Newworldson
Rebel Transmissions
Platinum Pop Records
ec’s rating: 4 stars
From their no-spaces moniker to their amped up soulful sound, Canadian band Newworldson gets the Needtobreathe comparisons for good reason. But, there are many good reasons to not simply write them off as a clone. For one, it’s no small feat to make a gospel-infused rock record that sounds this good. The songs have to be there, and they are. From the heavy funk of “Selah” to the (dare I say it) country leanings of “Sweet Grace,” you would never guess that Newworldson is from the Great White North and not south of Tupelo. Hear the soul at www.newworldson.com
Britt Nicole
Gold
Sparrow Records
ec’s rating: 3.5 stars
The vast majority of solo female CCM artists fall under three categories: the diva, the worshiper, or the singer/songwriter. Britt Nicole incorporates all of these but adds a hint of rock and hip-hop to her unique, yet wholly pop, sound. “Ready or Not” features the uber-cool LaCrae and should be the jam of the summer. Her cues come more from TobyMac than Natalie Grant, yet her infectious melodies and girl-empowering swagger make her a fit for all stages. If your daughters love the style of the Disney-era divas (Cyrus, Lovato, Swift, etc), Nicole’s sound and lyrics are sure to make an impact. See why at www.brittnicole.com
Adam Cappa
The Rescue
BEC Records
ec’s rating: 4 stars
Popular CCM artist Jeremy Camp met Adam Cappa in their hometown of Lafayette, Ind., when Cappa was in high school. Back then it was evident that Cappa had natural talent and charm which shines even brighter on his near perfect debut The Rescue. Co-produced by Camp and his longtime friend Andy Dodd (High School Musical and Camp Rock), it’s no wonder The Rescue has so much hit potential. Teen girls will flock to Cappa’s easy going style and I expect will be adding his encouraging songs about self-worth (“Perfect”) and God’s greatness (“How Great”) to their music mixes all summer long. Read more at www.adamcappa.com
Moriah Peters
I Choose Jesus
Reunion Records
ec’s rating: 4 stars
At only 19 years old, newcomer Moriah Peters has made an unashamed declarative statement with her debut record, I Choose Jesus. Not only does the title track leave no room for doubt about where she puts her faith, songs like “Haven’t Even Kissed” and “No Shame” make bold pronouncements about obedience, trust, and morality—issues that can usually go missing from many teens conversations. Musically, it’s as sweet as powdered sugar, which is the perfect accompaniment for such bold theological stances. Young teen girls should eat this up like cotton candy at the county fair, but unlike the confection, “I Choose Jesus” is solid nutrition. Sample it at www.moriahpeters.com.
