Happy New Year from NRT! As we begin a brand new year, we're excited about all the great music that's coming out. Our very own NRTeam members Kevin Davis (kevindavis) and Marcus Hathcock (marcustar) picked their top 10 most anticipated albums of the first half of 2011, using our "coming soon" list. (Click here to browse that list yourself.) Without further adieu, here's what got our writers excited (listed in chronological order, from closest release date to latest):

Please note all release dates are subject to change without notice.

KEVIN DAVIS' TOP 10 MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF THE FIRST HALF OF 2011

I feel that many artists have released career albums during the past couple of years. I think it's great that in this digital song download age, that several artists are still making complete albums to experience. I don’t have the complete list of albums releasing the first half of 2011, but these are my top 10 most anticipated releases of early 2011 in chronological order of expected release date.

1. Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden - January 18, 2011
The reigning two-time male vocalist of the year just keeps getting better and this album releases January 18. Based on the first single, "Your Love," which has Song of the Year written all over it, we should be in for a real treat with Brandon’s new album.

2. RED - Until We Have Faces - February 1, 2011
The premier rock band in Christian music in my opinion and I’m still playing Innocence & Instinct on a regular basis so I’m super excited for some new songs by RED. This album releases February 1 and this album will be a great way to melt my face in the bitter cold of winter.

3. Hawk Nelson - Crazy Love - February 8, 2011
I keep hearing a progression from this punk rock band and considered Live Life Loud to be their best overall album. I’m looking forward to more upbeat rock from Hawk Nelson.

4. Josh Wilson - See You - February 8, 2011
 “Before The Morning” and “Savior Please” have been big hits for Josh and I’m really looking forward to another full-length album from this up and coming singer-songwriter.

5. Hillsong UNITED - Aftermath - February 15, 2011
The ultimate trend-setter in the praise and worship genre, I eagerly anticipate each new UNITED album. I can’t wait for the follow-up to the excellent Tear Down The Walls which included “You Hold Me Now” and “Soon.”

6. Francesca Battistelli - Hundred More Years - March 1, 2011
My Paper Heart featured multiple hit songs and completely captivated me. Francesca has built up quite a fan base from her amazing debut. Her follow-up album is easily one of the most anticipated albums of the year and I can’t wait to hear her musical and lyrical progression.

7. Big Daddy Weave - TBA - March 22, 2011
I don't know the album title, and the release date has been moved a few times, but I still listen to What Life Would Be Like all the time and I can’t get enough of this band. I ranked their last album in my top 10 albums of 2008.

8. Shawn McDonald - Closer - March 22, 2011
"Take My Hand” and “Gravity” are still in heavy rotation for me and I had the privilege to hear Shawn sing some new songs at a festival over the summer. From what I’ve heard, this should be a great album.

9. Abandon - Control - April 19, 2011
One of my favorite albums of 2009 was Searchlights which included the hit song “Hold On.” This alt-rock band reminds me of The Killers and I love every song they’ve recorded and know they will produce another quality album.

10. Building 429 - TBA - Unknown Release Date
The band’s name is based on Ephesians 4:29 and they just keep getting better with each album. I ranked their most recent self-titled album in my top 10 albums of 2008. I’m looking forward to the follow-up to that excellent album which included the hit songs “End Of Me” and “Always.”

MARCUS HATHCOCK'S TOP 10 MOST ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF THE FIRST HALF OF 2011

1. Brandon Heath - Leaving Eden - January 18, 2011
Brandon Heath has an amazing knack for writing worshipful, transparent, truthful, sometimes painfully accurate lyrics and wraps them with catchy hooks, beats and melodies. There's nothing stylistically earth-shattering about Brandon Heath, and yet he's undeniably unique. The first single from this album, "Your Love," is not only catchy, but is an inspiring chorus. I expect more of the same on this album.

2. RED - Until We Have Faces - February 1, 2011
RED rocks. No doubt about that. When I interviewed them at Creation Festival this past summer, it was clear that they don't plan to change their formula a lot. What works is emotional, hard-hitting rock that tackles heavy spiritual and personal themes. RED has been running non-stop for several years, so expect this latest album to be the band's outlet to a lot of questions and frustrations, as well as worship. This should be one to remember.

3. Parachute Band - Love Without Measure - February 1, 2011
Everyone knows about Hillsong, but there's another musical powerhouse in the Oceania region, and that's New Zealand's Parachute Band. The group, really a version 2.0 of the band, writes deeply worshipful songs for the church that can get you rocking, but also on your face in worship. Expect the third album of Parachute Band 2.0 to showcase their continuing growth and global perspective.

4. Hawk Nelson - Crazy Love - February 8, 2011
Hawk Nelson has never shied away from their Christianity, and yet I was surprised by the serious tone the band's latest single, "Crazy Love," took. The Canadian boys are growing up, for sure, and so while the Crazy Love album will rock, look out for new depth to their songs.

5. Hillsong UNITED - Aftermath - February 15, 2011
Is anyone not excited about this album? Hillsong UNITED always pushes our expectations of what "worship" should sound like, releasing true artistry and providing the set lists of many churches for years to come. Expect more of the same from Hillsong UNITED, which is always tremendously anointed, musically sharp and right for the season.

6. Know Hope Collective - Know Hope - February 15, 2011
I have been looking forward to this album since interviewing former Audio Adrenaline bandmates Mark Stuart and Will McGinnis at Creation Festival Northwest this past summer. Back then, the release date was in the fall, and I was tremendously bummed when it was pushed to February. But it will be worth the wait. You may know their first single, "Attention," which gives me chills, but also look out for a fierce track called "Jealous God." Wow. This is going to catch a lot of people by surprise.

7. Tenth Avenue North - Inside and In Between - March 1, 2011
With grace and truth, Tenth Avenue North provides relevant, accessible contemporary Christian music that reaches all ages, all life situations. Expect the band to explore various themes of grace, redemption and the Gospel message while exploring new artistry. This anointed band always has a message of hope, and I'm looking forward to being moved by it.

8. Sixpence None the Richer - Strange Conversation - March 8, 2011
Welcome back Sixpence! I'm very curious to see what you've been cooking. Everyone else will be, too.

9. Aaron Gillespie - Anthem Song - March 8, 2011
The former Underoath drummer and frontman of The Almost is going solo, and apparently it's going to be worship-focused. Very exciting. It'll be interesting to see how his solo act compares with the music he's made with The Almost. Can you imagine that kind of raw passion directed in worship? Awesome. No matter what, everything Aaron Gillespie touches turns to gold.

10. Shawn McDonald - Closer - March 22, 2011
Shawn, we've missed you. We've missed your soulful voice, great guitar playing, heartfelt and personal songwriting, and the peacefulness your music elicits. The album's title track, "Closer," is a repetitive, catchy song that might reflect a slight pop turn for McDonald. Whatever it is, it'll be significant.