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    For our 10th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 10 artists/releases for a total of 20 in total for 2016. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2016! -- Please keep in mind that any artists that placed in the First Half (like Skillet, Paper Route and winner House of Heroes) won't be re-listed here!



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JFH's Highlighting 2016 Winner!

Album Cover
#1. Switchfoot
Where The Light Shines Through

Release Date: July 8, 2016
Though they have yet to top their 2003 album The Beautiful Letdown, Switchfoot has regained a strong relevance in the music industry in recent years. Where The Light Shines Through maintains the level of quality found on Vice Verses and Fading West, but like all Switchfoot albums, it has a different personality. Thematically and musically, it feels kind of like a "best of" album with all new material. This new album proves that their best material may yet be ahead of them.
        - Christopher Smith

Switchfoot has written the blueprint on how to be a successful, relevant career band. You write really good songs (“Live It Well” is a great radio song, simple yet memorable, universal yet specific), connect with your audience (Jon Foreman is legendary for his after concert, parking lot performances), stick with the same group you work well with (three of the members have been there since the start as a trio) and stretch boundaries left and right (how about a surf film with a killer soundtrack or a set of EP’s that total 24 songs, one for each hour of the day?).
        - Alex Caldwell

Yep, Switchfoot is number one. Maybe you've heard this story before, but is there any true reason to doubt this band as a perennial contender? Having already listened to Where the Light Shines Through, I'm honestly not sure where it fits into their entire discography, but it's safe to say it'll be a year-end highlight for many, myself included.
        - Roger Gelwicks

Somehow, ten albums in, the San Diego rock legends still sound as fresh and relevant as ever, so it comes as no surprise to find Where the Light Shines Through is the most anticipated record for many this year. From the band's lighthearted and often quirky musicianship to Jon Foreman's challenging word pennings, Where The Light Shines Through is bound to be another memorable chapter in an impressive career.         - Lucas Munachen

19 years after their debut, Switchfoot is still making relevant pop rock music, and Where The Light Shines Through is indeed a highlight of the 2016 summer!
        - John DiBiase

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

  • 2016 Part 2 Countdown: July to December

    10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1


    2016 Part 1 Countdown: January to June

    10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1


    HONORABLE MENTIONS: Here are a few other artists that made our staff's individual lists that didn't quite make the top 10 for Part 2... Crowder, Artifex Pereo, Silent Planet, Stavesacre, All Sons & Daughters, Heath McNease, Fit for a King, Hearts Like Lions, Norma Jean and The Devil Wears Prada!
    Highlighting 2016
    ©July 2016 Jesusfreakhideout.com



     

     



                     
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    This Friday, February 13, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Adiós Cometa Un Destello De Luz [Velvet Blue]
    AOH Music Breathe (Acoustic Live) (independent)
    BRAG Worship, Trip Lee For Your Glory - EP [Reach]
    Colony House 77 (Pt. 2) [LastDaze]
    Elan Brio, DJ Proof Solid Frequencies [Fly Dog]
    Elevation Español El Nombre De Jesús [Provident]
    Jake MacAdam for megan [Ocean House]
    Myles Maestro St. Valentine EP [Syntax]

    SINGLES
    ADIA One The Way (Remix feat. Erica Campbell) - Single [Rock City]
    Ian Austin Make Me Like Your Son - Single [Ocean House]
    AustinThaNoble Painkiller - Single [Syntax]
    Pat Barrett Break Open (Live) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Les and Joyce Carlsen He's God - Single (independent)
    idle threat Evermind - Single [Tooth & Nail]
    Jenn Johnson Here In Your Arms - Single [Bethel]
    KB BLOOD 2 - Single [Provident]
    The Kingsmen When Sunday Morning Dawned - Single [Bethel]
    Vic Lucas Love Like You - Single [Syntax]
    Jake MacAdam for megan - Single [Ocean House]
    Patrick Mayberry It Is Well - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Kevi Morse I'm Loved - Single [Syntax]
    NCS Collective, Dara Maclean Can You See It - Single [NCS]
    Lloyd Nicks Heal For You - Single [Curb]
    Passion What A Worthy Name / Watch Him Work - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Pastor Mike Jr. He Can - Single [Rock City]
    Dante Pride Just Believe - Single [TAMLA]
    Q-Flo Wild Flower 7 - Single [Syntax]
    Sanctus Real Steady - Single [Framework/The Fuel]
    Savaun & EJ Swavv More Than Friends (Reimagined) - Single [Syntax]
    John Waller All You’ve Ever Done - Single [DREAM]
    Darlene Zschech Shout To The Lord (All The Earth) (feat. Ana Paula Valadão and Ingrid Rosario) - Single [Integrity]

    VINYL
    Sixpence None The Richer Kiss Me / Perfect Day UO Exclusive 7-inch Single Vinyl [UO/Flatiron]

    This Saturday, February 14, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Dan Damon Needed Time: spirituals (feat. Kurt Ribak) (independent)

    Next Thursday, February 19, 2026
    SINGLES
    Marty Magehee Comin' Down - Single (independent)

    Next Friday, February 20, 2026
    ALBUMS
    Chosen Road American Morning: Side A - EP [Thoroughbred]
    Elevation Worship SO BE IT [Provident]
    Ginny Owens Different Kind of Water (independent)

    SINGLES
    29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel And Is To Come - Single [DREAM]
    Aaron Cole Peace At Last - Single [Provident/Sony]
    DOE Black Boy (feat. Jon Batiste) - Single [Provident/Sony]
    Heather Suzanne, Ian Austin Mad - Single [Ocean House]
    Hillside Recording Jesus You're Holy - Single [Ocean House]
    Run51 Feels - Single [DREAM]


    For all release dates, click here!
     

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