Top 10 Albums of 2010

It’s been another big year in Christian music! As 2010 comes to a close, here are my picks for the Top 10 Albums of the Year:

1. Matthew West, The Story of Your Life (Sparrow)
Inspired by 10,000 real-life stories, these songs speak of tragedy, triumph, and above all, hope. This is a career album for Matthew, and the stories of these songs will outlive the songwriter. West tells the stories most of us are afraid to share. Honest, gritty, incredible.

2. Sanctus Real, Pieces of a Real Heart (Sparrow)
These songs grabbed pieces of listeners’ hearts this year. It’s hard to believe “Lead Me” was the band’s first No. 1 at AC radio. Their music just keeps getting better and more honest with every album. We love the men these rockers have become!

3. Audrey Assad, The House You’re Building (Sparrow)
Audrey is one of the best new artists to surface in years. Her poetic lyrics are diamonds in the rough, and her lilting vocals provide a beautiful backdrop for her thought-provoking content.

4. The Afters, Light Up The Sky (INO)
This album is the band’s best yet–delectable pop mixed with strong lyrics and insanely hooky choruses. The Afters have found their sound, and it’s good.

5. Bebo Norman, Ocean (BEC)
A songwriter’s songwriter, Ocean finds Bebo at his best. There’s some pop, but it’s the raw, organic tracks that put this album on the list. He knows how to turn a phrase better than just about anyone.

6. Chris August, No Far Away (Fervent)
This debut has “New Artist of the Year” written all over it. A No. 1 single at radio right out of the box? Check. There’s more good stuff to come from this guy.

7. Chris Tomlin, And If Our God Is For Us… (sixsteps)
The popular worship leader added some major beats on his latest effort, and while he didn’t stray too far from his core audience, he breathed fresh life into this batch of songs. Greater things are still to come for this worship leader.

8. Brooke Fraser, Flags (Wood & Bone)
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better than Albertine… And she even co-writes with Jon Foreman, too!

9. MercyMe, The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO)
Creative. Different. Genius. An incredible “concept” record. “Won’t You Be My Love,” co-written with Thad Cockrell, is worth the price of admission alone.

10. tobyMac, Tonight (Forefront)
tobyMac continues to set the bar high with another kickin’ album that packs in tons of grooves and loads of fun! And his live shows? Even better.

What were your favorite albums of 2010?

Tags: albums of the year, audrey assad, bebo norman, brooke fraser, chris august, chris tomlin, matthew west, mercyme, sanctus real, the afters, TobyMac, top 10 christian albums of 2010