The group, consisting of lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins, Eddie Fisher, Brent Kutzle, and Drew Brown, has been active in the entertainment industry since 2004. Some fans might have encountered their music on an episode of Bones or on Paul Oakenfold's sophomore album. Many, however, recognize the group by its association with Timbaland's remix "Apologize feat. OneRepublic." While the song climbed charts in countries as diverse as Germany and Ireland, Tedder and the rest got to down to business with producer Greg Wells. Several months and number one hits later, OneRepublic unveils its debut album Dreaming Out Loud, which gives a voice to the band's journey so far. With the careers of a thousand "one-hit wonders" looming in the background (Daniel Powter, are you out there?), their past success now emerges into a challenge to provide something meaningful and lasting in the musical community.

Suzy Bogguss found early success in her career winning the Country Music Association's Horizon Award in 1992 and the Album of the Year Award in 1994. Since that time she has earned a reputation as an artist who is willing to push the boundaries of the expected. With her 2003 release Swing she maneuvered her musical journey in the direction of a sultry swing sound with charming results. This same daring spirit is again represented by her new release that delves into the world of New York-styled lounge jazz. Aided by producer Jason Miles, who has produced jazz oriented greats like Miles Davis, Luther Vandross and Sting, Bogguss shows that she can muster the chops for yet another genre. Sweet Danger is an album that stretches her naturally gifted abilities as a vocalist and collaborative songwriter to new heights and the outcome is well worth the effort.

Don't let words like "metal" and "hard rock" scare off any of you who enjoyed the last couple of releases.  This 5-piece hasn't turned into Slayer, at least not yet.  Spoken just hits a little harder and really, in a time where much music is guilty of layering and over production in the studio, gives you a better idea of what you will hear if and when you go to a live show.  "We didn't intentionally go for a heavier sound," says guitarist Jef Cunningham.  "We just wrote what came to mind and I think it turned into some of our best material."

Bethlehem Skyline

When a new Christmas album is released, one question always comes to mind-new songs or old classics?  Here we have a good mix.  Of the eleven songs, six are older classics.  "Mary Did You Know?" is included, which has become a modern classic.  Additionally, three new songs and a Pierce Pettis cover round out the set list.  There is enough familiarity with these songs to enable a festive singalong, but the new songs add variety and imagination.

The project is the epitome of everything familiar in a worship album; strong lyrics, lush guitars and a splash of passion that provides peaceful listening.  Right from the beginning, the listener is drawn into a world of pleasing melodies coupled with a sense of familiarity in "Glory Be".  Wilson's vocals are very strong and the acoustic guitar strums bring goose bumps with every word that is full of conviction on this track that is sure to become commonplace in many church services.