By Andy Argyrakis

SWITCHFOOT’S BEST IN TWO FORMATS

Even with a decade-plus under its belt, Switchfoot has yet to turn in a greatest hits disc, though that long overdue project finally sees the light of day on The Best Yet (Credential/EMI). The single disc version is chock full of the band’s most familiar radio singles (“Meant To Live,” “Stars,” “Dare You To Move,” “Company Car,” “Dirty Second Hands”) and is sure to satisfy fans from its early Christian industry years through secular superstardom. A double disc deluxe edition also hits stores featuring all of the above, plus music videos for several of the key tracks (including two versions of “Dare You To Move”).

TWLIGHT BOASTS FAITH-BASED BANDS

The movie Twilight may cater to mainstream audiences, but the Chop Shop/Atlantic Records soundtrack is riddled with several faith-based bands. Most blatantly, Mute Math delivers “Spotlight (Twilight Mix),” along with the pair of Paramore tracks “Decode” and “I Caught Myself.” Others of spiritual influence on the collection include Iron & Wine (“Flightless Bird, American Mouth”) and Collective Soul (“Tremble For My Beloved”).

HEZEKIAH COMES ALIVE

Pastor Hezekiah Walker may be inspiring from the pulpit, but he’s even more effective as a worshipful entertainer alongside those gathered at the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Bensalem, Penn., on Souled Out (Verity). Outside of his own vertically-framed insight, the project was produced by multiple Stellar Award winning producer Donald Lawrence, serving as one of this year’s essential gospel albums.

WOW 2009 ON DVD

Those wanting a visual glimpse foreshadowing the future hits of next year can turn to Wow Hits 2009 (Word) on DVD. All-star acts include Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Third Day and MercyMe to name but a few!

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