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    For our 9th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 15 artists/releases for a total of 30 in total for 2015. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting First-Half 2015!



  2 of 15  



Album Cover
#2. Mat Kearney
JUST KIDS

Release Date: February 24, 2015
One of the unlikeliest of musical conglomerations, the singer-songwriter/pop/folk/rap artist has transcended the messy mix of genres he has been exploring with great success since his major label debut, Nothing Left To Lose, thanks in no small part to his mastery of channelling a vocal and lyrical combination of understated emotion. Just Kids begs to be his most vulnerable album yet.
        - Mark Rice

It's hard to stand out as a singer-songwriter in Nashville, but Mat Kearney does just that. He's always had his own style, and it's won fans over for years. There's no reason to suspect that Just Kids will be any different.
        - John "Flip" Choquette

Okay, I didn't vote for Mat Kearney either. I like his music, but I wasn't genuinely excited about JUST KIDS. Now that I've gotten a copy to review, I really wish I DID vote for it. This album is great. I'll probably jam "Heartbeat" for a good portion of the year.
        - Scott Fryberger

"Hey Mama" was my wife and daughter's favorite song in 2011, and Young Love took up a near-permanent residence in our mini-van's CD player. We're counting down the days till Just Kids, and I can't wait to take another road trip this summer with the album's lead single "Heartbeat" shaking the cups out of the cup holders.
        - Alex "Tincan" Caldwell

After following Mat Kearney's career over the years, one thing is for sure: he's certainly never boring, as Kearney seems to swing effortlessly among genres, meshing thoughtful songwriting with catchy pop sounds and smart hip-hop delivery. It's been almost four years since Young Love (THE summer album of 2011 for me). I am ready to hear what's coming with Just Kids.
        - Jen Rose Yokel

Kearney's ability to craft a song has grown through his career, and he remains a unique voice. His autobiographical songs are among his best, and Just Kids features some gems in that category. His hooks stay in your ears for days, and that's a good thing.
        - Mark D. Geil

From what I've heard of JUST KIDS, Mat Kearney is attempting to meld both his hip hop and pop tendencies into one uniform sound (not unlike "Ships in the Night" from Young Love). I'll be interested to see the long-term impact of this release as the year progresses, but for now, tracks like the thoughtful "Heartbreak Dreamer" and the '80's-inspired "Heartbeat" are solid entries in Kearney's catalog.
        - Roger Gelwicks

  • Visit our Mat Kearney page for more information about them...

  • 2015 Countdown:

    15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
    Highlighting 2015
    ŠJanuary 2015 Jesusfreakhideout.com




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    This Friday, March 14, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Shout Praises Kids! Español Buen Dios [Integrity]
    UPPERROOM 1350 (Live) [Capitol CMG]

    SINGLES
    1K Phew All I Need - Single [Reach]
    Anchor Hymns Walk With Me/How Precious Your Presence (feat. Caroline Cobb, Sarah Kroger, and Stefan Cashwell) - Single [Integrity]
    AZ Christlike Greater Works - Single [Syntax]
    Big Daddy Weave Let It Begin - Single [Curb]
    Blanca This Won't Take My Praise (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb]
    Jekalyn Carr Don't Faint - Single [WayNorth]
    Clemency Whole Heart - Single (independent)
    Coqui only Idol - Multi Single [DREAM]
    Just Cordell Wait - Single (independent)
    Adriel Cruz We're Not Alone - Single [Syntax]
    Grace Graber, Daniel Spriggs My Favorite Part - Single (independent)
    Illustrate, Procyse Mask Off (Daniel DeGree Remix) - Single [Polished Arrow]
    Knaladeus Your Love - Single [Syntax]
    Lecrae x Miles Minnick Heaven Sent - Single [Reach]
    LO CLOUD Stars Align - Single (independent)
    Newsboys How Many Times (oh how You love me) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Blessing Offor Lift Me Up - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Nate Parrish Small - Single (independent)
    Josiah Queen Yesterday is Dead - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Emmy Rose Tend (Live) - Single [Bethel]
    Tedashii Heavy Heart - Single [Reach]
    Todd Tilghman Holy Place - Single [StowTown]
    Brandon Watson Too Far Gone - Single (independent)

    Next Friday, March 21, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Kayla Berry Soar - Single (independent)
    Diatheke ...And The Word Was God [Rottweiler]
    Ellie Holcomb Sing: Spring Songs [Capitol CMG]
    Jesus Culture Worthy of Hallelujah (Live) [Capitol CMG]
    Tauren Wells Let The Church Sing - EP [Capitol CMG]

    SINGLES
    Pat Boone ONE - Voices for Tanzania - Single [Lamb & Lions]
    Faith Worship Arts The Lifter (Live) - Single [DREAM Worship]
    Life.Church Worship Christ In Me - Single (independent)
    Seph Schlueter Turn It To Praise - Single [Provident]



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