By Andy Argyrakis

MORE MICHAEL WORSHIP

Following the sales smash of Worship and Worship Again, Michael W. Smith returns to the vertical well a third time for A New Hallelujah (Reunion). The project finds the pop star turned worship leader presenting 15 cuts in a live setting from Houston, alongside Israel Houghton and the African Children’s Choir. Though there are several crests on the collection, a medley of “Healing Rain/Let It Rain” is sure to send chills up the spines of any congregation.

ALL ABOUT THE HITS

EMI is about to open its extensive vaults for several career retrospectives similar to the mainstream’s version of The Essential series. Dubbed The Ultimate Collection, expect two CD sets chronicling the careers of dcTalk, Audio Adrenaline and Nichole Nordeman, while Avalon turns in Greatest Hits in single disc contexts.

ANOTHER ROUND OF RUTH

After introducing themselves to the world at large via tours with Switchfoot, Relient K and Emery, the members of Ruth are readying their second CD, Anorak (Tooth & Nail). The title is derived from a British slang word meaning “obsessive enthusiast” and comes under the meticulous production roster of Aaron Sprinkle (Copeland, Anberlin), Chris Keene (Surrogate, Number One Gun) and Kelsey Smith. Expect a stylistic merger of ’80s radio, ’90s Brit-pop and modern day indie rock, wrapped around bountiful melodies with every strut and strum.

STARFLYER SATISFACTION

Though Tooth & Nail is often credited as a punk label in its early stages, shoe gazers Starflyer 59 were just as instrumental at putting the company on the map as say MXPX. This being the band's ninth full-length album, Dial M comprises dreaming atmospherics and poetic (though sometimes abstract) lyrical observations, all bathed in front man Jason Martin’s casual but cool delivery.

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