By Andy Argyrakis

PROVIDENT POWER

A remarkably busy release week kicks off with a triple play from Provident Music Group, starting with a concert CD/DVD release from its flagship act Casting Crowns, who drops The Altar And The Door Live (Beach Street/Reunion). That same label also scores on the singer/songwriter front as recent Dove Award winner Brandon Heath turns in his sophomore CD, What If We. From there, “American Idol” alum Brooke Barrettsmith plugs in with a rock 'n' roll demeanor on her self-titled Essential debut.

SIXSTEPS ON STAGE AND IN THE STUDIO

The David Crowder Band also turns in the live CD/DVD Remedy Club Tour (sixsteps), tracing the troupe’s recent secular outing, along with extensive bonus features (including lessons on how to play the songs directly from the members!) This week, fellow worship leader Charlie Hall also steps straight out of the Passion movement to deliver his latest solo CD, The Bright Sadness (sixsteps).

POP IN DIFFERENT PACKAGES

He may be best known as front man for the contemporary-minded MercyMe, but Bart Millard goes old-school for his earthy covers collection, Hymned Again (INO), which includes a guest appearance by country megastar Vince Gill. Singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham is still celebrating his newlywed status, which undoubtedly rubs off on the coffeehouse pop effort Not Without Love (Inpop), while The Katinas put a Latin twist on the genre throughout Still (Universal).

LOADS OF ALTERNATIVE ACTION

Though currently on the “Vans Warped Tour,” Family Force 5 gears up for its sophomore CD, Dance or Die (Tooth & Nail), which mixes retro funk, dance and even disco with current club flourishes. This Beautiful Republic also returns with its second artful alt-rock endeavor, Perceptions (ForeFront), as The Showdown kicks up even more aggressive dust on the extremely heavy Back Breaker (Solid State). Vertically leaning modern rockers Ten Shekel Shirt also turn in Jubilee, which seeks to expand its audience beyond the church via a release on Rounder Records (also home to Robert Plant and Alison Krauss).

For a complete list of new and upcoming albums, check out our new releases page.