JesusfreakHideout.com: Highlighting 2018 -- Looking Ahead To New Music of 2018

For our 12th 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 2018. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting First-Half 2018!

6 of 10

#6. Rend Collective
Good News

Release Date: January 19, 2018

Spoiler alert! I've already heard Rend Collective’s new album, and it’s fantastic. Here’s a quote from my review -- “Rend Collective’s Good News more than lives up to its Gospel-inspired title. It's the band's most inspired and nuanced album, with creativity, energy and heart to spare. This spunky Irish group has created a folk-rock worship album opus that is a welcome bit of sunshine in the cold of winter, and one of the best things you’ll hear in all four seasons this year.”
- Alex Caldwell

After becoming more familiar with their deeper catalogue, I'm excited to see what their newest offering brings. They are certainly one of the more interesting and creative worship acts out there and their latest should be a strong continuation of that quality.
- John Underdown

I consider myself a nominal fan of the band, liking select songs but never a full album as I found the style of music from song to song too similar. Will they be able to break free of redundancy and hold my attention with their forthcoming release Good News? Here’s hoping!
- Josh Balogh

Let’s be honest, Rend Collective can be a little on the generic side. But their music is still really captivating, and their joyfulness really makes my heart soar.
- Scott Fryberger

I'm really glad we got Good News two months early because it takes time to dissect special albums like this. As with previous Rend Collective releases, Good News is filled with an infectious organic energy and undeniable passion for Jesus. With no weak tracks present and featuring one of their catchiest songs ("Resurrection Day"), this might be Rend Collective's most well-rounded release to date.
- Christopher Smith

Visit our Rend Collective page for more information about them...

2018 Countdown: January to June

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