Music Minute

Time for another Music Minute! Today I'm rockin' it old-school with some Johnny Cash, and here to tell you all about what's new in Christian music.

What's brand new: It's a little quieter on the release scene this time, with new stuff from The Murrills, Tye Tribbett, and Chris Sligh out on May 6.

What we like:
• The tasty horn section, catchy lyrics and gospel choir on Tye Tribbett's new release Stand Out will chase away your grumpy mood and make you want to dance. With a nod to 70s soul music (think The Staple Singers), we think the title track is a...well, standout. (Ahem.)



• Crazy curls, a power voice and some grungy guitar are hard at work on former AI contestant Chris Sligh's new album, Running Back to You. Fans of The Afters will love the rock anthem Waiting for You—just like we do. We hear Sligh will be making an appearance on next week's Idol finale...




Above: Showbread rocks the red pants.

What we're looking forward to: Anorexia and Nervosa, two new releases from Georgia raw rock band Showbread also release May 13. (Yes, this music is a lot harder than you're used to hearing on Christian radio, but you might just like it.) The band says the albums are two ten-chapter soundtracks to a story called Anorexia Nervosa, and they recommend "reading while listening to the musical accompaniment with headphones, alone in a dark, silent room with a single reading light." They'll let you know when to move to the next chapter. Sounds interesting!

And, Stephanie Smith's album Not Afraid releases May 13. Renew Me is a jamming, bubbly power pop tune that makes us happy down deep in our hearts. Here's hoping the album is full of even more good stuff. And you can check out an interview with Stephanie on page 15 of this month's issue of ec!

What we don't like: Poseurs, bullies, and smelly cat food.