000 plus reviewed in 2011

GUNGOR - Ghosts Upon The Earth (Word)
I have to confess I was late to the party with the release of this album having previously written the band off as purveyors of anthemic though hardly original modern worship music. How wrong could I be? If ever there was an album to redefine what worship music could sound like, here it is. The eclectic, daring, brave mix of sounds creates a worship album that is also an artistic triumph. It is very rare that anybody manages to pull off a feat like this. With deep elements of Scripture incorporated into the lyrics and a huge mix of instruments both electric and acoustic to create the wide sound, this is an immense album which gets better with each listen. Somehow Gungor have managed to capture the various moods and atmospheres of the Psalm writers creating a rich experience of the moods of worship, incorporating a stunning set of emotions. And at the heart of everything is Michael Gungor's skill as a melody writer.
Mike Rimmer
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

THRICE - Major/Minor (Vagrant)
Ever since the breathtaking 'Artist In The Ambulance' album Cross Rhythms have been admirers of the exceptional songwriting skills of Dustin Kensrue and the ability of his bandmates to make consistently inventive rock music with few of the clichés which clog up the genre. Having said that, any fan of their previous seven albums will admit that the hard rockers from Orange County have a tendency to leap from style to style. This has been addressed on this superlative set, presumably thanks to engineer/producer Dave Schiffman who has given Thrice a more consistent sound which at times echoes the best of grunge. There are many good things here: "Call It In The Air" builds slowly into a gigantean chorus; "Blur" is driven by the propulsive percussion of Riley Breckenridge and is possibly the band's heaviest ever track; while "Yellow Belly" (released as a single) is the kind of rock funk most bands can only dream of. Lyrically the band are on top form as well. "Promises" takes an unflinching look at the responsibility of relationships while "The Weight" (not the old The Band song) is a riveting confessional with Dustin yelling, "We are cowards and thieves/Will we never turn to grieve the damage done?" Breathtaking.
Tony Cummings

BENJAMIN DUNN & FRIENDS - Circus Of Love (Independent)
Here's an indie worship set from a band who consider a world tour to consist of singing and ministering to some of the poorest people on Planet Earth. You're likely to find them on a rubbish dump in the third world encouraging residents there or playing gigs in North America to raise money to build a leper palace in India. A unique ministry where their experiences feed into the song writing of 'Circus Of Love' and the band create an eclectic sound a million miles away from the big stage performance worship of this era and yet authentically doing something special. An eclectic sound creates a bed for these stunning melodies and song ideas to lie on and there's something hectic about my favourite songs here like "Circus Of Love" and "Leap Like A Deer". When Benjamin Dunn hits a groove, it's best to stand aside and enjoy the ride!
Mike Rimmer

MAT KEARNEY - Young Love (Universal Republic)
One reviewer suggested recently that Mat Kearney has the kind of poignantly appealing voice which would sound good even if he was singing the telephone directory. I'm pleased to report the American singer/songwriter has avoided that career move and instead turns in a nimbly crafted set of relationship songs which instantly grab the attention. Particular standouts are the opener "Hey Mama" which has a slight tinge of 'Graceland' era Paul Simon while other cuts hers take in influences from R&B and alt country while never losing the songsmith's ability to sound fresh. Mat creates believable storylines within several of his radio-friendly choruses and even the sleeve cover shot homage to the jazz beat-poets comes off as clever rather than pretentious.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

THE VIOLET BURNING - Story Of Our Lives (Independent)
The culmination of more than two decades worth of creative endeavour, this triple disc, 44-song magnus opus is the daddy of them all. 'The Story Of Our Lives' is a journey which takes the listener through both external and internal conflicts. Each disc is themed to mark out the struggles both physical and spiritual which we face and band leader Mike Pritzl is making observations and sounding the alarm bells of a dystopian future for society whilst also pointing individuals to a personal spiritual future where it's possible to beat the struggle and find hope. The power of these songs is that Pritzl doesn't sugar-coat any of this like so much Christian art and instead we get plenty of dark to balance out the light in a realistic artistic vision. Musically, this is the band's finest work yet and took three years to complete. It's an artistic triumph and even the packaging is stunning! It's worth every penny to experience.
Mike Rimmer

VARIOUS - Gospel: The Absolutely Essential 3 CD Collection (Big3)
Ignoring the cumbersome album title this three CD compilation is in fact a perfect first purchase for anyone wanting to investigate the decades of amazing post-war gospel music. Just about everything here emanates from the '50s which purists will insist was gospel's golden age. The CDs are chockablock with towering musical talents. I suppose you could say that pride of place goes to Mahalia Jackson's sublime "Move On Up A Little Higher" (one of gospel's first million-sellers) though for me the piece-de-resistance is the Soul Stirrers' "Jesus Gave Me Water" on which Sam Cooke showed himself to be one of the greatest singers of soul and gospel history. Elsewhere you'll find the Swan Silvertones, whose Claude Jeter was possibly Cooke's equal; the Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet (one of the classic gospel acts sampled by Moby); and Aretha Franklin, who weighs in with a formative performance of "Never Grow Old". Some of the other brilliant acts here are the Dixie Hummingbirds, Dorothy Love Coates, the Blind Boys (of both Alabama and Mississippi), Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Fairfield Four and many more. This compilation was released by a company who don't send out review copies but when we tell you that Cross Rhythms bought a copy for about six pounds you can see why this set rises to the top of the pile above the dozens more re-issues of vintage black gospel.
Tony Cummings

THE CITY HARMONIC - I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) (Kingsway)
A year ago I picked this band's debut EP 'Introducing.' as an album of the year because the Canadian group had made a stunning opening salvo and wondered whether they could follow it up with something that fulfilled the promise. And a year later here it is! The band create catchy songs which have a euphoric edge to them and whether experiencing them live or listening to the album it's impossible to not be caught up in the passion. From the downbeat simplicity of "Le Reve" to the huge sound of "Mountaintop" and the title cut, these are songs that are designed to be sung aloud in community. Maybe not sung as a traditional worship service but certainly as a soundtrack for people gathering together with purpose. There's a difference and maybe the vision of this band will lead a new wave of modern worship building on the ministry of the current generation. One thing's for sure, this is one epic album!
Mike Rimmer
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

SWITCHFOOT - Vice Verses (Atlantic)
As we've known for years, Switchfoot's Jon Foreman is an exceptional songwriting talent. Observed the Cross Rhythms reviewer, "He has the ability to express truth without pretension, deep yearnings unencumbered by cliche and crucially he can make you feel like he's written a song just for you, framing his quests and questions with declarations of hope and expectancy." Alongside Foreman's songwriting skills, his bandmates here weigh in with undoubtedly their most rhythmic and stylistically diverse set of arrangements. Take for instance "Selling The News" which starts with a Black Key-esque offbeat distorted bassline and tape-echoed guitar part to underscore Foreman's rap style verses before entering an R&B style chorus you wouldn't expect to hear on a Switchfoot record. Then there's "The War Inside" with a distinctly electro vibe while "The Original" is almost a nod to Mutemath with its tambourines and shuffling basslines. With all this musical ingenuity though it's the lyrics which are the most arresting so that even when treading similar paths to previous albums like making the most of life ("Rise Above It"), the West's rancid media ("Selling The News") and loss and nostalgia ("Souvenirs") one, never for a second, feels any deja vu. A particular standout is the title track which powerfully conveys that our reality is more than we see in front of us. All in all, a fine band playing at the top of their game.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

IONA - Another Realm (Open Sky)
Although Iona's career long output has always been characterised by strong spiritual themes and amazing music, this double CD of new studio material marks a high point in the band's creative powers. In particular it felt that the band have regained their spiritual direction, presenting the most powerful set of songs since 'The Book Of Kells'. The album introduces Martin Nolan on pipes and whistles but across the board, there's something new and invigorating about the band. As usual there are epic, lengthy tracks where the band can spread out and demonstrate their musical chops but there are plenty of moments where their strong melodic instincts come to the fore and singer Joanne Hogg is singing and writing better than ever. To top it all, the band have presented the whole CD package in beautiful art work. It feels like Iona have rediscovered their passion and their purpose.
Mike Rimmer

WORSHIP CENTRAL - Spirit Break Out (Kingsway)
There have been thousands of live worship albums released in the last few years, but very, very few reach the heights of this project. As we have observed more than once at Cross Rhythms, reviewing worship music, particularly that recorded during an act of worship, is a major challenge for the hapless reviewer. For alongside all the aesthetics (the quality of the songs, the ability of the lead singers, the band arrangements right on through to the minutiae - is the high hat too loud in the mix? Isn't that lyric just a tad TOO clichéd?) there is sometimes another dimension to be considered. I believe some worship recordings contain within their performances a supernatural dynamic which might be described as "the anointing", if such a phrase still has value after so many years of overuse. The Worship Central movement birthed by Tim Hughes and Al Gordon has down the years, through its conferences and websites, done sterling work in envisioning and equipping thousands of worship leaders. In doing so they have played a major part in preparing the way for what this album now encapsulates - namely, thousands of church goers not prepared to go through the tired motions of merely singing songs about God but in faith and humility reaching out for divine encounters in their worship. This revolutionary worship movement has found transcendent expression in this album. Recorded on 24th March at London's HMV Forum five worship leaders - Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon, Al Gordon, Nikki Fletcher and Luke Hellebronth - have taken a batch of newly minted songs and with a tight rock band here demonstrate both to the blind traditionalists who still view overdrive guitars as devilish and the jaded reviewers who've heard too many Martin Smith wannabes to be objective about the modern worship template - that given the right musical skill and the right hearts abandoned in worship, the result is far more than its constituent parts. Not everyone will be convinced or affected by 'Spirit Break Out' of course. But for others, from the first prayerful notes of Daniel Iverson's timeless "Spirit Of The Living God" to Nikki Fletcher, Tim Hughes and Martin Smith's "All Glory" closer this album will echo the faith, passion and hope we feel towards our Lord who makes the mountains shake and tremble and who will soon return to reclaim the world.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

OOBERFUSE - Still Love My Enemies (Independent)
London band Ooberfuse mix acoustic and synth sounds to create an album packed with invention, melody and pop sensibilities. Cherrie Anderson brings with her a powerful voice and a leaning towards eastern rhythms which play out here. Their excellent "Little Flower" and "Love Stupid Love" demonstrate the band's grasp of original pop and right in the middle of the album there's the sudden surprise of a creative reworking of The Cure's "Love Cats" which it's impossible not to love. Another surprise is "Heart's Cry", which was the youth anthem for the Pope's visit to the UK in 2010 and samples one of the Pope's messages. All in all, an original and unusual pop album that deserves wider attention.
Mike Rimmer

LAURA STORY - Blessings (Fair Trade Services)
All Christian music buffs now know that Laura is the "Indescribable" girl though clearly the lady with the sweet but expressive voice has a lot more to offer the Church. The stone classic on Laura's latest is the title track - "We pray for blessings, we pray for peace/Comfort for family, protection while we sleep/We pray for healing, for prosperity/We pray for your mighty hand to ease our suffering" followed by the superb chorus, "'Cause what if your blessings come thru raindrops/What if your healing comes through tears/What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near/What if trials of this life are your mercies in disguise." Nothing else here is quite up to that standard though "You Are Love" with its spine-tingling use of a choir on the chorus is an excellent congregational worship song, "This Is The Day" starts off with a wistful violin and keyboard intro and throughout Laura creates a mood of reverent adoration. Recorded in Georgia at Chris Tomlin's studio and produced by Nathan Nockels, 'Blessings' is a beautiful piece of work.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

SUGARFOOT - Taste (Makouchat)
Johann Ting and twin sisters Loretta and Natasha Andrews are Sugarfoot, the London-based trio whose five track-EP epitomises the collision of well crafted songwriting and perfect soulful vocal performances. With enough talent to expect the mainstream to come calling, Sugarfoot prove that success has nothing to do with talent and everything to do with good fortune. From the catchy "Care" and "Pedal Stool" whose infectious pop soul is a perfect introduction to the group to the gorgeous flowing melody of "If Only For Tonight" which closes the EP, this is a classy set of songs by any standard.
Mike Rimmer

BURLAP TO CASHMERE - Burlap To Cashmere (Essential)
When Burlap To Cashmere first emerged their eclectic folk pop sound sounded like a mix of Jars Of Clay and The Gypsy Kings and their flamenco and Greek flourishes coupled with some "lai lai lai" vocals made for something very different from most of the formulaic sounds saturating US Christian radio. Then of course they disappeared. But now Steven Delopoulos and Theodore Pagano return this time with producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney) for an album that skilfully blends ethnic folk flavourings with pop hooks to produce some of the most endearing neo folk since Mumford & Sons emerged into the charts. The CD's centrepiece is "Orchestrated Love Song" which pretty much describes what's happening in the arrangement while "Life In A Van" is a well observed reflection on the loves and feelings of a travelling musician. The opener "Don't Forget To Write" has a bit of Simon & Garfunkel in the vocals while the final track "The Other Country" will be an encouragement to Christians with its Heaven-centred lyric.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

ROYAL TAILOR - Black & White (Essential)
I get excited when I hear new bands emerge who have managed to craft a new sound that isn't the usual CCM fodder from Nashville. Royal Tailor manage to combine a fresh synth flavoured pop sound that has both edge and soul and graft it onto R&B and rock influences. Favourites on this debut album include the terminally catchy "Make A Move" and the fantastically culturally aware "Control". This sounds great on the radio and also shows what Christian pop can do when there's a bit of imagination thrown into the pot. Hope the success doesn't mean they are forced to bland out on their next album.
Mike Rimmer
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

LIAM BLAKE - You And Other Stories (Helium)
This year has seen singer/songwriter Liam burst onto the scene with an unequivocally strong debut album which, in addition to summer festival appearances at Greenbelt and Glastonbury, points towards a promising future for the Somerset songsmith. BBC broadcaster Phil Jupitus recently described Blake's voice as "achingly lovely" and the same goes for the man's remarkably mature writing skills. Containing a wealth of well-crafted melodic songs, this release features gems like the wonderful Prefab Sprout-like "Heart And Soul" whilst Blake straddles different styles from the folky opener "For Your Sake" to the bluegrass-tinged "I Felt Alive" to keep proceedings fresh. Elsewhere, songs like "Tell Me Beth, Do You Recall?" and "Simon" showcase the canny production skills of Chris Hughes (Paul McCartney, Adam And The Ants, Tears For Fears) and Mark Frith (Electric Soft Parade) and their involvement undoubtedly gives Blake a head start in terms of having his songs presented in such high quality fashion. Most definitely a mainstream release, there are a few references to God - albeit discrete ones - with "Feather" enigmatically telling of the writer's heavenly Father and the tender closing track "Sinners And Saints" seeing Blake call upon God to save his soul. A hugely satisfying debut from an artist who has it all ahead of him.
Lins Honeyman

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS - Water Colours (Tooth & Nail)
You have to love an American artist who pays tribute to underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau but then Austin Tofte, who records under the name Swimming With Dolphins, is no ordinary artist. Produced by his friend Adam Young (otherwise known as Owl City) there are moments when he works in the same ambient electro pop arena as that chart battering group but Tofte seems to paint from a less sugary musical palette and the results are a stunning mix of ambient atmospheres and pop sensibilities. Highlights include the gorgeous pop of "Happiness" which features a great vocal from singer Sarah Beintker and I played to death on Rimmerama earlier in the year. "Jacques Cousteau" is bright a breezy whilst "Sleep To Dream" is a great example of Swimming With Dolphins' pop approach. If there's any justice in the world Swimming With Dolphins would step right up and occupy a commercially successful spot right next to Owl City. They deserve to be discovered!
Mike Rimmer

MARY MARY - Something Big (Columbia)
The difficulty in reviewing an album by these renowned Atkins sisters is that the ladies emerged onto the scene in 2000 with a stone classic and ever since then reviewers have brought "Shackles (Praise You)" into the reckoning when assessing their music. Although I wouldn't go as far as to suggest that there is anything quite as fine as their crossover hit on this set, 'Something Big' is to my mind the duo's best album for years. Cross Rhythms radio agrees. The careering title track has already been a turntable hit while "Never Wave My Flag" and "Are You Ready" are also well on the way to registering with Cross Rhythms listeners. "Are You Ready" shows just how clever some of Warryn Campbell's productions can be - a life-affirming lyric, catchy hooks, a delicious urban groove all working to make an arresting sound. As usual, they throw in a couple of old school flavourings in the acappella "It Is Well" and "Homecoming Glory" but it is the R&B infused cuts which really register.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

REND COLLECTIVE EXPERIMENT - Homemade Worship By Handmade People (Kingsway)
Their 'Organic Family Hymnal' album made the list for the best of last year's albums and this much anticipated follow up continues the upward trajectory of Rend. They've spent the year on the road making many new friends and now the follow up hasn't disappointed. There are so many things to enjoy here from the reworking of "Be Thou My Vision" as "You Are My Vision" to the simple enthusiastic joy of "The Cost". From moments of drifting intimacy or acoustic beauty to full on horns a blasting gung ho praise songs, the band continue to reflect an indie sensibility and compelling contemporary sound. You have to love their ability to always pull something surprising out of the bag! Not everyone's cup of tea but this is definitely another winner and Rend are still one of the few worship outfits doing anything original!
Mike Rimmer
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!

CASTING CROWNS - Come To The Well (Beach Street)
Mass popularity doesn't always make for great art and in years past Cross Rhythms' 20 Best Albums Of The Year articles have seldom featured the biggest selling Christian albums. But this, the fifth studio set by the CCM hitmakers, is up there with the group's best ever work and shows that frontman Mark Hall still has a great deal to communicate both to the Church and the world at large. Here themes of forgiveness and grace and a commentary on denominationalism in the Church are powerfully and creatively put forward. Possibly the most powerful song of all is "Jesus, Friend Of Sinners" which rebukes the Church for its obsession in communicating what it is against rather than what it is for. Other standouts are "Courageous", with an effective bridge quoting from the book of Micah; "Spirit Wind", inspired by a country preacher ranting about Hell; and "Just Another Birthday", a first-person story of a girl longing to see her father again. There are some intriguing musical elements as well, "My Worst Enemy" is driven by a distorted guitar while the deft acoustic guitar on tracks like "The Well" is nimbly executed. With songwriting and musicianship as good as this, Christian radio-friendly pop rock can still hit home hard.
Tony Cummings
You can buy this album from Cross Rhythms Direct for only £9.97!