Christmas Extraordinaire - Manheim Steamroller - I figured i should start with a Christmas album since we are only a few weeks away. This album has brought great division and controversy among some of us at New Life. My parents and I think that it sounds very computer generated and synthesized, but some of the other people around here think that it is amazing. I'll leave this one up to you because it's going to sell about 1 million copies anyway - my opinion won't change that a bit, but for the record, I say leave it on the shelf.

Life - Zoe Girl - This album, on the other hand, is one that I like. I think that they have done a very good job from what I have heard so far. The first album was pretty good and the sales went well, but this one is going to establish them as a good quality group for many years to come. Great beats, great hooks, sort of a Destiny's Child sound without even trying to be like any one. If everyone buy this one maybe we can give Manheim a run for their money. 

This is Your Life - Out Of Eden - OK, now these girls look a lot more like Destiny's Child, but the sound just isn't there. Not that I have ever been a big fan anyway, but this album could have been much better that it turned out to be. The spunky little girls I saw on stage singing "Lovely Day" have changed into something that I don't even hardly recognize anymore. This is one of those groups that makes me say why can't people seem to figure out how to put more than one hit song per album. They'll sell to the loyal fans, but it will take a huge radio push to make this one work. 

Come Together - Third Day - A slightly similar complaint here. Do people forget how to rock it up when they get older? Third Day seems to be getting more mellow each album they put out. This does go back to a style similar to their first album - it just doesn't have the punch or the big draw that they used to have. Don't tell me that they are going to be the next Jars of Clay.....slowly fading away........