2007 Music Awards
This page was created in early 2009. A new hit counter was added on July 15, 2012. Before the reset, this page had 421 hits.
10. JOHN REUBEN: Word Of Mouth
2007, Rap, Christian worldview
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 118,002
MP3 tracks at Amazon? No
Available at iTunes? Yes
This 5th album of his is my first since his 2nd. His first two albums made my annual reward lists, but this one is even better. An amazing mix-up of sounds accompany John’s bold raps.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
9. FUTURE OF FORESTRY: Twilight
2007, Alternative, Christian thematic
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 49,158
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
Basically the second album by Something Like Silas, but this time not a full-blown worship album. Same beautiful sounds, but some of the lyrics this time are horizontal rather than vertical in focus.
Go to full review...
2007, Alternative rock & synthpop, Christian worldview
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 26,913
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
Jason Martin and his brother Ronnie have been doing great albums separately for years; here they join together again for a top-notch performance.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
7. MADONNA: Confessions On A Dance Floor
2005, Dance, Secular
Purchased new from BMG Music Club for $6.59
Amazon.com sales rank: 1,095
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes, individual tracks or the
non-stop mix as a full album download
Available at iTunes? Yes
I know I’m late to the show here. I liked the album as soon as it came out, but didn’t get it until 2007. My first Madonna album since 1988!
Read more to see why I like it so much...
6. THE DOLLYROTS: Because I’m Awesome
2007, Pop punk, Secular
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 27,695
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
My third year in a row to get a summer pop punk album fronted by a female vocalist. Like The Randies and Go Betty Go, this group is tons of fun!
Read more to see why I like it so much...
5. THE CHOIR: O How The Mighty Have Fallen
2005, Alternative rock, Christian thematic/worldview
Purchased new from Sound & Spirit for $6.59
Amazon.com sales rank: 94,641
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
I have been a fan of The Choir since their first album in 1985. Their two previous to this were a little weak, but they’re back to top notch beauty here.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
4. JOY ELECTRIC: The Otherly Opus
2007, Analog synthpop, Christian worldview
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 15,082
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
Though this album did not impact me as deeply as its predecessor, The Ministry Of Archers, it has still delighted me with rich electronics and moodiness.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
2. SITUATION: A New Wave Of Joy
2004, Synthpop, Christian thematic
Purchased new at Amazon.com for $12.99
Amazon.com sales rank: 620,923
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? No
It’s really hard to come by good Christian synthpop, and nearly impossible to find any with explicitly Christian lyrics. This is a rare gem.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
3. OCEANS ABOVE
2007, indie pop, Christian praise & worship
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 145,941
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
I’m so tired of all the popular worship songs, yet want something for worship. This group solved the problem by creating completely new interpretations of the songs, resuscitating them with an amazing freshness. Go to full review...
2007, Dance, Christian vertical
Purchased new from Sound & Spirt for $7.58
Amazon.com sales rank: 331,160
MP3 at Amazon? Yes, but whole album only
Available at iTunes? Yes, individual tracks
Not since the Nitro Praise series has there been an album of such high quality dance music set to worshipful lyrics. I have experienced many hours of jubilant worship while listening to this grand, exuberant set.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
2006, Indie pop, Secular
Originally released in France in 2005
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 41,944
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
Fresh. Different. Camille uses her voice in very interesting ways on this mostly peaceful, at times a bit silly, musical gem. Some songs are a capella, while others have light instrumental accompaniment.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
12. ULTRABEAT: Shine Through My Life
2003, Dance, Christian thematic
Purchased new from Antiphonic.com for $3.85
Amazon.com sales rank: 146,825
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? No
This is Ultrabeat’s third and latest album, but my first of his. It consists of various styles of dance music with explicitly Christian lyrics.
Go to full review...
13. MYSTERIA: Tempting The Muse
2006, Chill, Secular
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 4,803
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
There are a number of chill albums that try to recreate the mood of Enigma’s ground-breaking 1991 release mixing Gregorian chants with a beat. This is one of the few that clearly succeeds.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
14. E-PRAISE
2002, Dance, Christian praise & worship
Purchased new from Antiphonic.com for $4.35
Amazon.com sales rank: 412,597
MP3 tracks at Amazon? No
Available at iTunes? No
Erik Augustsson of Ultrabeat created this side project with vocalist Hannah Westin, an album of well-known worship songs set to dance music, mostly electronic with a bit of house influence.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
15. SARAH MASEN: The Dreamlife Of Angels
2001, Acoustic, Christian thematic
Purchased new from Sound & Spirit for $7.29
Amazon.com sales rank: 194,820
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
This is October music for me...acoustic guitar, peaceful, thoughtful. While other artists have such music, there’s something special about the way Sarah Masen does it.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
2006, Chill, Secular
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 155,408
MP3 tracks at Amazon? No
Available at iTunes? Yes
The most distinctive feature of this album is the lazy way the female vocalist sings. Coupled with the downtempo dance beat, it creates a very relaxing mood for evenings.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
18. THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE: Nothing & Nowhere
2007, Electro-goth/synthpop, Secular
Originally released in 2002
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 38,628
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
This is beautiful, reverbed synthesizer music with a female vocalist. The sound is reminiscent of 80s music without being retro. There’s not a weak song on here.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
19. FLATFOOT 56: Jungle Of The Midwest Sea
2007, Punk, Christian thematic
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 54,030
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
While the band hails from Chicago, they sound like they’re a pub band from Scotland or Ireland. At times they even use bagpipes. Not as good as their first album, but still energetic stuff.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
20. VARIOUS ARTISTS: Gothic Divas 2006
2006, Gothic, Secular
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 243,397
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
A sampling of some music from gothic bands that feature female singers. My favorite songs on here are from Tre Lux, which is a non-goth side project from a goth singer.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
16. PURE// : sound.PICTURE (guitars.turntables.worship.)
2003, Dance (some acoustic), Christian thematic
Purchased new at Antiphonic.com for $10.38
Amazon.com sales rank: Not available from Amazon. Listed at Antiphonic.com and CDbaby.com
MP3 tracks at Amazon? No
Available at iTunes? No
Great dance music with some moments of beautiful worship, as well as some general Christian themes. Very rare CD.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
21. YELLOW SECOND: Altitude
2005, Modern rock, Christian thematic/worldview
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 112,705
MP3 tracks at Amazon? No
Available at iTunes? Yes
This is sunny, summer alternative rock or pop, with gentle electric guitars and memorable melodies or hooks. Consistent music, laidback mood.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
22. FIREFLIGHT: The Healing Of Harms
2006, Alternative rock, Christian thematic
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 21,551
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
There are some songs on this album that I really like, and some others I’m not so fond of. Fronted by a female vocalist, it’s powerful rock that is at times intense.
Go to full review...
23. LEELAND: Sound Of Melodies
2006, Modern rock, Christian thematic
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 11,905
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
Many, many fans of Christian music listed this album as their favorite of 2006. I acquired it in 2006, but it wasn’t until I learned how popular it was that I dug into it. Pretty and melodic modern rock.
Go to full review...
24. STARFLYER 59: My Island
2006, Alternative rock, Christian worldview
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 24,872
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
If I’ve counted right, this is Starflyer 59’s 11th album. While I don’t like the later albums as much as the earlier albums, it’s still quality music that somehow never gets old.
Go to full review...
25. AUTUMN’S GREY SOLACE: Shades Of Grey
2006, Ethereal/shoegazer, Secular
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 215,094
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
Half Cocteau Twins in sound, and half darkwave, Autumn’s Grey Solace produces beautiful music that can send tingles down my spine.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
26. THE CHOIR: Flap Your Wings
2001, Alternative rock, Christian thematic/worldview
Purchased new from Antiphonic.com for $3.35
Amazon.com sales rank: 115,634
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
I don’t think there’s ever been an album by The Choir that wasn’t one of my favorites of the year. They are consistently above the norm, both musically and lyrically.
Go to full review...
27. DELERIUM: Nuages Du Monde
2006, Chill, Secular
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 1,928
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
The kings of chill music have been around almost two decades by now, I believe, and appear on countless chill compilations. This is my first complete Delerium album. It’s a beautiful treasure of music from start to finish.
Read more to see why I like it so much...
28. VARIOUS ARTISTS: Plastiq Musiq, New Musiq Volume 2
2001, Synthpop, Christian worldview/thematic
Purchased new from Antiphonic.com for $2.60
Amazon.com sales rank: 538,558
MP3 tracks at Amazon? No
Available at iTunes? No
This is a collection of synthpop from various artists, mostly unsigned. While most tracks are only mediocre, synthpop is so rare in Christian music that I’ll take whatever I can get. Go to full review...
2007, Modern rock, Christian praise & worship
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 28,657
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
This is high energy modern rock throughout, with all praise & worship lyrics. It’s good quality music, but not unique or compelling enough to rank it higher on my list.
Go to full review...
30. HAWK NELSON: Smile, It’s The End Of The World
2006, Pop punk, Christian worldview/thematic
Acquired free at work
Amazon.com sales rank: 27,165
MP3 tracks at Amazon? Yes
Available at iTunes? Yes
It seems nearly every fan of CCM who didn’t choose Leeland as their favorite of 2006 chose this album. It is good pop punk, but I wanted more from the lyrics.
Go to full review...
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Note: Please see the web page “Annual Music Awards” for a complete description of the way the awards are chosen (qualifications to be on the list, criteria for ranking) and for what the various data here mean (i.e. lyrical theme categories, Amazon.com rankings, etc.). The list below contains only a brief synopsis of each album. For my full review of the album, click on the album cover picture. This page’s Amazon rankings are as of January 25, 2009.
ABOUT THE 2007 AWARDS
In June 2007, I quit my job at Borders, so that ended my musical dream life of getting tons of free CDs. With only a half a year of free CDs, this list is smaller than 2006’s list. But there is still plenty of great stuff here that I likely would not have purchased on my own.
2007 was the year I officially burned out on modern rock, so I began purchasing Christian music of styles I liked. I got many free top modern rock Christian albums--This Beautiful Republic, The Almost, Lost Ocean, etc.--but none of these fine albums made my list because I had burned out on modern rock.
NOTE: FULL REVIEWS ARE NOT AVAILABLE YET, so the “read more” links won’t work.
