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My Top 8 Albums of 2008
- 12/16/08
- 38
Tuesdays are usually the day that I publish a book review. Today I am going to break form and will instead fulfill a request by listing my favorite albums of the year. Now I will say off the top that I am no authority on music. In fact, I may be among the least-qualified people to discern good albums from bad. So do understand that this is a list of personal favorites. I am in no way qualified to make judgments on which albums are objectively the best (if any such objective standard exists). In fact, whenever other people tell me an album is amazing, I usually think it’s just plain dumb (think Radiohead). In each case I am including a little snippet of a review from a site more qualified to make judgments. Also, while I do listen to plenty of music from outside the Christian box, I am going to head off controversy and list only Christian albums here. It’s easier this way.
So here, in no particular order, are my 2008 favorites:
Bethany Dillon & Matt Hammitt - In Christ Alone
Dillon and Hammitt team up here to sing a selection of modern hymns. They choose good songs and adapt them very well. Favorites are “On the Third Day” and “In the Cross Alone I Glory.” “No, these arrangements aren’t meant to be recreated in a church setting, and I imagine the radically different sound will fall outside of the average CCM fan’s comfort zone. That said, this can’t be classified as more of the same. It demonstrates the power of arrangement and lyricism in bringing fresh artistry to worship. As both a worship leader and a music lover, I find In Christ Alone fascinating.”
Leeland - Opposite Way
I’m a newcomer to this band, having skipped their first album (which was, apparently more highly-regarded than this one). There are a couple of really nice slower songs on this album with most of the more upbeat songs being in the “pretty good” kind of category. “Opposite Way is one strong album and proof that their debut wasn’t some kind of fluke. These guys are for real.”
Anberlin - New Surrender
This isn’t an album that is full of standout hits. Instead, it’s an album that is just very steadily good. It’s a good experience listening to it, even if there aren’t a lot of “five-star” tracks on it. “Whether new to the band or a fan of five years, there’s enough on the band’s latest that make it worthy of a listen. And though Cities will undoubtedly remain the favorite to many, these ears can’t help but appreciate New Surrender as Anberlin’s most varied and mature album to date.”
Flame - Our World Redeemed
I have found that some Christian rappers (for lack of a better way of saying it) try too hard. The genre lends itself to long songs with dense lyrics; some of the guys go just a little bit overboard. Not so with this one. The album shares a lot of very solid theology but does not do so at the expense of good music. Try “Go Buck” or “See More Him” if you want to sample it. “With music and vocals that are relevant to today’s culture, and a love for God and lyrics that can convict and encourage at the same time, it’s easy to strongly recommend Our World: Redeemed.”
The Classic Crime - The Silver Cord
I love albums that are an experience—that have some kind of internal cohesion to take the listener from the first song to the last. This is that kind of a record and it offers a lot of very strong, interesting tracks. “Silver Cord is an album that can be listened to in its entirety as it’s that good. This album ranks among the best so far this year.”
Capital Lights: This Is an Outrage
This album may not blaze a new trail musically and may not be the greatest example of musicianship, but it’s a lot of fun and sometimes that is just okay by me. It’s just good, fun, powerpop. “Overall, it is an extremely powerful debut and is consistently fun, energetic, and extremely pleasing to the ears. Capital Lights has made a name for themselves with This Is An Outrage, no doubt.”
Lecrae - Rebel
Two rap albums on the list? You bet! This is my favorite rap album of the year and maybe, just maybe, my favorite overall. I haven’t owned it long enough to make that determination. While I do not listen to a ton of rap music, I make exceptions when it is as good as this. Try “Don’t Waste Your Life” or “Live Free” to see what Lecrae is all about. “Musically, it’s easily as good as (if not better than) anything you will hear on mainstream rap stations. Lyrically, there’s no comparison. Lecrae’s message is better, and better for you.” Seriously, this is a really, really good record.
Which album will I probably listen to most in 2009? It’s hard to say, but if I had to go out on a limb, I’d probably guess this one:
House of Heroes - The End Is Not the End
This album is plain old rock music with some good, melodic tracks. If you’re looking for straight-up rock music, this is probably my choice. Good vocals, good music, good songs. “The End Is Not the End is a delicately conceived, intricately developed, masterfully executed hour of music that somehow still has mass appeal.”
I’m always on the lookout for good new music, so why don’t you list some of your favorites of 2008…
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Comments (38)
Tim, thanks for your thoughts.
As a 40+ “white-guy” known to dance with an overbite, this year I discovered and really got into the theological precision of Shai Linne and his album “The Atonement”. I believe this was an ‘08 offering, and a more reformed, orthodox Christ-exalting “rhyme busted” I have yet to hear. Have you heard it?
Just wondering is all….dawg.(how’m I doin’?)
I rediscovered my old cassette tapes this week. A couple of them had stickers on them that pointed to a 1982 purchase date.
One of my favorites, from long ago, is White Heart and their “White Heart” album. I purchased the whole thing off i-Tunes and I’ve been listening to it this week.
I think you would like it.
Rebel is probably the best CD I’ve bought in the last five years. Simply amazing.
Lecrae - Rebel,I’ve heard most of the songs from the webite and read the lyrics and I must say the theology and doctrine on this album is better than in the large majority of evangelical churches in North America. And I am not exaggerating at all! Go to this site and listen for yourself.http://www.reachrecords.com/artists.php?artist=Lecrae
If you like rap get this album, if you don’t like rap, get this album anyway and listen to it, then give it away, it’s that good. If nothing else they are a biblically sound group of guys that are worth supporting.
Peter said…”As a 40+ “white-guy” known to dance with an overbite…”
That’s too funny, see that’s why I don’t dance, otherwise I might fall into the same stereotype. ;)
I’m not sure if it’s 08, but my personal best discovery this year was “Wide Eyed and Mystified” from Downhere. Both the music and the lyrics really got me. It contaminated some of my friends, too.
Anberlin’s New Surrender is a great album, I’m glad to see you have reported on it. This is definitely one of the best albums out this year. To my ears, this album is just as good, if not better, than Cities.
So would it really be “controversial” to list non-Christian titles? And, if it would, should it be?
My top albums:Paul Gilbert - Silence Followed By a Deafening Roar - A ridiculously good guitar player with ridiculously amazing songs and shredding and awesomeness.
Zappa Plays Zappa - Puts me in awe of FZ’s talent, and makes me sad for his hatred of God. An obvious labor of love from Dweezil.
Rush - Snakes & Arrows (Live) - This is one of my favorite bands ever, and they sound like they are really having fun again.
Josh DiStefano - Baghdad Blues - Recorded largely on 4th Infantry Division Band’s last deployment by our ridiculously awesome jazz combo, this has some great playing, great songs, and you can get it on iTunes and CDBaby. (I’m not on it, it’s just really good.)
Neal Morse - Lifeline - Former singer of Spock’s Beard, yet another awesome prog album with fearsome playing, awesome vocals, great songs (yes, even the 25 minute long one). Definitely descended from old-school 70’s prog and art-rock.
Sovereign Grace Music - Come Weary Saints - The first worship album I have ever bought. Great musical settings, great lyrics. I am going to get all of their albums.
Joe Satriani - Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock - Yet more insanely ridiculous guitar awesomeness.
Dream Theater - Chaos In Motion 2007-2008 - My favorite band, my favorite guitar player (John Petrucci), and them doing their thing live. Yes, they are really playing all of that, and they pull it off every night. (Warning, some stage banter drops the f-bomb once.)
Alter Bridge - Blackbird - This came out last year, but I’ve been in Iraq for 15 months. This is how I want to sound as a guitar player, and great songs and singing, and lyrics are generally pretty positive. “Like Creed without the awful singing.”
Andrew Peterson - Resurrection Letters Vol. II
Just plain fantastic.
Shai Linne has to be my best discovery this year. A friend turned me on to “The Atonement,” during the summer and I just bought his newest release “Storiez,” last week and I’m loving every second of it. As a “prog-nerd,” (Brad, loving the Neal Morse, Dream Theater, Rush, Joe Satriani and Paul GIlbert!) rap was always “below” me until I discovered Shai Linne. Now I’m intending on getting some Lecrae, Json and Evangel.
Tim, Radiohead is an acquired taste. When I first listened to them (back when OK Computer was released) I didn’t “get” it and it took a few listens before it grew on me and now they are one of my top 20 bands.
“Christian album”? What is that? I might be a pedant (but then I am British) but people are Christians, not albums. Some albums are recorded by people who are Christians, and some of these are good albums and some of them stink. Other albums are recorded by those who are not Christians, and some of those are good, while others stink.
Again, its probably just with me being British and all, but I just don’t get the N. American CCM thing.
Tim,
You should look at Shai Linne’s “The Atonement”. I noticed a couple of the other folks recommended him. The lyrics are pretty good. It’s kind of strange hearing decent theology coming from a “rap” song.
Wow Brad! you are probably the third person I’ve come across that actually knows who Dream Theater is. Sweet! Wait 4th, Ricky.
My trust in your discernment has been shattered after you called Radiohead dumb. I don’t know if I can believe anything you say anymore.
Could it be possible that you have never heard of Indelible Grace, or Matthew Smith (the voice of their touring band)? Indelible Grace was born out of the Reformed University Fellowship and includes a variety of artisits, including the above-mentioned Andrew Osenga…Derek Webb….Sandra McCracken….
Theologically-rich hymn lyrics set to well-written modern music, performed by a variety of gifted artists. Some traditional hymn tunes have been kept intact and given a beat while some lyrics have been treated to new tunes.
It’s just fantastic.
http://www.igracemusic.com/
(Side note - Indelible Grace is the name of the five professionally recorded CDs. But you can also access the RUF Hymnbook from the link above to get your hands on hundreds of songs for free, including sheet music, overheards, and mp3 samples. Our church’s praise team sings probably 90% Indelible Grace/RUF material.)
Finally, I find smeone who can apperciate a little hip hop. Check out Deepspace 5 and Mars Ill. After that you may be ready for some Tunnel Rats, Propaganda, Dokument and Macho. All of them are solid Christians with excellent rhyme skills. Their music does not always speak about Christian themes but their lyrics are always laced with praises to God. I would also add Shane & Shane’s new album Pages (not hip hop) to your playlist. Tim, I really appreciate your blog and now more so given your musical tastes. Represent!!
Rebel by Lecrae is an amazing album. Outstanding! I also like Shai Linne, but I find Lecrae’s beats and delivery a little better. That being said, buy both. Also, get the Flame one as well (“See More Him” and “Joyful Noise” are my favs on his album).
Truthfully, I was starting to sour on CCM and only buying hymnal “covers” done by CCM artists because most of the CCM stuff is so weak and watered down (eg is this a romantic love song or a love song to God? Can’t hardly tell a difference. Not to mention, Jesus, Christ, repentance, etc. are hardly ever mentioned).
Folks like Shai Linne, Lecrae and Flame have given me hope that I can still hear some Christ centered music with a modern sound (ie timeless truth, timely method).
second Jayson’s vote on Andrew Peterson’s Resurrection Letters II. outstanding music. outstanding poetry. outstanding theology.
Thanks, Tim. ; )
My favourite of the year is Downhere’s “Ending Is Beginning”. Half of the albums you mentioned I haven’t heard yet, but are on the way to my house as I write, per your earlier advice and as my mom’s reply to my Amazon.com wishlist every Christmas (she’s the best).
Now I want your favourite 7 of ‘07, 6 of ‘06 … ; )
I think the two best albums I’ve heard/bought this year would have to be Peterson’s “Resurrection Letters 2” and Lecrae’s “Rebel”. Both are simply fantastic, with lyrics/music that are edifying and Christ-Exalting. Additionally, both are at the top of their respective genre’s in terms of lyrical ability and musical excellence.
Tim, you said that “Don’t Waste Your Life” is a standout song on “Rebel”. It’s also one of my favorites, so I put this little musical excerpt track of Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life” sermon and Lecrae’s song. Nothing quite like hearing those two voices on the same track. :-)
http://www.biblicalreformation.com/blog/audio/Dont_Waste_Your_Life_(Piper_Mix).mp3
where is George Strait?
Didn’t Stryper release an album this year? If so, how about an honorable mention!
If you are interested, you could check out and download my band’s album of worship music at http://milestoneworship.com
Great list, BTW. I was a little surprised not to see Sufjan, but whatever.
The Anberlin and Classic Crime albums are both excellent choices.
For a little more hardcore—the new Underoath album is amazing as well. But beware, if you don’t like screaming don’t bother listening to it.
Also, the new Emery EP is most excellent, at least 5 of the 7 songs.
.peace.
1. The Myriad - With Arrows, With Poise2. Delirious - Kingdom of Comfort
I’m with the British guy above - I just don’t get it with some of this USA Christian music stuff - must because of my colonial and celtic background…… I’ll have to go looking at different genres - these one’s with rap in them make me want to throw up.
I’m not sure how Tim Challies defines (I cannot speak for him) an album “Christian,” but I do think it is legitimate to call some albums Christian and others not Christian. Why do I say that?
The Gospel message… Is that Christian? (Rhetorical question). Yes, it is Christian. If an album spits (to borrow the lingo from the hip hop world) the message of the Gospel, then is it not possible to legitimately call the album a Christian album? I think yes, it is legitimate.
On the flip side, is it legitimate to call an album Christian because it is produced by Christians? No, I think not, at least not necessarily so, because if the message is not Christian, then we could not legitimately call the album Christian.
In the end then, I believe it is legitimate to call albums, podcasts, paintings, poems, stories, and messages “Christian,” so long as the messages presented adhere to the Word of God, the message in the Bible. The messages would be Christian, because they adhere to the Word of God, thus I think it is fair to call the album Christian. When we say something is Christian, it is shorthand for saying that the message is Christian and nothing more.
Therefore, not all albums produced by Christians are Christian, but only those albums that adhere to the message in the Word of God can be rightly called Christian. Just my preliminary thoughts. Hope it’s edifying.
Andrew Peterson: The Resurrection Letters Vol. 2 Jill Phillips: The Good Things www.jillphillips.comDownhere: Ending is Begining Sovereign Grace: Psalms ProjectJeremy Casella: Recovery, may have been an 07’ release…still one of the best! Sandra McCracken: Red Balloon Emmylou Harris: All I intended To Be
There were quite a few great releases in 08’. I’m so very thankful for music, what an amazing gift God has given us! Blessings Ron Reffett
apparently you have never heard of shai linne because if you had, his album would have been in the top 5 at least.
I just received an email saying Amazon.com is offering the Amberlin New Surrender album for $3.99 download today only.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GO790S/?&tag=Priceg499-20
Jason Gray - Acoustic Storytime (Live Songs and Stories). You can check it out on his site, http://www.jasongraymusic.com/site.php . Best way to listen to Jason’s music & message is live; this is next-best.
Tim, you’re the man w/ book reviews.
But…
Radioheads albums (and b-sides, and concerts) are, indeed, amazing.
That’s this Reformed pastor’s perspective of these pagan idiot (dumb) savants and their tragic beautiful take ‘spiritually’ in music on life and the times.
I think “sunny day real estate”, the album, “how it feels to be something on” is pretty great. The singer is a Christian (if that means anything). The song “pillars” on that album better move you if your a believer.
Anyone know if Steve Camp put out an CD in the past year?He is one of my favorites.
I usually dont listen to rap music but I dowloaded Lecrae - Rebel on my ipod just to give to a try and was absolutely amazed at how good and theologically sound it was. One of my favorite albums of all time
Great choice of music Mr. Challies. I myself, happen to be big fan of “The The End Is Not The End” and House of Heroes in general. I was privileged to be hired by the band to do the art direction, photography and design for the new record. We had a blast shooting the concept. If you dont already have the physical copy, I can send you a copy of the record before it hits stores in February. Please let me know if you are interested.
Email me at info@thisisheroic.com
God Bless & Merry Christmas!
-JB
Jon Foreman’s 4 EP’s, Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall are probably some of the most honest, deep and meaningful songs I’ve heard in a while.
Two of my favorite albums this year:
Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2—Andrew Peterson. To eucatastrohpe who stated it had “outstanding theology”: my only gripe is that AP seems to hold a belief in baptismal regeneration. Overall, I agree it is an excellent album
The Ringing Bell—Derek Webb
Oh, music does make us talk! I am not a huge fan of Steve Camp’s musical styles in general, but his “My Sins, My Sins, My Savior” is one of my favorites of all time. Wish I could get an accompaniment track of it.