The Best Christian Albums of the Year

Listen | Read | Buy

--------------------------

Aaron Neville has a true story to tell in his first all-gospel album: the tale of hope that outlasted a tough upbringing in the projects in New Orleans, told in Neville's world-weary voice through a mix of gospel, originals and soulful covers of the likes of Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel. The traditional "Mary, Don't You Weep" devastates us from the outset, readying the heart for the personal testimony to come.

Read | Buy

------------------------------------

With his reputation established early on as a dangerous man, a party animal who used drugs and frequented prisons, Cash has told the story of faith from society's dark side. This compilation sums up the country legend's consistent religious faith over the years.

Listen | Read | Buy

------------------------------------

U2's new album, "All That You Can't Leave Behind," finds Bono beseeching Jesus again, and "not unbitterly," as a music magazine has put it. The group's most spiritual album since "Joshua Tree" is considerably less sarcastic than their last few, though we still find the doubting Bono singing, "Jesus could you take the time/To throw a drowning man a line?"

Read | Buy

------------------------------------

Often mistaken for its better known crosstown Anglican counterpart at Westminster Abbey, the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral Choir has put together a program of sacred music that is no less spiritual and or hauntingly beautiful for being unusual and eclectic. This CD should help imprint the Cathedral's ensemble in our minds.

Listen | Buy

------------------------------------

This album includes just about everyone you would want to hear on a gospel compilation album at the turn of the millennium. From BeBe Winans and Shirley Ceasar to the innovative sounds of hip-hop gospel artists B.B. Jay and Tonex, the gospel message remains the same but the style is right on time.

Read | Buy

------------------------------------

Few Christian groups risk much musically, and Caedmon's Call had little reason to put their secure careers on the line. Nonetheless, their album "Long Line of Leavers" grabs the listener's attention like a sharp slap. While they break down the walls that constrain them, Caedmon's doesn't end up with musical rubble.