For our 7th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Normally, we select our top 25 most anticipated releases for the whole year, but we realize that it's tough to really gauge EVERYTHING that may release throughout a given year when we're making the list in January. So, for 2012, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December, and we're using this format again for 2013. Also, each list contains 15 artists/releases for a total of 30 in total for 2013. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting First-Half 2013!

	10 of 15   #10. Relient K untitled Release Date: Early 2013 Four years have passed since the Ohio rockers graced us with their driving melodies and witty lyrics, and these guys have been missed dearly. Will they deliver another fantastic album in 2013? Is that even a question?         - Cortney Warner Relient K has been one of the best bands of the last ten years or so. That being said, this album is way overdue. If they stay true to their lyrical roots, it's not hard to imagine that their album could be the best of the year.         - Nathaniel Schexnayder Relient K's Facebook status on January 11 consisted of four simple words: "Mastering. Today. Believe it." So yes, it's happening this year, and I'm believing that, too. This is a veteran band with a wealth of accomplishments behind them, so anything beyond it is pure gravy.         - Roger Gelwicks It's been a quiet couple of years for these beloved pop-punkers from Canton, OH (their covers album from 2011 not withstanding). After the heavy break-up theme of Forget And Not Slow Down, it will be interesting to hear a lighter album from these guys.         - Alex "Tincan" Caldwell Matt Thiessen is arguably one of the best songwriters in the industry right now. He's continued to innovate and evolve when others haven't. Here's to bigger and better things this year!         - Timothy Estabrooks It's been a while since the boys of Canton produced a full-length album. That doesn't mean they haven't been busy. While working on 2011's cover album, lead singer Matt Theissen wrote songs with mainstream powerhouses Katy Perry and Owl City, and was a guest vocalist for Jack's Mannequin and Run Kid Run. Besides running a record label and writing music, members also engaged in other endeavors. So it's safe to say that Relient K has a lot of experiences to bring to their seventh full-length album. Based on their track record, it will be a classic.         - John "Flip" Choquette Visit our Relient K page for more information about them... 2013 Countdown: 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 ©January, 2013 Jesusfreakhideout.com