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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 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Pipe Bomb Hell Hole [Resuscitation]

    This Friday, March 20, 2026
    ALBUMS
    The Caballerials Waxed Curbs & Suburbs - EP [Small Step]
    Dex the nerd who loves Jesus Repent and Believe - EP [Syntax]
    Tae Lamar For Your Commute II [Polished Arrow]
    Tommy Royale ChurchBoy [Capitol CMG]

    SINGLES
    AustinThaNoble Free Indeed - Single [Syntax]
    Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Never - Single [Syntax]
    Freedom Church The Church - Single [DREAM Worship]
    goodwill. World So Cold (ft. Xay Hill) - Single [Syntax]
    Josh Grove Rain or Shine - Single (independent)
    Hillside Recording A Savior Who Cares - Single [Ocean House]
    Hulvey DAVE - Single [Reach]
    Jus'Rzd Hol'On - Single [Syntax]
    Kelo & DreBeeze Da Godson VULNERABLE - Single [Syntax]
    Vic Lucas By Your Side - Single [Syntax]
    Jeannie Ortega Outside - Single [Syntax]
    tonyxtrotter WE GOT EACHOTHER - Single [Syntax]
    tylerhateslife lose your kryptonite (remix) - Single [Syntax]
    MAYIA WARREN Jesus Loves Me - Single [Syntax]

    VINYL
    Seph Schlueter Counting My Blessings Vinyl [Provident/Sony]

    Next Thursday, March 26, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Limoblaze Solid Ground - EP [Reach]

    Next Friday, March 27, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Romy Fay The Chosen Adventures (Vol. 1) [feat. Romy Fay] [Capitol CMG]
    Gaither I Go To The Rock [Gaither]
    NEEDTOBREATHE The Long Surrender [UMG]
    Point of Grace Lady Wisdom [Curb]
    Tommee Profitt The Resurrection of the King [Capitol CMG]

    SINGLES
    29:11 Worship The King and The Lamb - Single [Dream Worship]
    Evelyn Cormier Leaning on Jesus - Single [BEC]
    Freedom Church Is He Not Worthy - Single [Dream Worship]
    J. Suthern Hicks You Are Loved - Single (independent)
    Tasha Layton x Claire Leslie Whispers - Single [BEC]
    Matthew Plante Love You Have - Single [Dream]
    River Valley AGES Anxious for Nothing - Single [BEC]
    The Sagehens Dumb & Drummer - Single [Velvet Blue]
    SEU Worship A Forgiving God (Moment) - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Switchfoot Wake Up, Mr. Crow - Single [By Design/BMG]
    For all release dates, click here!
     

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