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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
    ©January 2015 Jesusfreakhideout.com



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    Music Out This Week


    This Thursday, October 8
    ALBUMS
    The Chilling Alpine Adventure Kairos - EP (independent)

    SINGLES
    NEEDTOBREATHE Past The Gates (feat. Anne Wilson) - Single [UMG]

    This Friday, October 9
    ALBUMS
    Collective Dust You May Not Rest Now, There Are Monsters Nearby [Charon Collective]
    Anthony Evans WORSHIP Live (independent)
    Mat Kearney Hanging by a Heartstring (independent)
    Meadows Desert Walker [Facedown]
    The Rocky Valentines Happy Halloween - EP [Velvet Blue]
    SIGNUM REGIS Beyond Spacetime [Fireflash]
    Skillet After The Storm - EP [Hear It Loud]

    SINGLES
    Bethel Music All The Glory (Live) [feat. John Wilds] - Single [Bethel]
    Jeremy Camp Shaky Ground - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Chris Caro WHAT WOULD HAPPEN? - Single [Syntax]
    Kingdmusic Summer Rain - Single (independent)
    Chandler Letner Anyway - Single [Dream]
    John Long All To Him I Owe - Single (independent)
    Myles Maestro BABYLON - Single [Syntax]
    outr.cty Frieza (ft. tonyxtrotter & Q-Flo) - Single [Syntax]
    QEW & Cyrus Sonata Toonami Mindz (ft. JLøve) - Single [Syntax]
    Andy Riemersma I PRAISE YOU - Single [Dream]
    Seventh Day Slumber X Kutless Peace Be Still - Single [Rockfest]
    Sleeping At Last Parallel Universe (Philia) - Single (independent)
    Lauren Talley All Heaven Breaks Loose - Single [Horizon]
    Tye Tribbett, ABLAZE I Want It All Back - Single [Freligious]

    Next Friday, October 16
    ALBUMS
    Josh Baldwin Worth Everything [Bethel]
    Grace Frances Clothed with Dignity (independent)
    Jamie MacDonald Jamie MacDonald (The Deluxe Album) [Capitol CMG]
    Northview Worship Awaken to Wonder (Live From the Conservatory) [BEC]
    Jenna Raine Jeans, Boys & Jesus (Deluxe) [Warner]
    Unteachers Under Bright Sadness [Rottweiler]

    SINGLES
    Riley Clemmons For The Boy - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Charly Perry In the Middle - Single [Gotee]
    Slow Salvation Wait Around Another Day - Single [Velvet Blue]
    Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible I Follow Jesus (Disciple) - Single [Vineyard Worship UK]
    For all release dates, click here!
     

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