For our 7th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Normally, we select our top 25 most anticipated releases for the whole year, but we realize that it's tough to really gauge EVERYTHING that may release throughout a given year when we're making the list in January. So, for 2012, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December, and we're using this format again for 2013. Also, each list contains 15 artists/releases for a total of 30 in total for 2013. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting First-Half 2013!

	1 of 15   #1. Five Iron Frenzy untitled Release Date: TBA Early 2013 What, Five Iron Frenzy tops the list? Didn't see that coming... You guys, seriously, I'm so ready for this. Ten years since the last new studio album is much too long.         - Scott Fryberger Finally! After the second-most successful music campaign ever on Kickstarter, Five Iron Frenzy is officially making new music. All I can say is I'm thrilled and excited beyond words to hear this album.         - Timothy Estabrooks It was the best news I'd heard in a long time when I found out Five Iron Frenzy was getting back together. I absolutely cannot wait to hear this album. Long live Five Iron!         - Michael Weaver Having been fortunate enough to see Five Iron in concert this past summer, it can be reported that they have lost none of the weirdness and wildness that endeared them to their audience and inspired a record-setting Kickstarter campaign. Christian music is in a good place for a blast of the wackiness and thought-provoking satire that these guys excel in, historically speaking.         - Alex "Tincan" Caldwell There's something truly special about seeing an old beloved band come back to life. With legions of fans eagerly waiting for their next go-round, FIF's hype is skyrocketing through the ceiling, setting the tone for the year in a bright and shining way. I'm going to really enjoy following the progress of this release, and I can think of no better entry for #1 on this list.         - Roger Gelwicks Ska may technically still be "dead," but with its resurgence recently, it's truly debatable. Five Iron Frenzy is back and the massive Kickstarter fruits are about to ripen. I'm eager to hear what this gang's been cooking up the past few months...         - John DiBiase Visit our Five Iron Frenzy page for more information about them... 2013 First-Half Countdown Recap: 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 HONORABLE MENTIONS: Here are a few other artists that made our staff's individual lists that didn't quite make the top 15... The Afters, Golden Youth, Guardian, The Ember Days, Shawn McDonald, Citizens, I Am Empire, Love and Death, Eisley and more... ©January 2013 Jesusfreakhideout.com