1. Track 1-R by '68. This piece is by the band '68 which is the brain child of former Norma Jean and the Chariot vocalist Josh Scogin. It appears on their recently released debut album "In Humor and Sadness". The rawness and emotion is enough to make me want to grab a sledgehammer and demolition steel re-enforced concrete while skateboarding and eating a pound burger. I would describe it as the Black Keys with braces (its a lot more metal).

2. I'm Turnt by Lecrae. I am not much of a club guy and wouldn't consider myself a "wigger" by any means..but I'm not afraid to get crunk when I'm feeling it..and this track by Lecrae gets me feeling it. Great beat that will get stuck in your head and make you get down. I love the message in this song as well. Here Lecrae presents the case that you don't have to get into the drug, alcohol and one night stand scene to ahve a good time and that you can actually honor God through the process. Turn down for what?

3. Neighborhood #2 (Laika) by Arcade Fire. This is an older track that appeared on Arcade Fire's debut record. I love this song not only for the great guitar tones and overall sound, but also its historical implications. Laika was the name of the RUssian dog sent into space on Sputnik #2 and was thus the first living thing sent into outer space. Laika, unfortunately, would never return due to technological limitations of the early Cold War Era. this song implies the hopelessness of an individual who is past the point of return..kinda depressing..but I enjoy it.

4. Beauty in Tragedy by August Burns Red - ABR is my favorite metal band of all time..so I generally like anything that they put out. Their latest album "Rescue and Restore" is nothing short of genius. It pushes the metal genre to new boundaries and even includes marimba and a Latin horn solo on several songs..I mean that's pure gold. This track features excellent musicianship and is centered around the loss of a close friend of the band and how they have hope they will see him again in heaven...I can't..stop..the..feels...hey who put those onions in here??

5. You Can't Stop Me by Andy Mineo. Man what can I say other than this track gets me hyped. Andy has been a favorite of mine for awhile now and he is a master-class MC. Not only does this track pump me up, but it reminds how the only thing holding me back from seeing God work in my life is myself.

6. Waiting for My Time to Come by Colony House - Colony House, which consists of Stephen Curtis Chapmans' two sons Caleb (guitar, vox) and Will (Drums) as well as friend Scott Mills on bass. They are quickly becoming one of my favorite bands. Their brand of indy rock is as infectious as it is brilliant. This tracks reminds listeners to be patient and to be content with where you are in life. Make sure you grab their debut album "When I was Younger' on July 22!

7. Marvelous Light by Ellie Holcomb - Ellie and her husband Drew are a favorite of my girlfriend Courtney and I. Not only are they excellent live, but their songwriting skills are on another level. This track comes from Ellie's new record "As Sure as the Sun". It show cases her airy and delicate vocals quite well and you can't help but smile and nod. It's a prayer to God praising Him for his truth and His faithfulness to bring us out of dark places and into His light.

8. More Heart, Less Attack by NeedToBreathe - As a NeedToBreathe fanatic I must say that I was nervous about their new record, "Rivers in the Wasteland". It was hard to imagine them to release yet another amazing album of pure gold. Yet like usual, the South Carolina boys delivered. This track has quickly become a favorite of mine as it highlights Bear Rinehart's distinctive voice and is amazingly crafted musically. The bowed uprigt bass and background harmonies give a feeling of peace and beauty. This track urges Christians to be a part of the solution, not the problem. Bravo, NeedToBreathe. Bravo.

9. Sadie Hawkins Dance (2014 Re-recorded version) by Relient Freaking K. To say i am a Relient K fan is an understatement. They were the first punk band I fell in love with after I first saw them live 12 years ago and I have been around ever sense. After the disappointment of their sub-par release last year, I have been eager for new material that show cases Matt Theissens brilliant lyrical skills and smooth vocals. When I heard that they re-recorded their classic hit, Sadie Hawkins Dance, I was skeptical. I am glad I was proven wrong once again. What you find here is a new version that maintains the integrity of the original, yet shows the maturity and development of the band over the years. Sike.

10. Forever Young by Pathfinder. - It's a power metal cover of Forever Young by Alphaville...enough said.

11. The Light by the Album Leaf - This is a dreamy, airy, mystical, whatever other adjective you want to add, instrumental from the San Diego wiz Jimmy LaValle. It been out 8 years or so..but it always helps me sleep. No pills needed here.

12. Never Once by Matt Redman - This is a beautiful worship song that reminds me of how faithful the Lord has been to my family and I over the past year and that He has promised to never leave or forsake us.

13. Sweet Tennessee by Judah and the Lion - I had the privilege of seeing Judah and the Lion at the Orange Peel when they opened for Drew Holcomb. They are an up and coming alt Bluegrass outfit that you need in your library. This track is a love song written to their home state of Tennessee and has chord progressions and banjo licks that sound like they come straight from the hollers. I'm not from Tennessee..but I feel like I could be when I listen to this.

14. Rose of Sharyn by Killswitch Enagage - The greatest metal-core song written about the passing of fomer Killswitch front man Howard Jones grandmother.. the feels are also strong with this one.

15. Roll Up Your Sleeves by We Were Promised Jetpacks - I love this song because it features Scottish accents, aggressive telecasters and lyrics about the winter..and stuff. And someone please give these boys some jetpacks if they were promised them..sheesh.