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reviews
Best Christian Albums of 2010
By CBN.com Staff and Guest Critics
CBN.com
– Let's take a look back at some of CBNmusic.com's favorite albums of last year. From legendary CCM singers to up-and-coming artists, each record features great melodies that move and encourage. Below you'll find five of the highest rated reviews posted on CBNmusic.com this year, along with three noteworthy albums we've awarded "Best Remix", "Best Hip Hop", and "Best Indie" (to the right).
TOP FIVE ALBUMS
 Wonder by Michael W. Smith
Often people find salvation through Jesus Christ at a low point in life. We cry out in desperation for a Savior, and we find comfort in the Holy Spirit. We learn the truth of God's Word and begin applying it to our lives. In time, the crisis passes, and often the passion of our first love for Jesus begins to wane. We tend to forget how much we need a Savior. In his new album,Wonder, Michael W. Smith reminds us of this desperate need for Jesus and His amazing grace... - craig von buseck
> Read the full review!
An ingenious idea made into an incredible testament to God's power in individual lives, Matthew West's new album, The Story of Your Life, captures the heart and soul of his fans as he belts out Christ-focused anthems in answer to the stories they submitted by the thousands. Giving his listeners a chance to say something, West responds to pride, abuse, divorce, adoption, and more in original songs such as the radio single "My Own Little World" and the title track "The Story of Your Life". Careful to keep the integrity of their immensely personal stories, West's soulful vocals and thoughtful lyrics speak volumes to the trials we all face and the hope we have in Christ. - hannah goodwyn
Album Highlights: "The Story of Your Life", "To Me", "Broken Girl", and "The Healing Has Begun"
 Move by Third Day
I have long felt that Third Day would be best suited making records that fuse American roots music with the blues. Mac Powell’s voice lends itself perfectly for such fare as his vocals are a unique blend of soul and grit, two essentials for this type of music. With their eleventh studio release, Move (October 19th), Third Day has done just that... - chris carpenter
> Read the full review!
Newworldson's sophomore self-titled release pops with a danceable exuberance reminiscent of Robert Randolf and the Family Band. The punchy rhythms strike from every direction like a heavyweight prizefighter knocking crowds onto the dance floor. Joel Parisien's lead vocals smoke the microphone on every song, while a rootsy blend of old school musicianship rips the heart out of each instrument and holds it up to prove to the world that Newworldson shares a united pulse. "This album rocks," is the biggest understatement of the year. Newworldson is a musical grandslam in the bottom of the ninth. - rob vischer
Album Highlights: "You Set the Rhythm," "In Your Arms," "Do You Believe in Love"
TobyMac’s ability to stay true to himself, his music, and his mission while staying pop-culturally relevant is a true art form. Track after track on Tonight, he brings his unique blend of rock/rap/techno to start a party inside your speakers. The title track plus others, such as “Funky Jesus Music” and “Hey Devil”, echo a Black Eyed Peas type call to get up and dance. Of course, at this stage of the game, it’s impossible to not repeat yourself. “Changed Forever” sounds like so many other songs he’s done over the years, and I think it’s time to put the obligatory “TruDog” track to rest. However, “Start Somewhere” and the first single “City On Our Knees” are representative of TobyMac’s knack for successfully mixing a strong faith message with killer beats. This CCM veteran proves yet again that he still has a few tunes up his sleeve. - jennifer e. jones
Album Highlights: “Funky Jesus Music”, “Tonight”, and “City on Our Knees”
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other award categories
BEST REMIX ALBUM
If there’s one thing Superchick does well, it’s Reinvention. Similar to their previous remix album, Regeneration, the teen-rock-pop band twists and turns their catalog into a brand new repertoire. This is Superchick doing what they do best, being innovative and dancing dangerously close to the edge of perfection. - jennifer e. jones
BEST HIP HOP ALBUM
CAUTION: If Urban Contemporary isn’t your thing, run far, far away. But if you like to nod your head to hot beats, killer hooks, and captivating lyrics… look no further! Blending together the grooves of hip-hop and pop, these are the types of songs your iPod plays all day on repeat. So whether you’re a fanatic or new to The Crew, Outta Space Love is sure to send you into orbit! - ashley smith
BEST INDIE ALBUM
Fronted by Shiny Toy Guns' founding-member Stephen Petree, the band that is his namesake incorporates the same electronic/indie rock fusion that made Guns a Hot Topic favorite. Part new wave throw-back and part new school dance rock—with a dose of punk rock attitude—Petree is as comfortable with a keytar as he is with a Stratocaster. Fans of Family Force Five and Mute Math will dig their pop sensibility that lacks the irony (and pretense) of some mainstream indie counterparts. - jesse carey
cbnmusic's rating system
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5 Spins - Buy two copies (you'll wear out one within
a month)
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4 Spins - Should be a favorite
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3 Spins - Skip to the good tracks
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2 Spins - May collect dust
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1 Spin - Leave it in shrink-wrap
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