A year ago I would've put "5 Notable CD's of 2009"...but in reality, I purchased more albums by MP3 than any year previously. A telling thing about the future of music? Or am I finally catching up to the rest of the world? Not sure...but there were some fantastic releases by so many artists. These are just five albums that captured my attention in 2009 as I found my iPod clickwheel spinning to their place on my music list frequently.
"Let Them Hear", Jonathan Lee This past summer I received a note from my Twitter account that JLeeWorship was following me. Curious, I clicked away to Jonathan's website and was instantly convinced to purchase "Let Them Hear" on iTunes. I was captured instantly by the opening "Intro" track and the first full song "Sound of the Redeemed". One of my favorite recordings of 2009.
"Happy Day", Tim Hughes Back in April I attended the WorshipTogether.com Conference that had Tim Hughes teaching a class and leading worship. They were offering this CD/DVD recording not yet available in stores here in the U.S. This live recording is so well crafted. "Remember" instantly became my replay song for a month.
"Because of Your Love", Brenton Brown One of the things I love about being a part of the All About Worship Podcast is how I get to do "research" before interviews. I purchased this album before interviewing Brenton and was blown away by these songs. "Adoration" and "Because of Your Love" are my personal faves. What I don't understand is how this album vanished from iTunes and is listed on Amazon for $50. Which is really too bad. Such a great album.
"Heaven and Earth", Phil Wickham I purchased this as a pre-release and got the download along with a complete copy of the album in an acoustic version. One of Phil's gifts is his ability to capture an audience with his guitar and voice alone. Amazing album. A must have. "Safe" is currently my most replayed.
"Life Light Up", Christy Nockels When Watermark retired...a sadness fell upon the home of AbuSaada. When it was announced Christy was releasing her first solo project all was right again. One of the highlights of the 2009 National Worship Leader Conference was hearing Christy lead worship. Such a heart and passion for leading people to Christ through worship. "A Mighty Fortress" and "By Our Love" are two standouts.







