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    For our 11th 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 2017. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2017! (For our January to June list, click here!)



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JFH's Highlighting 2017 Winner!

Album Cover
#1. John Mark McMillan
Mercury & Lightning

Release Date: August 4, 2017
Renowned songwriter John Mark McMillan never ceases to push the envelope, usually with varying degrees of success. As one of the few industry staples who’s willing to take risks, all of his offerings -whether sloppy and wet or unforeseen- have the potential to keep listeners intrigued.
        - David Craft

Right after the presidential election, John Mark McMillan released a clip of his music video for his single "No Country," which will be featured on upcoming album Mercury & Lightning. No context was immediately given for the single, and McMillan felt content at that time to let his music speak for itself. Given the reflective nature of McMillan's music, Mercury & Lightning is poised to be one of the boldest, most somber and perhaps most controversial albums we've heard from him yet.
        - Nicole Vacca

Worship releases this year have mainly continued the trend of being bland and forgettable, but hopefully it’ll all work together to make John Mark McMillan’s newest effort feel like lightning in a bottle! All the news surrounding Mercury & Lightning has been nothing if not intriguing, so the album ought to be worth discussing come release time.         - Mason Hayne

With the exception of The City Harmonic's beautiful farewell album this past June, we've seen an unfortunate shortage of strong worship releases this year. With news of a new album around the corner, I trust that Mercury & Lightning will give the genre an offering it truly deserves.
        - Lucas Munachen

I’ll always be grateful for a worship artist like John Mark McMillan who’s able to balance artistic integrity with unfettered honesty. And really, there’s little reason to believe Mercury & Lightning will betray our expectations, even after the long wait. It’s been established; JMM is one of the more accomplished artists working today, and his unblemished track record more than earns #1 on this list.
        - Roger Gelwicks

I’ve always liked John Mark McMillan, but I’d never found myself overly excited for new material from him...until I heard Live at the Knight last year. Something about that live album sparked a greater interest in his music. If I wasn’t excited for Mercury & Lightning before, I am now!
        - Scott Fryberger

John Mark McMillan is in need of breaking out of his particular sonic rut. Having seen him live last year, I can report that his songs performed live are better than the slightly more sluggish album versions. I hope Mercury & Lightning lives up to its fearsome title.
        - Alex Caldwell

I was bummed last winter when I heard this album was being pushed back, because there is no worship artist out there right now who is more interesting than John Mark McMillan. I will be very surprised if Mercury & Lightning isn’t worth the wait.
        - Mark Rice

  • Visit our John Mark McMillan page for more information about him...

  • 2017 Countdown: July to December

    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... Nicole Nordeman, Unspoken, Kings Kaleidoscope, Andy Mineo, K I D S, Family Force 5, Stavesacre, Tauren Wells, JGivens, The Ongoing Concept, & more!
    Highlighting 2017
    ©June 2017 Jesusfreakhideout.com



     

    Highlighting 2017
    ©January 2017 Jesusfreakhideout.com




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    This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
    SINGLES
    Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

    This Friday, June 6, 2025
    ALBUMS
    CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
    Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
    Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
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    Isaiah J. Thompson The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry [Mack Avenue]
    Chris Whittington Bright Portal 2025 Remastered Version - EP (independent)

    SINGLES
    7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
    Pat Barrett Praise The Lord Forever - Single [Capitol]
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    Burial Extraction The Overseer - Single [Charon Collective]
    Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
    Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD (ft. Parris Chariz and Jon Keith) - Single [RCAI]
    Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
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    Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
    Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
    King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
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    Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA - Single [Provident]
    Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
    Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
    Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
    River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
    Sleeping At Last The Piano (Original Score) - Single - Single (independent)
    Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
    Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
    Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
    Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]
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    VINYL
    Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

    Next Friday, June 13, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
    King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
    Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
    Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
    War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

    SINGLES
    CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
    Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
    Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



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