Top 15 Albums of 2010

With the Grammy Awards recently coming out for Album of the Year and Record of the Year, the entire slate of nominees disgusted me because almost ALL of the albums that were nominated are a simple result of what sells these days. One nominee is a song that starts with the "F" word---now that represents real quality. Here is my list of the 15 best albums from 2010. This list is my opinion and is not based on any sales or charts. The rules I used for this list is that the album had to be released in 2010 or late in 2009 that had an impact into 2010. Let me know what you think. Some of these may surprise you!

Honorable Mention: "Feedback"-Derek Webb: Here is a interesting idea. Derek Webb just released a new instrumental praise and worship album set to the movements of the Lord's Prayer. Time will tell if this album strikes a chord with listeners but tons of credit must be given for attempting something so bold and daring. If this is even half as good as his previous, "Stockholm Syndrome", then we are all in for a treat.


15. "The Rising"-Charlie Hall
Anything that Charlie Hall produces is going to be quality. Known as one of the leaders of the Passion Movement, Charlie is responsible for songs such as "Give Us Clean Hands", "Marvelous Light",and "On the Road to Beautiful", and many others. On this new album he offers a fresh perspective on worship in a modern and crisp manner. If you are tired of processed and commercially driven Christian music, then check out Charlie Hall. It is a bit odd that this album shares the title of the 2002 Bruce Springsteen record.
Standout Track: "Lamp"

14. "The Open Road"-John Hiatt
Anytime John Hiatt releases a new album, I take notice. He has been around for years with such memorable hits as, "Have a Little Faith In Me", "Thing Called Love", "Riding With The King", and "Memphis in the Meantime". Hiatt's voice sounds as better as ever on this album. Even though this is not his best album in the last 5 years or so, it trumps most of the garbage that was released this year. Standout Track: "What Kind of Man"

13. "Volume Two"-She and Him
This album literally sounds like it came out of the 1960's. Vocalist Zooey Deschanel and bandmate M. Ward has produced an album of slick sounding pop tunes that is fresh and relevant. Standout Track: In The Sun


12. "Natural Forces"-Lyle Lovett
Some of my friends may make fun of me for liking a country artist like Lovett, but he writes beautiful records. His voice sounds just as strong as it ever has and he transcends country music--in other words, you could play his songs on pop stations and get away with it. Standout Track: "Whooping Crane"

11. "Back To Love"-Beth Nielson Chapman
Here is an artist who has the most beautiful female voice in music today and most people have no idea who she is. Ever since her 1997 album, "Sand and Water" broke my heart (about the death of her husband), I have been hooked on her gorgeous songwriting. You should really give her a listen if you want to be knocked out. This album is special because she wrote it in the middle of being diagnosed with brain cancer and she literally finished some song lyrics while waking up from the surgery.
Standout Tracks: "How We Love" and "Shadows"


10. "Downtown Church"-Patty Griffin
It has been a while since Griffin came out with an album and this one is a little bit different. One of my all time favorite songwriters, this is a gospel album with several original songs. Produced by Buddy Miller (in the middle of his heart attack), the songs are beautiful and spirit filled. It is sad to me that in interviews Griffin says that she is not sure about the God to which she sings about here which begs the question why make a Gospel album then? Whatever the case, I am glad that she made it because it is one of the years best. At least the Grammy Awards got one correct.
Standout Track: "Little Fire"


9. "Band of Joy"-Robert Plant
After "Raising Sand", it was going to be tough for Robert Plant to top that effort. Produced by Buddy Miller, Plant has created his best solo album since "Mighty Re-arranger". The album is fun with a lot of mixed styles. Also Grammy nominated.
Standout Track: "Harm's Swift Way" and "The Only Sound That Matters


8. "Counting Stars"-Andrew Peterson
One thing is for sure: Andrew Peterson is one of the best Christian songwriters and performers alive. On "Counting Stars", Peterson has created a melancholy record that takes the listener on a covenantal journey. Every married couple should check out the single and video, "Dancing in the Minefields". I know that when my wife and I lost a baby this past year, this song ministered to us in a big way. The albums first single, "The Reckoning"-largely ignored by radio is also one of the years best songs bar none.
Standout Track: "You Came So Close"


7. "Listening Booth: 1970"-Marc Cohn
Oh Marc Cohn. His 1991 self titled debut remains of the best records I've ever heard from the "Walking in Memphis" time period. On this record, Cohn has chosen 12 songs specifically released in 1970 that had a major impact on his life. There is not a weak song on here from Cat Stevens, Paul Simon, Bread, and The Beatles. Highly recommended from THE VOICE!
Standout Track: "The Only Boy Living in New York"

6. "Raising Up The Dead"-Caedmon's Calll
It has been a while since we've heard anything new from Caedmon's Call and album is about as different as anything they've ever done. This is an Internet only release probably because the record company new that most of the material on here is not commercial enough to release(?). Whatever the case, singers Derek Webb, Cliff Young, and Danielle Young have crafted an almost alternative sounding folk Christian album that never grows old. Once again, if you are looking for something fresh and different, check out this gem of an album.
Standout Track: "Streets of Gold"

5. "Scratch My Back"-Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel releases an album about once every ten years. With this release, he has covered 12 songs from other artists in the hope that they will individually cover one of his songs (this the albums title). You would be hard pressed to hear a better produced or more beautiful album this year.
Standout Tracks: "The Power of the Heart", and "The Book of Love"

4. "The Shelter"-Jars of Clay
Having just released "The Long Fall Back to Earth" in 2009, the guys from Jars of Clay were quick to release this community inspired masterpiece. Threatened by the Nashville floods this year, the master tapes were preserved and the album wasn't delayed. This is one of the best Jars of Clay album I've ever heard.
Standout Track: "Lay it Down"

3. "Live at the Troubador"-James Taylor and Carol King
Timeless music from two of the best singer songwriters in American Music history. This album should have been nominated for Album of the Year. The cool thing about this record is that is also comes with the live DVD of the concert. The album is about a 50/50 mix between Taylor and King.
Standout Track: "Up On The Roof"

2. "No Better Than This"-John Mellencamp
This choice may shock some of you but all I can say is listen to this record. Recorded live in Memphis, San Antonio, and Savannah Georgia, Mellencamp offers a stripped down album that honors the ghosts of Robert Johnson (he recorded in the same building as the Blues Great). I really shouldn't like an album like this but I cannot help it. The production is 100% analog, sparse, and raw. One of Mellencamps best efforts and all of the songs are original too.
Standout Track: "Save Some Time To Dream"

1. "Fireflies and Songs"-Sara Groves
The title alone should make most guys cringe but in reality, this album will rip even the toughest man's guts out. Sara Groves is hands down the best female Christian songwriter and performer that is alive today. I had the privilege of seeing her in concert this fall and my opinion of her went up even more. This is her best album (she has released more than 7 in the last 10 years) and like I said before, it represents the most real and raw songwriting that I heard. How in the world does she come up with all of these beautiful melodies too? Guys-if you want to bless your wife with a Christmas gift, get your wife this record. After one listen to, "This House" or "Joy is in our heart", you will know why.
Standout Tracks: "This House", "Different Kind of Happy"