Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

    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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    This Wednesday, October 29, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Brandon Lake Amazon Music Songline [Provident]

    SINGLES
    Tikae Maestro Dwell (ft. Kingdmusic) - Single [Tribe Rua]

    This Friday, October 31, 2025
    ALBUMS
    1K Phew What's Understood 3 [Reach]
    Hope Deferred Darkness Remains [The Charon Collective]
    Vic Lucas The Journey [Syntax]
    MORIAH Nice Life - EP [F2]
    SEU Worship What A God [Live at JOGS] (feat. Abbie Gamboa) - EP [Provident]
    Testimony of Apocalypse Agony in the Garden [Roxx Records]

    SINGLES
    Alphein Working - Single [Syntax]
    Chris Caro It's Okay - Single [Syntax]
    Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Still - Single [Syntax]
    Dreamers My Heart His Home - Single [DREAM]
    Dust and Grace He Made It All - Single [MTS]
    Roxanne Grace Try Again - Single [DREAM]
    Jericko Skeletons - Single [Syntax]
    The Light Superior Ghost - Single [Rottweiler]
    Lock & Chi Do To Me - Single (independent)
    John Long Simple Pursuit - Single (independent)
    My Place Was Taken Rude Awakening - Single [Rottweiler]
    No Vain Glory ROYALTY (CHOSEN) - Single [Syntax]
    Polished Arrow Music LOTW - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
    Poor Old Lu The Hurting - Single (independent)
    Razzie & Joz NEW PETRO (ft. 4KL) - Single [Syntax]
    Saints in Exile Pain is My Best Friend (At My Best) [ft. THE EXILED] - Single [Syntax]
    Jordy Sam Hard Days (ft. IAN) - Single [Syntax]
    Silent Reflection The Air - Single [Syntax]
    Still Remains The Wound and the Weapon - Single (independent)
    Warren Zeiders How Great Thou Art - Single [Warner]

    This Saturday, November 1, 2025
    SINGLES
    Relentless Pursuit He Is Coming - Single (independent)

    Next Friday, November 7, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Biscuits Country Fried LoFi - EP [Circle Back]
    Jekalyn Carr JEKALYN X LEGENDS [WayNorth]
    DAMIAN DAMIAN [DREAM]
    Josh Garrels Peace To All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 (independent)
    Amy Jay Mnemonics (independent)
    (UN)WORTHY From the Belly of the Beast - EP (independent)

    SINGLES
    Damian If I Should Fail - Single [DREAM]
    Hillside Recording Everlasting Father - Single (independent)
    Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Somewhere Far - Single (independent)
    Life.Church Worship Tanto - Single (independent)
    Sacrificial Betrayal Take Risk - Single (independent)
    Zane Walls YOU ARE THE FIRE (feat. JontheKid) - Single (independent)


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