Who's The Best?

I am on a search for the most talented Christian singer, songwriter, and/or musician (dead or alive).
I've heard it said that Rich Mullins is the greatest Christian guitar player of all time. Anyone care to agree or disagree? Who do you think is the most talented?

Christafari

Yes. Yes is the answer. Are the guys talented? Yes. Are they interesting? Yes. Are they original? Yes. Is their music worth listening to? YES.
Christafari is a Christian reggae band. Their music is intoxicating and the rhythms are fun. They are the band to listen to if the same old Christian music you've heard a thousand times before is boring you to sleep.


Good: Christafari is fun

Bad: Christafari does not have deep, thought provoking lyrics

Leeland Opposite Way

Leeland's sophomore album, Opposite Way, was released amid its share of hype. Hype that is expected among the Christian music sector and all too often without warrant. This album is a classic example of the sophomore album. The songs are unequivocally corporate (see: sell-out) and unoriginal. Their first album was worshipful and thoughful. Opposite Way is a wanna-be. You can compare them to Switchfoot, Relient K, and the like. And, following in the footsteps of those before them, one can be sure that it is only a matter of time before Leeland moves to mainstream radio.

Good: countless tweens and teens will buy the album

Bad: those looking for something creative or new will not get into it

Chad Blondel

This Australian Christian folk singer is a breath of fresh air. Blondel is a sort of combination between Chris Martin and John Mayer with Christ at his core. There's not a whole lot more to say about him. His songs are good. If you like folk or Martin or Mayer or even some old school Nick Drake you will like Blondel. He's got talent. Check him out.

Good: so refreshing

Bad: he's in Australia so the chance of seeing him live anytime soon seem dim for those like me in the U.S.

P.S. If you're also a fan of Cyndi Lauper I recommend you check out this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4iML_tr18s

Israel & New Breed

Fun music with a message. Israel & New Breed is a gospel/r&b group with a fun sound and thoughtful lyrics. Their music makes you want to dance (or atleast tap your foot). If you enjoy gospel/r&b you will enjoy them. I could listen to them for hours and not get bored with it. However, their style isn't new or original. Their lyrics aren't thought provoking, just thoughtful. In other words, they have talent. But they're songs aren't extraordinary. I do encourage people to listen to them. Personally, I prefer Trinitee 5:7 (the Destiny's Child-esque group)

Good: fun and enjoyable

Bad: nothing unique

Misty Edwards - Relentless

After listening to one track (You Won't Relent) off Misty Edwards' album Relentless I had heard enough to want to buy the entire CD and to know that she would become one of my new favorites. Her voice is entrancing. The lyrics are inspired. And the music is the perfect melodic accompaniment to both. Her music makes you desire to praise God and read the Bible with fervent prayer. Relentless will not dissapoint.

Good: everything about this CD

Bad: there's not more of it

Rush of Fools - CD release 09.16.08

These guys are on a major music label and it shows. They have a style that will sound familiar to anyone who listens to contemporary Christian radio or attends a church with "modern" worship. Their music gives you that "I've heard this before" (deja vu?) feeling with every song. Their music sounds most familar to that of Casting Crowns and Chris Tomlin. If you're looking for more of the same stuff than this album is for you. I wanted to get into this CD but I was too bored.

Good: new worship songs to sing at camp

Bad: I've heard it ten thousand times before