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Take 6

• Feels Good  
  I can’t stop listening to this album. There’s something about smooth and soulful acappella that makes me appreciate music a lot more. Take 6 generates a lot of energy on Feels Good by using harmony in a way most have never heard before; worth noting, the songwriting is very expressive. If you can appreciate jazz and acappella, then you will appreciate this new album by Take 6. “More Than Ever” is probably the best track on the album; you’ll play that one again and again. Highlights: “More Than Ever” and “Lamb of God” - terri l. simmons

Tal & Acacia

• Wake Me
  Popular young adult music has met its match. In their newly released album Wake Me, Tal & Acacia captivate their listeners with their exciting beats and enthralling melodies, while sharing the message of Christ with their beautiful lyrics and heartfelt harmonies. There is nothing adult contemporary about this album; it's not your parents' Christian tunes. The songs are not preachy, but rather sincere and inspiring. This sister duo has managed to capitalize on the beautiful and hard to find balance of popular music that keeps your head bopping and a message that keeps your heart soaring. Album Highlights: "Garbage In" and "Wake Me (Noah's Song)" - monique derr

T-Bone

• Bone-A-Fide  
  If you think Kanye West is hip-hop’s saving grace, think again. T-Bone returns with his Bone-A-Fide 8th CD, and we all throw up a big “Thank God.” From tight beats to T-Bone’s smooth flow, the tracks on Bone-A-Fide are just that. T-Bone and his boys spared no lyrical expense with solid rhyme-writing like: “See, I’m all for Jesus / But I’m nothing like Mase / I’m too ghetto and gutter / But covered with His grace” on the song “A Few Good Men” (and I couldn’t help but include this quick line: “They hear me spit and they’re like, Holy toledo / ‘Cause when it comes to rappin’ I’m the one like Neo”). With a classic West Coast sound, T-Bone’s not shy about his skills or the fact that they come straight from God. He keeps his raps Christ-centered without the shady or generic references to “the man upstairs.” In this world where mediocre rhymes are making the charts on both the Christian and mainstream rap charts, T-Bone gives hip-hop a second chance. Album Highlights: “Let That Thang Go,” “Can I Live,” “Ya’ll Can’t Win,” and much more - jennifer e. jones

Ten Shekel Shirt

• Jubilee 
  You know the songs: The duds in the middle of the album, or the ones tacked onto the end. You listen to them once, skip them for the next month, and finally listen to them again, only to decide they really aren’t that bad. This sums up the experience of Ten Shekel Shirt’s latest album, Jubilee. Focusing on the release God gives us from our pasts, the band has written thoughtful lyrics in a gentle rock format. Songs consider healing from abuse (“Fragile”), starting over after straying from God (“Love From a Lesser God”), and the abolitionist’s mission (“It’s Slavery”). Unfortunately, the album lacks energy and musical variation. All but one of the songs have that end-of-the-album “Let’s calm down, now” feel, and 43 minutes of that can only be one thing: boring. Highlights: “Spark” and “Wartime Lullaby” – bethany duval

Tenth Avenue North

• Over and Underneath 
  Though Over and Underneath is Tenth Avenue North’s debut record, many will recognize them from their hit single “Love is Here,” which is already making its mark on Christian radio. Listing to the album, it is clear that songwriter Mike Donehey and the band offer a successful mix of honest lyrics, memorable melodies, and a desire to use their musical abilities for Christ. The rock/worship songs will not only give listeners the opportunity to glorify God, but will also give insight into Christ’s own view of humanity (especially songs: “By Your Side” and “Beloved”). Tenth Avenue North is a band that is sure to make an impression in the years to come. Album Highlights: “Love Is Here,” “Let It Go,” and “You Are” – amy nickerson

Third Day

• Revelation  
  The Georgia-based band returns to its Southern rock roots with this latest album. The band has gone on record as saying the project was an attempt to start fresh and recreate the band’s sound. The result is an album that combines Third Day’s popular rock style with a new level of vulnerability in their lyrics. Their powerful “Call My Name” offers hope to people going through tough times, while tracks like “This Is Who I Am” explore our need for God to be continuously working in our lives. The album also features performances from Chris Daughtry, Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosely, and guitarist Robert Randolph. Revelation is a must have for Third Day fans. Album Highlights: “Call My Name,” “This is Who I Am,” “Slow Down,” and “Run to You” - belinda elliott
• Christmas Offerings  
  In the late 1980s Michael W. Smith released an energetic, uplifting song called “Goin Thru the Motions”. Smitty’s musical work implored listeners not to settle for the mundane realities of the world but to always do their best. Sadly, Third Day’s Christmas Offerings can best be described as "Goin Thru the Motions". Sure, Mac Powell’s earthy croon is in fine form, but the disc itself falls flat. Four unimaginative originals coupled with a paint-by-numbers rendering of such classic carols as “Silent Night”, “O Come All Ye Faithful”, and “Joy to the World” make this a very ordinary Christmas collection. This is a must-have disc for hardcore Third Day fans and nobody else. - chris carpenter
• Wherever You Are  
  Wherever You Are is best summed up in its opening track “Tunnel” when Mac Powell sings: “You’ve got your disappointments and sorrows / I’m gonna try to give a little hope to you.” On this ninth go-‘round, Third Day digs deep into life’s pain with unapologetic disillusionment. Without sugar-coating tragedy, they write lyrics from a broken heart (i.e., “Yesterday I found / That everything I knew was wrong”), and you can hear it in Mac’s voice on every song. In the face of suffering, Wherever You Are also clings desperately to Christ and offers steadfast love for life’s mysteries. This album is the perfect blend of doubt and faith and arguably Third Day’s best songwriting to date. Album Highlights: “How Do You Know,” “Mountain of God,” and if “Rise Up” doesn’t move you, check your pulse. - jennifer e. jones

This Beautiful Republic

• Perceptions 
  This Beautiful Republic’s sophomore project, Perceptions, has something for everyone. It offers hard-hitting “screamer” songs like “No Turning Back,” a song about finding freedom from addictions and “My God,” about pursuing God rather than selfish desires. For those that like their rock a little softer, the album also offers tracks with more of a pop/rock sound on “Learning to Fall,” which calls Christians to surrender all of themselves to God and “Beautifully Broken,” which celebrates God’s sacrificial love. Amidst their catchy choruses and guitar riffs are thought-provoking lyrics as in “For the Life of Me.” For the life of me I can’t explain the reason You died and the reason You came was for the life of me. What do You see in me? I’m a leper not a king. Rock fans will want to add this to their collection.  Album Highlights: “Learning to Fall,” “Beautifully Broken,” “My God,” “For the Life of Me” – belinda elliott

Thousand Foot Krutch

• Welcome to the Masquerade
  One of Christian music's favorite rock bands Thousand Foot Krutch is pleasing fans once again with their latest record, Welcome to the Masquerade. From the instrumental powerhouse that is track one ("The Invitation"), the album sets itself up as a rock experience not to be missed. This fifth studio release from our Canadian friends gives us a great ballad in "Already Home", "Smack Down" with its Queen-esque beat, and a high-energy song, "Fire It Up", which was featured in a movie trailer for G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Album Highlights: "The Invitation", "Welcome to the Masquerade", "Outta Control" - hannah goodwyn

• The Flame in All of Us 
  TFK brings their holy rage like a fire on their fourth studio project. A few weaker tracks (particularly the trite “Wish You Well”) try to pull this album down a few rungs on the ladder, but it continues to climb and has the potential to soar. “My Home” is the obvious breakout hit in my opinion with heart-on-sleeve love for the things that give us stability. There is an ‘90s grunge to “Learn to Breathe” that I haven’t heard since early Pearl Jam, while the tumbling drums and chants on “InHuman” make me wonder if the Canadian rock stars slipped a little Marilyn Manson into their listening repertoire. With experimental vocal inflections plus a wrestling sound musically that keeps you guessing, The Flame In All of Us  burns bright and strong. Album Highlights: “Learn to Breathe” and “My Home” - jennifer e. jones
• The Art of Breaking  
  It's 11 tracks of pure "rawk" music with plenty of anthems -- an album well worth the wait. Read the full review...

TobyMac

• Tonight
  TobyMac’s ability to stay true to himself, his music, and his mission while staying pop-culturally relevant is a true art form. Track after track on Tonight, he brings his unique blend of rock/rap/techno to start a party inside your speakers. The title track plus others, such as “Funky Jesus Music” and “Hey Devil”, echo a Black Eyed Peas type call to get up and dance. Of course, at this stage of the game, it’s impossible to not repeat yourself. “Changed Forever” sounds like so many other songs he’s done over the years, and I think it’s time to put the obligatory “TruDog” track to rest. However, “Start Somewhere” and the first single “City On Our Knees” are representative of TobyMac’s knack for successfully mixing a strong faith message with killer beats. This CCM veteran proves yet again that he still has a few tunes up his sleeve. Album Highlights: “Funky Jesus Music”, “Tonight”, and “City on Our Knees” - jennifer e. jones
• Portable Sounds  
  Just when you think that TobyMac ran out of tricks up his sleeve, the man who makes magic with music presents Portable Sounds. Toby gives this album everything he’s got and still leaves you wanting more. The first track invites you to the party with a message of “one world, one love.” Once inside, Toby shares his devotion to the lost (“Face of the Earth”), his family (“No Signal”), and his God (“Lose My Soul”). And if that’s not enough, the rap/rock anthem “Ignition” will make you come alive. In true Toby style, the renassiance man marries a Christ-centered message with relevant beats. So rest assured, when TobyMac says he’s “all in”, it’s the safest bet you can make. Album Highlights: “Ignition” and “One World” - jennifer e. jones

Tomlin, Chris

• Hello Love 
  Chris Tomlin has a remarkable ability to pen worshipful messages from the heart and lift our eyes toward heaven. He does this again with his new album. While it’s difficult to top his worship anthems, “How Great is Our God” and “Amazing Grace: My Chains are Gone,” there is plenty to love here. “Jesus Messiah,” the album’s first single, is a captivating tune about Christ’s rescue of sinners by His sacrifice on the cross. Another powerful track, “I Will Rise,” celebrates how God has defeated death and offers us victory over the grave. The inspiring lyrics of “God of This City,” are sure to make this song an anthem used at Christian events worldwide. Other upbeat worship tracks like “Sing, Sing, Sing,” and “You Lifted Me Out,” round out the album along with a new rendition of an old hymn, “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.” Hello Love will quickly become another favorite from this astounding artist. Album highlights: “Jesus Messiah,” “I Will Rise,” “God of This City” – belinda elliott

Tree63

• Sunday!  Tree63’s fifth album is like a fight song for the suffering. With peppy, almost punk/ska-like beats and catchy guitar riffs, Sunday! is packed with contagious joy. It urges us to embrace the real hope we have in Jesus Christ, while holding us accountable for social injustices in our society. The epitome of the album lies in “Alright,” a hymn for their beloved home, South Africa (and anyone struggling, really).  “Alright” reminds us that this – our seemingly unrelenting problem - too shall pass; “Though darkness overcomes you now / Morning will break through somehow.”  The already popular single “Sunday” offers a spirit of optimism by reiterating the promises of the cross. “Becoming” and “The Revolution” are a call against apathy and offer an honest self-examination of the church body. Album Highlights: “Alright”, “Becoming”, “Sunday”- andrea d. hedlund
• Worship Volume One: I Stand for You  For those unfamiliar with Tree63, it may take a few listens before this album will grow on you. Some of the songs just are not memorable. But overall, the ebb and flow of slower ballads and upbeat worship tunes is nicely arranged. The album begins and ends on a likeable note, as the album concludes with a short cover of “Amazing Grace.” Audience participation in live tunes such as “Treasure,” “Joy,” and “King” definitely add a rocking vibe to Tree 63’s rendition of worship music. Album Highlights: “I Stand for You,” “Nothing But the Blood,” “Look What You’ve Done” - andrea d. hicks

• Stronger  Tammy Trent’s fourth album, Stronger, is one of hope amidst pain. It is about restoration after sorrow and beauty out of ashes. And who better to sing of tragedy than one who has experienced it? A few years ago Trent’s husband of 11 years passed away in a tragic diving accident. Now, the artist has slowly embraced and shared the light that has come through the darkness. Though this album is nothing new (with the normal Christian message, a sound like Point Of Grace, and predictable melodies), it is clear that God has worked in Trent’s life so that He can work through her to reach others. For that alone, this CD is worth a look at. Album Highlights: “Rain On Me” and “I’m Letting Go” – amy nickerson
• I See Beautiful  Tammy Trent’s R&B/Pop flavor hasn’t changed since she lit up CCM in the late ‘90s… and that’s the problem. She sounds exactly the same and is stuck on a sound that was hip 10 years ago. I See Beautiful is over synthesized and doesn’t let Trent’s voice really stand on its own. It’s not until further into the CD that Trent gets a chance to shine. “Forgive Me” is a heartfelt, at-the-foot-of-the-altar ballad where she sings, “Forgive me / Once again cover me / ‘Cause I don’t even know why / Your mercy never dies / But I’m glad.” It flows seamlessly into “Run into the Arms of Love,” a song that offers hope for the repentant sinner. This release is disappointing only because we know she’s much more talented than she lets on. Album Highlights: “Forgive Me” - jennifer e. jones

Troccoli, Kathy

• The Story of Love  
  This Story of Love reads like two different tales. In one story, you have Troccoli as we’ve known her recently: the soothing ballad-singing CCM goddess. In the other story, we have a sultry jazz songstress whose music fits in any smoky club. “Pick Yourself Up” and “I Cor 13” are mellow tunes that are more like Diana Krall rather than what we’re used to from Troccoli. She even adds her Italian spice to the vocal standard “The Glory of Love”. Yet she bows to the old traditions with sleepy songs like “Psalm 34” and “Friend for Life”.  They’re good but now we know they can be better. I vote to lose the adult contemporary tunes and go all jazz. I’ve seen a side of Troccoli that should take her into her next 20 years of ministry. Album Highlights: “The Glory of Love” and “I Cor  13” - jennifer e. jones
• Comfort  
  This album is appropriately titled. If you are in need of 50 minutes of comfort, then this album might be for you. Kathy sets a mood with the first song that carries throughout the album, which is fine, again, if you are in a quiet and contemplative mood. Normally a comfort song or two is nice, and quite enough for me. This is comfort overkill. With so little variation in this work it was hard to distinguish one song from the next. As I played this album in the background for the first time as I always do, I actually stopped at one point to check and see if I was listening to one long song. With so little tempo variation it fails to draw you in. It’s just too slow. So, if you are not in the mood, take a pass on Comfort. - tim crowley

Tumes, Michelle

• Michelle Tumes  
  A new Michelle Tumes means only one thing: more synthesized, Enya-esque melodies to swirl through your ears like a whirlwind. Tumes is an acquired taste, and you have to dig this kind of music to enjoy her lastest offering. The album is short with the longest song barely going over four minutes and thirty seconds. It’s pretty standard Tumes without too many detours from the sound she perfected on Center of My Universe, Listen and Dream. My fear is that she’s grown stagnant. Celtic dreamscapes like “Caelum Infinitum” and “Yearning” are solid songs, although a little overdone. On her aptly self-titled project, Tumes presents herself in true form for true fans  only. Album Highlights: “Hold On to Jesus” - jennifer e. jones