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!

	2 of 15   #2. Switchfoot Fading West Release Date: January 21, 2014 I know we're probably super predictable as a staff by now, but the shocker is... Switchfoot is #2 instead of #1, right? Fading West has been on the radar for about as long as Vice Verses was in the oven, and we're eager to see exactly what this San Diego-bred pop rock quintet has been shaping into a film and a new album.         - John DiBiase Switchfoot's records always going rank high on our lists, as they're just that consistent. Vice Verses was a picturesque rock album in every sense, but with the Fading West film project on the docket (and an accompanying soundtrack), it's apparent that the quintet is trying to keep things interesting for themselves for the long haul. I'm assured that their fans will only benefit from this experiment.         - Roger Gelwicks Switchfoot has astonished its listeners with many albums, including its previous release, Vice Verses. After so many successful follow-up projects, it wouldn't surprise this reviewer if the next release produces their best effort yet.         - Wayne Myatt Jon Foreman and crew have been on a creative tear for the last few albums and years, and a live documentary (both concert and behind the scenes) seems like a perfect move for the boys at this stage of their career.         - Alex "Tincan" Caldwell I was in the minority who thought Vice Verses was pretty lackluster, but I have no doubts Switchfoot still has what it takes. I remain cautiously optimistic about this release.         - Timothy Estabrooks It's Switcfoot, with new music. Need I say more? But seriously, after releasing their acclaimed Vice Verses in 2011, Switchfoot proved that they're just as strong as ever, no doubt they'll hit it out of the park again with Fading West.         - Cortney Warner Visit our Switchfoot page for more information about them... 2013 Countdown: 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 ©January, 2013 Jesusfreakhideout.com