Newsong “Give Yourself Away”

Thirty Years Is A Charm
When Newsong signed with Word Records in 1981, Michael W. Smith was still a couple years shy of his first major label deal. Sandi Patty had been awarded none of her three dozen-plus Dove trophies and ccm poster child, Amy Grant, was no big deal.
The point? Younger generations may not even [...]

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Selah “You Deliver Me”

Classic Hymns, Killer Originals Cook Up Fresh Batch Of Selah Goodness
Selah is, without a doubt, one of Christian music’s most popular groups. But it wasn’t a radio single that first constructed their now-substantial platform. And it wasn’t the endorsement of some major media blitz or bigwig industry connections that paved the way. [...]

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Robin Mark “Year of Grace”

Irish Worship Leader Brings Celtic Praise Stateside
Robin Mark could easily get a little heady over his successful 15-year music career. After all, as one of the world’s foremost worship leaders, his bragging rights include Gospel Music Association’s 2004 International Award, millions of records sold from a 13-album discography and a catalog sung by congregations around [...]

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Travis Cottrell

Redirecting the Spotlight
With quick wit and a gracious spirit, Travis Cottrell possesses the posture of someone who rarely meets a stranger. As the staple worship leader for Beth Moore’s seismic Living Proof Bible study events, it’s his friendly demeanor and impeccably crafted church music that attracts a rapidly growing number of spiritual seekers each year. [...]

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Twila Paris “Small Sacrifice”

Veteran Artist Proves She Has Songs For A Lifetime
After culling 33 No.1 singles from nearly two-dozen recordings, Twila Paris has become one of Christian music’s most revered songwriters, spending most of the last quarter century writing quality hymns for the church.
Though her pop sensibilities pervaded bestsellers like Beyond a Dream and Where I Stand in [...]

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Michael W. Smith

Going Global
Since Michael W. Smith released his first live worship record in 2001, the 25-year veteran has released a Gold-selling sequel, Worship Again (Reunion), a couple pop records, a greatest hits and a Christmas collection and garnered a few Platinum certifications, a handful of Dove Awards and a GRAMMY.
But none of these projects or accolades [...]

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Fernando Ortega “Christmas Songs”

Yet Another Acoustic Delight
Before his major label debut in 1997, Fernando Ortega recorded a variety of albums independently, utilizing mainly acoustic instruments and understated arrangements to capture the simple beauty of hymns and other traditional songs. And in many regards Ortega jumpstarted, and contributed immensely to, the hymnody renaissance

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Kierra Sheard

All Grown Up
She may be a third-generation gospel singer, but Kierra Sheard has her own message for the masses. Releasing her third CD, Bold Right Life (EMI Gospel), this fall, the fiery 22-year-old formerly known as “Kiki,” trades her adolescent nickname for a more mature, experienced moniker

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Andrew Peterson “Resurrection Letters, Vol. II”

Singer/Songwriter Continues Legacy Of Verse With Eloquent New CD
If you’re frantically flipping through your CD collection, creating an extensive Google search and calling your mom screaming hysterically, “I missed it!” fret not. It wasn’t until after Andrew Peterson completed his new record, Resurrection Letters—reflecting on the aftermath of renewal from Christ’s resurrection—that Peterson realized he [...]

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Hillsong London “Hail to the King”

Worship Collection Fails To Favorably Impress
In just over 10 years Hillsong London has grown from 100 congregants to well over 6,000. And considering the mass market modern worship contributions its sister church, Australia’s Sydney-based mega congregation, makes each year (think Darlene Zschech, Reuben Morgan), it is no surprise worship music aficionado Integrity Music has decided [...]

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