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    For our 9th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 15 artists/releases for a total of 30 in total for 2015. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2015! -- Please keep in mind that any artists that placed in the First Half (like TobyMac, Pillar and winner Paper Route) won't be re-listed here!



  5 of 15  




#5. Zealand
untitled

Release Date: Fall 2015
I've always been a fan of Phil Joel. From his Newsboys days, to his solo album, to his recent work with Peter Furler. The prospect of a straight worship record is honestly a little disappointing, but the appeal of Phil Joel himself makes it a worthy of a little excitement. I'm really interested to see what the New Zealand singer and bassist has up his sleeve for his newest musical venture.
        - Michael Weaver

Phil Joel was a huge part of the Newsboy's (classic lineup) sound for a decade or more, and his return (though he's never really left) to the CCM world with his new band (cheekily named after his homeland of New Zealand) is one to look forward to.
        - Alex "Tincan" Caldwell

Throughout his time with the Newsboys, Phil Joel always carried a powerful and motivating stage presence. After breaking off to spend more time on his solo projects, he demonstrated a deep lyrical prowess with continually reflective, insightful and worshipful messages. Aside from his albums specifically aimed at kids, it has been nearly seven years since he's released an original project, and this foray as "Zealand" seems poised to competently challenge the already massive worship industry.
        - David Craft

I loved Phil's influence on the golden years of Newsboys, and have enjoyed much of his solo work. It's not really a surprise that Phil's focus is worship with Zealand (but the bizzare branding "Zealand Worship" kind of is), and the sound of the band's recently released debut EP gives me hope for what lies ahead.
        - John DiBiase

It says something about the legendary status of the Newsboys that we're immediately interested in their former members' projects. Phil Joel was a mainstay of the band's approach, so we're happy to hear any new material from him. That being said, I think it's best to go into Zealand's record with as few expectations as possible.
        - Roger Gelwicks

  • Visit our Zealand page for more information about them...

    		•
    2015 Part 2 Countdown:

    15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
    Highlighting 2015
    ©January 2015 Jesusfreakhideout.com



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    Music Out This Week


    This Thursday, November 5
    ALBUMS
    Scroll Eater In The Mouth Of The Prophet - EP [Facedown]

    SINGLES
    NEEDTOBREATHE Free Fall (feat. Conner Smith) - Single [UMG]

    VINYL
    Chris Renzema Every December Vinyl [Centricity]

    This Friday, November 6
    ALBUMS
    Big Daddy Weave It's Time For Christmas - EP [Curb]
    Extol Aura of Decay [Solid State]
    Hillside Recording & Addy Prado Come and See - EP (independent)
    Meadows DESERT WALKER (CD) [Facedown Records]
    Mystical Death Across [Rottweiler]
    Anita Ranae Dwell in Hope - EP [Rottweiler]
    Chris Tomlin Good News Of Great Joy (Christmas Songs Of Worship) [Capitol CMG]
    We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas LIVE) [Curb]
    Mark Wills Grand Ole Revival [Gaither]

    SINGLES
    Elan Brio, Illustrate Reactors - Single [Polished Arrow]
    Dragons & Astronauts On The First Day Of Christmas (I Wrote A Song In D) - Single (independent)
    Olivia Lane Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Single [BEC]
    Tasha Layton & Dave Barnes What Should I Get You For Christmas - Single [BEC]
    Blessing Offor The King Has Come - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Hunter Plake Holly Jolly Christmas - Single [BEC]
    River Valley Worship Come and Behold - Single [BEC]
    Tae Lamar, YP aka Young Paul The Re-Up - Single [Polished Arrow]
    Vineyard Worship Jesus Our Christ - Single [Vineyard]
    Phil Wickham, CeCe Winans Peace on Earth - Single [Fair Trade]

    VINYL
    Meadows DESERT WALKER Vinyl [Facedown]

    Next Wednesday, November 11
    ALBUMS
    Anberlin Currency [Equal Vision]

    Next Friday, November 13
    ALBUMS
    Blanca A Christmas To Remember [Curb]
    Amy Grant Tennessee Christmas: 10th Anniversary Edition [Capitol CMG/AG]
    Jackie Hill Perry Still Blameless (Deluxe) [Velvet Blue]
    Leem of the Earth See [Velvet Blue]
    Tye Tribbett V20: First Semester (Live) [Freligious]

    SINGLES
    Jordan Feliz Fast - Single [Centricity]
    Josh Grove Glory - Single (independent)
    Living Again Get This Far - Single (independent)
    Magdalene Rose the terrifying reality of it all - Single [Rockfest]
    Hunter Plake Silver Bells - Single [BEC]
    Matthew Plante OVEN MITT! - Single [Dream]
    Jordan St. Cyr Angels We Have Heard On High - Single [BEC]
    Natasha Zimbaro Emmanuel - Single [Wings]

    VINYL
    Anberlin Currency Vinyl [Equal Vision]
    For all release dates, click here!
     

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