'Mixdown' lets listeners get down

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Sep 25, 2004 by Phil Anderson Capital-Journal

By Phil Anderson

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Fans of dance music and remixes will have a hard time staying in their seat when they put "Mixdown" (ForeFront, 15 songs, 54 minutes) into their CD player. Contributing tunes to this youth-oriented set are a veritable who's who in modern Christian rock, including Tait ("Alibi"), Audio Adrenaline ("Big House"), Stacie Orrico ("Ride"), Grits ("All Fall Down"), Tobymac ("Somebody's Watching") and Jennifer Knapp ("Undo Me").

- If you've been in a church that utilizes praise-and-worship music, chances are you have sung a song written or performed by Don Moen, perhaps without realizing it. An assortment of Moen's classic songs are included in "God Will Make a Way" (Integrity, 19 songs, 80 minutes), including "We Give You Glory," "God is Good All the Time" and "Give Thanks." A DVD bonus is included with the CD.

- Jamie Slocum continues to fly under the radar screen for some reason, even though he is one of the better talents in Christian music. For the doubters out there, check out Slocum's newest release "My Heart Knows" (Curb Records, 13 songs, 44 minutes), where he shines on tunes such as the radio-friendly "Top of the World," "Better Than I Know Myself" and "Light of the World."

- It would be nearly impossible to doubt the sincerity of the faith of gospel singer Doug Williams after listening to his newest project "When Mercy Found Me" (Blackberry Records, 18 songs, 75 minutes). One of gospel's pre-eminent artists, and one-third of the group The Williams Brothers that has performed several times in Topeka, Williams has never been in better voice or offered more compelling lyrics that center on praising and worshiping God. "Grateful," "Prosperity Song" and "Mary Did You Know" are among the many highlights on this fine set.

- Blessed with a folk singer's voice and the ability to turn a phrase into something meaningful, Kelly Minter delivers a fine acoustic-based project with "Wrestling the Angels" (Cross Driven Records, 11 songs, 43 minutes).