Personal Favorites... Part 1, the 90's

As my friend and i were hanging out, he asked, out of the blue if i like jazz... i said, on some occassion. Not vey much, i guess, i continued. Then he followed up with something like "i dont know what music you like." Could he be psycho-analyzing me through the kind music i listen to? Anyway... so i said, "anything with alternative and electronic"... Alternative that is not too loud and electronica but not the trance or techno type. I go for electro-alternative. Alternative rock loaded with electronic sound...

So this prompted me to write about my most favorite albums of the 90's. [Which i've always been wanting to do anyway]. Ninety's alternative is one of the most important era of the music scene. It's actually evolution of the New Wave of the 80's. There wouldnt be alternative rock if there wasnt new wave rock of the 80's.

I dont claim to have heard, much less, owned a lot of 90's album as not so many christian alternative albums were released in the Philippines during that time and even now, only from the big companies like Forefront, Sparrow, Word, to name a few... Being in Thailand, the availability of christian albums becomes even more difficult. [Some of my cds i ask friends to buy for me in the States. If i get lucky, i get them as gifts, hahaha!]

Lastly, this list only includes christian acts. Though i listen to mainstream [or secular, in christian jargon] bands, i try to be very careful not to listen to songs with disturbing messages and inappropriate words. I may give them a listen for their artistry, but never buy/collect them.

So here's my list... though not necessarily in this order:

1. Jars of Clay - Much Afraid
This was Jars of Clay's second album. Though many would prefer the breakthrough debut album, i like this one better. Maybe because it is more diverse than the first one...

Favorite cuts: Crazy Times, You Were There, Frail, Flood [Remix, bonus track]






2. Plumb - candycoatedwaterdrops
During its time, this album was fresh and innovative... Mixture of electronic sound, dj scratches and messages that not so many christian acts sing about [e.g., child abuse], it sure was a winner. Small wonder that songs from this album was featured in many movies including Bruce Almighty and Brokedown Palace. This album won a grammy and dove award for best alternative album. My niece, my guitarist friends all loved this album too.

Favorite cuts : God-shaped Hole, Damaged, Worlds Collide

"Plumb wanted to leave the music industry after the 2000 album. Lee received a note from a girl a few hours before what she thought to be her final concert. The letter was about the Plumb song "Damaged" that Tiffany had written and recorded about a girl coping with being molested as a child. The note said "'Whatever you do, I just want you to never forget that you have changed someone's life." The note inspired Tiffany to remain in the music industry."


3. Audio Adrenaline - bloom
This album was given to me by a friend, Gil, who lives in the US. It became an instant favorite. This was one of my happy albums. Listening to this album always gave me some high. And the jumpy "Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus" is one of my favorite songs to this day. Think, "Semi-charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind.


Favorite cuts: Never Gonna Be As Bog As Jesus, Bag Lady, Walk On Water



4. Skillet - Hey, I Love Your Soul
On this second outing, Skillet abandoned their grunge musical style and went electronic.

Favorite Cuts: Deeper, Your Love [Keeps Me Alive], Whirlwind

5. Sarah Jahn - Sparkle
Very talented artist, she was. Too bad her album wasnt followed up by another. I used to have a tape of this one. This is a gem. Hard to find but my friend Myla got me a CD copy for my birthday last year... Artistic and really creative.

Favorite Cuts: Brand New Name, Chronic, Lullaby

6. Sixpence None the Richer - This Beautiful Mess
Who doesnt like Sixpence None the Richer? Dreamy vocals, poetic writing, and Matt slocum incorporating his cello artistry into many of their songs... you get another gem here.

Favorite Cuts: Love Salvation and Fear of Death, Angelthread, Circle of Errors

7. Eric Champion - Transformation
One of the most underrated artists during his time. The album cover itself would tell you that you're in for a lot of fun... Eric Champion's playfulness mesh perfectly with each song, especially the upbeat ones. And his totally re-made cover of Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" is a real surprise. [When my niece heard Eric's version, she took it to the alternative radio station and had it played.]

Favorite Cuts: Tranformation, Sparkle in Your Beat, Dress Me Up

8. Audio Adrenaline - Underdog
"Hands and Feet" is one of most favorite songs and videos ever. Plus, this album [together with their other album "bloom"] has become another happy album. There's just something about AA songs that energizes you. Not just the spiritual content.

Favorite Cuts: Hands and Feet, Get Down, Good Life

9. The Waiting - The Waiting
Quirky vocals... melodies that easily get stuck in your mind... some worshipful and some fun, humorous lyrics. This album never goes wrong.

Favorite Cuts: Number 9, Never Dim, Put the Blame on Me

10. DC Talk - Jesus Freak
These guys revolutionized christian music. Alternative while alreay in full bloom in the mainstream wasnt still so famous in the christian music scene. It was when DC Talk released this album that other christian alternative bands were given recognition. Not one of my really favorite album... but i should give them [and Jars of Clay] some credit for putting christian alternative in the spotlight.

Favorite Cuts: Jesus Freak, Color People, So Help Me God

Runner-up's:
1. Smalltown Poets - Smalltown Poets
2. Sarah Masen - Sarah Masen
3. Jennifer Knapp - Kansas
4. Third Day - Conspiracy No. 5
5. Code of Ethics - Soulbait