This Is An Outrage, Capital Lights

July 8 | Tooth & Nail

The mood of Capital Lights' Tooth & Nail debut is an interesting combination of playful and troubled. Whether their desire was to make a statement with their lyrics, or to just have fun making a record that would resonate with the younger crowd, they've gotten the job done. The songs are packed with words that sound good together and are fun to sing, but don't necessarily offer much cohesiveness as a whole. Songs like "Work It Out" and "Kick It Off" are a bit too similar to recent mainstream sensation Panic! At the Disco. I like the style, but it's already been done. This album is highly enjoyable but it won't satisfy those searching for deeper spiritual content. The onesong with clearly Christian themesis "Return," (Waiting on the last days, the bold red lettering has set the course...) coincidentally one of the catchier, and musically richer, songs on the project.

My Paper Heart, Francesca Battistelli

July 22 | Fervent

Calling this promising newcomer the Colbie Caillat or the Sara Bareilles of Christian music would make sense, but it wouldn't completely describe what Francesca Battistelli offers. It's no small feat to make a pop record that doesn't sound like everything else, especially when an ultra-sweet tone-of-voice seems, to some degree, still expected of female singers. It's partly the uniqueness of tone quality and partly accessible yet clever lyrics (got a couple dents in my fender, got a couple rips in my jeans, tryin' to fit the pieces together but perfection is my enemy) that make Francesca's debut record both delightful and artful.

Stronger, Tammy Trent

July 29 | September Day

Speaking of a sweet female voice, there's no question the adjective describes the voice and spirit of Tammy Trent. Losing her husband in a diving accident in 2001, Trent's story is heartbreaking, but her reclamation of strength and faith is uplifting. This latest release is quite a departure from the R&B/pop/dance style that was once her signature. A slower, rock/pop style focuses on worship in the face of adversity. Her fans will enjoy hearing a different side of her musically, and the softer approach, produced by Dove Award-winner Bernie Herms, may attract some new fans to her redemptive story.