Logan: "There’s lots to look forward to but this is just scratching the surface."
2008 has been an intense year for Christian music. We’ve already seen huge releases from P.O.D., Jon Foreman, The Afters, and Fireflight to name a few, and fortunately, there’s still a ton to look forward to. Here’s an exclusive New Release Tuesday run-down of the 5 most hyped about records releasing this summer and fall.
Relient K – The Birds and The Bee Sides – July 1, 2008 – Gotee Records
It seems like it has been forever since Relient K released their last record, when in fact, it’s only been a little over a year. So just as we were getting bored of Five Score and Seven Years Ago, the band is back with more, more, and more. That’s right, 26 tracks in all, including 13 never before heard ones that Matt Thiessen and crew penned to fill fans needs for an unending musical thirst, are about to reach listeners ears. The Birds and the Bee Sides (which you must admit is a clever title) hits shelves July 1st, and is currently available for preorder.
Third Day – Revelation – July 29, 2008 – Essential Records Third Day is a household name among Christians, and now is gaining mainstream attention as well. Gracing the cover of the June 7th, 2008 edition of Billboard magazine, the band has a lot to talk about, most notably the well known producer of their latest record, Howard Benson, who has tracked megahits for the likes of Hoobastank to My Chemical Romance among others. Revelation hasn’t even been released yet, but has already seen a hit single, “Call My Name,” fly up the charts. And that’s just the beginning. Revelation features vocal duets with Daughtry and Flyleaf’s Lacey Mosley that are sure to satisfy. Look for this new hit Third Day record in stores everywhere July 29th, or preorder it now.
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Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer – August 12, 2008 – Hollywood Records
Do you have OJD? That’s Obsessive Jonas Disorder, as fans call it, and if you do, August can’t come soon enough. Only one year after their platinum selling sophomore album, it’s time for more Jonas Brothers. A Little Bit Longer, recorded while on tour, is another guaranteed hit. Fans have already had a taste of a few tracks performed at concerts such as the first single “Burning Up” and the Nick Jonas penned title track “A Little Bit Longer,” an emotional song about life with diabetes that has already become a fan favorite. In stores August 12th, fans will only have to wait a little bit longer for A Little Bit Longer.
Switchfoot – TBD – Release date TBA – Lowercase People Records
Okay Jon Foreman; yes, we’ve enjoyed your EPs, but what we’re all really craving is more Switchfoot. Since the band’s spilt from Columbia Records last year, fans have been waiting, and waiting…and waiting for new material. Finally, we’re almost there. Sometime this fall, a whole new record from the San Diego rockers is coming our way. More details to come soon.
The Fray – TBD – Release date TBA – Epic Records/Sony BMG
Still have “How to Save a Life” stuck in your head? It’s still played multiple times on radio every day, but it’s time for something new. Keeping fans waiting for three years, The Fray is still in the studio according to their official website, but is scheduled to release a new album late this summer or sometime this fall. We hope a release in that time frame works out, but in the music industry, you just never know...
There you have it. There’s lots to look forward to but this is just scratching the surface. Are there albums that are coming out before September that you are looking forward to? I want to hear about them. Make sure to leave a comment below.
Posted June 03, 2008 | Logan is a high school student who loves a wide variety of music. He currently lives just outside of Pittsburgh, PA.
NRTeam Comments (9) Average NRTeam Article Rating:
Bring it on!| Posted December 01, 2008
I can't wait for some of these releases. Relient K was awesome and Switchfoot can't disappoint us! I just wish artists could put more good albums out quicker...
okie dokie| Posted June 07, 2008
Okay, I get it now. Even though I'm personally not hyped up about any of them but Relient K, those are probably the ones that are going to make the most impact in sales this year.
Just a note| Posted June 07, 2008
Hate to disappoint a lot of you, but remember, out of the numerous records releasing between now and September, I only picked 5 of the most critical. I didn't purposely exclude any specific artists/genres. But do notice that these are generally the 5 "hottest," which means they are likely to have the biggest impact on both the mainstream AND Christian markets. :)
ehhhhh| Posted June 06, 2008
Yeah, I'm guessing these are supposed to be crossovers? I wish you would have expanded on more genres, instead of just rock. Relient K I am psyched about! Switchfoot, I hope it's good, cause I was dissapointed in Oh Gravity. The Fray didn't really grab my interest...they're a little too mellow for me. Third Day is was overplayed and I'm just not into them. And JoBro fans, I'm sorry, but I absolutely can't stand them! Their sound is too formulaic, and they dont even have good voices, they sound whiny when they sing. So I really don't care much about them at all.
On to some others I am personally looking forward to.
-Superchick, Rock What You Got. If the EP is anything like the album, it is surely gonna rock and blow the other SC album out of the park!
-Krystal Meyers, Make Some Noise. I know many people are gonna criticize Krystal for going a poppy way, but I admire her. She went from rocker chick to synth-laden pop. I hope the album is as good as I'm expecting it to be!
-Group One Crew, Ordinary Dreamers. I loved their first album, and I can't wait for their 2nd one. I hope it can measure up---or hopefully, be even better than their first. I just hope they don't really blow it big time.
-Nicole C. Mullen, Dream To Believe In. I liked the honesty and realness of Sharecropper's Seed, but the sound was too bland for me to really get into. This album promises (as said by Nicole herself) to be a lot more upbeat, like the old Nicole we know and love.
And don't even get me started on Christmas albums. BarlowGirl, Sara Groves, pureNRG, Casting Crowns, Mandisa, Sixpence....this is gonna be one of the best Christmas seasons in music that we've had in a while!
Hhmmm| Posted June 03, 2008
So these were supposed to be the Christian crossovers right? because Relient K and switchfoot has done a little crossover, and now Third Day. And the Fray and the Jonas brothers are pretty mainstream with Christian roots. I think the Christian artists missed out on your list. solid article though.
Great article!!| Posted June 03, 2008
That was a nice article, Logan!! :) I'm also looking forward to Brandon Heath's upcoming album as well as Group 1 Crew's sophomore project, "Ordinary Dreamers". This year is a great year for music!!
Waiting impatiently| Posted June 03, 2008
I'm looking forward to all of these, but Switchfoot in particular. They do have a song on the Prince Caspian soundtrack called This Is Home. That will have to hold us over until fall. Thanks for giving us lots to look forward to!
Thanks!| Posted June 03, 2008
Logan - A great list. I actually picked up on some new information that I didn't know so great job researching the article. I'm going to be shocked in Switchfoot and The Frey come out by Fall. My guess (and I know nothing you don't at this point) is both will bump to October/November releases. But you never know.
There are a number of other albums that I'm looking forward in the next couple months including Kutless (6.24), Superchick (6.24), Big Daddy Weave (7.22). If I look past September, I start drooling too much to concentrate, but this is a great start for the upcoming months.
