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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 Second-Half 2015! -- Please keep in mind that any artists that placed in the First Half (like TobyMac, Pillar and winner Paper Route) won't be re-listed here!



  5 of 15  




#5. Zealand
untitled

Release Date: Fall 2015
I've always been a fan of Phil Joel. From his Newsboys days, to his solo album, to his recent work with Peter Furler. The prospect of a straight worship record is honestly a little disappointing, but the appeal of Phil Joel himself makes it a worthy of a little excitement. I'm really interested to see what the New Zealand singer and bassist has up his sleeve for his newest musical venture.
        - Michael Weaver

Phil Joel was a huge part of the Newsboy's (classic lineup) sound for a decade or more, and his return (though he's never really left) to the CCM world with his new band (cheekily named after his homeland of New Zealand) is one to look forward to.
        - Alex "Tincan" Caldwell

Throughout his time with the Newsboys, Phil Joel always carried a powerful and motivating stage presence. After breaking off to spend more time on his solo projects, he demonstrated a deep lyrical prowess with continually reflective, insightful and worshipful messages. Aside from his albums specifically aimed at kids, it has been nearly seven years since he's released an original project, and this foray as "Zealand" seems poised to competently challenge the already massive worship industry.
        - David Craft

I loved Phil's influence on the golden years of Newsboys, and have enjoyed much of his solo work. It's not really a surprise that Phil's focus is worship with Zealand (but the bizzare branding "Zealand Worship" kind of is), and the sound of the band's recently released debut EP gives me hope for what lies ahead.
        - John DiBiase

It says something about the legendary status of the Newsboys that we're immediately interested in their former members' projects. Phil Joel was a mainstay of the band's approach, so we're happy to hear any new material from him. That being said, I think it's best to go into Zealand's record with as few expectations as possible.
        - Roger Gelwicks

  • Visit our Zealand page for more information about them...

    		•
    2015 Part 2 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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    Music Out This Week


    This Friday, April 25, 2025
    ALBUMS
    PJ Bostic Hope In The Winter Stage (independent)
    DARIUS. Live By Faith (Live in Tampa) [Tribl]
    Disciple Skeleton Psalms (Deluxe) [Tooth & Nail]
    Sam Hauge Exit 9B - EP (independent)
    Smokey Robinson What The World Needs Now [Gaither]
    Stephen Stanley trustfall [Capitol CMG]
    UPPERROOM 1350 (Live) [Capitol CMG]
    John Wilds I Want Jesus (Live) - EP [Bethel]

    SINGLES
    1K Phew Aretha - Single [Reach]
    The Archers Legacy Medley - Single [New Day]
    Ashes Remain The Let Down - Single [BEC]
    Big Daddy Weave Stranger No More (feat. Zach Williams) - Single [Curb]
    bodie SAY SO - Single [Provident]
    Bongo Chico Wrongside Right - Single (independent)
    Dan Bremnes Cortado - Single [Curb]
    Franni Cash Wildflowers - Single [Capitol CMG]
    C4 Crotona The Door - Single [Syntax]
    Chris Caro & OnBeatMusic Mercy - Single [Syntax]
    Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Let It Flow - Single [Syntax]
    Megan Danielle Grace - Single [Provident]
    Jericko In My Room - Single [Syntax]
    Kashh Kade Unusual - Single [Syntax]
    John P. Kee Church Medley (Live) - Single [Tyscot]
    Tasha Layton Thank You Isn't Enough (feat. The Choir Room) - Single [BEC]
    Vic Lucas Favour (Remix) - Single [Syntax]
    Mainstream Worship CHANGED! - Single [DREAM Worship]
    MotionPlus Sackcloth Fashion - Single [Polished Arrow]
    Dante Pride Test Him Out - Single [TAMLA]
    River Valley AGES Love The Lord Your God - Single [BEC]
    Saints In Exile ecoming the Villain - Single [Syntax]
    Skillet Ash in the Wind (Live) - Single (independent)
    Sound Chapel Relationship - Single [Provident]
    Joel Vaughn Testify - Single [DREAM]
    The Young Escape Untitled - Single [BEC]


    Next Friday, May 2, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Free Worship Anuque no Lo Vea [BEC]
    KingsPorch Songs for the Simple Gathering: Vol. 3 [BEC]
    Melody Noel Back to Praise - EP (independent)
    Jordan St. Cyr My Foundations (Acoustic Sessions) - EP [BEC]

    SINGLES
    Slow Salvation As We Decompose - Single [Velvet Blue]
    For all release dates, click here!
     

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