TENTH AVENUE NORTH The Light Meets the Dark (Reunion) FOR FANS OF: Switchfoot, Starfi eld QQQQ “Here is where the healing begins.” Here’s also where the splendid sophomore album begins—with a lead single that quickly establishes that 2009’s Best New Artist is poised for long-term success. The Light Meets The Dark takes the pop/rock elixir served up on 2008’s Over and Underneath and largely hits copy and paste to create a strong sister release sure to give fans more of what they want. If there’s a sure bet among contemporary Christian’s younger pups, Tenth Avenue North is the choice. - Matt Conner WE LIKE: “The Truth Is Who You Are” MERCYME The Generous Mr. Lovewell (INO/Columbia) FOR FANS OF: Casting Crowns, Matchbox Twenty QQQQ To call MercyMe’s latest project a concept album would be an overstatement, but there’s certainly a unifi ed thread that runs throughout the 11-track collection. Consider Mr. Lovewell to be the disc’s loosely wound main character, which is basically a fi ctional fella the group created to remind listeners to spread compassion, love and generosity to anyone that crosses their path. While the Brown Bannister and Dan Muckala produced album isn’t so much a musically adventurous leap forward, it’s still a consistent continuation of the group’s ability to blend uplifting pop and rock with the occasional adult contemporary ballad for which the players amassed worldwide fame. - Andy Argyrakis WE LIKE: “Move” JIMMY NEEDHAM Nightlights (Inpop Records) FOR FANS OF: Jason Mraz, Gavin DeGraw QQQQ The growth curve climbed exactly as imagined. For those who’ve caught the fi rst two Jimmy Needham releases— 2006’s Speak and 2008’s Not Without Love—the Houston native’s progression continues at the same impressive rate as before on Nightlights. While the fi rst discs spoke of the great potential, Needham’s confi dent soulful pop structures now feel complete. The gospel- tinged “Moving to Zion,” the playful Ingrid Michaelson echoes on “Yours to Take” and the wordplay of “Being Small” all impress. Ultimately, Nightlights keeps its composure through some needless steps to make a lasting impression that Jimmy Needham is a fi ne young songwriter. - Matt Conner WE LIKE: “Being Small” ADULT CONTEMPORARY REVIEWS All release dates and album titles are subject to change. For the most up-to-date release schedule, visit www.CCMmagazine.com/music/upcoming_ releases. ADULT CONTEMPORARY NEW RELEASES 05.04.2010 MERCY ME THE GENEROUS MR. LOVEWELL (INO) 05.11.2010 TENTH AVENUE NORTH THE LIGHT MEETS THE DARK (REUNION) 05.18.2010 JIMMY NEEDHAM NIGHTLIGHTS (INPOP RECORDS) 06.22.2010 REVIVE BLINK (ESSENTIAL RECORDS/ PROVIDENT) ADULT CONTEMPORARY 22 CCM