By Andy ArgyrakisDESPERATION BAND SINGER GONE SOLOOne of the most moving praise acts of the current generation has also found success when members step out for individual projects (such as
Jared Anderson). The latest to try his hand at solo songwriting is
Glen Packiam, who turns in
Rumors and Revelations on Integrity, which continues in the group’s momentum-building traditions, coupled with Brit-rock influences and moments of reverent prayer.
NEW TUNES FROM NEW DIRECTIONHardly a year goes by at Chicago’s Gospel Music Festival when the city’s very own
New Direction doesn’t take the stage, and this year was no exception. The energetic troupe was right alongside
Kirk Franklin and
Donnie McClurkin on the esteemed bill, turning in a series of robust R&B praises and choir-filled moments of foot-stomping joy. Those elements are sure to reprise themselves on record via
Destiny (New Haven), which continues in a tradition of church staples like 2000’s
Get Your Praise On, 2004’s
Rain and 2006’s
Send the Praise.
THE FRAY SCORES A MAJOR SOUNDTRACKThe big screen may be benefiting from the blockbuster flick
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Reprise), but so are the radio airwaves. Leading the soundtrack fold is faith-based band
The Fray, who turn in the red hot “Never Say Never,” which also appears on the group’s self-titled sophomore CD. Other contributors include mainstream giants
Cheap Trick,
Staind,
Hoobastank,
Avenged Sevenfold,
Linkin Park,
Taking Back Sunday and
Green Day.
For a complete list of new and upcoming albums, check out our new releases page.
