JGM’s Best CDs, Singles, and Historic Reissues of 2017

By Bob Marovich

The Journal of Gospel Music presents its Best of 2017 list in the categories of CDs, songs, and historical releases.

The recordings were not chosen based on sales, chart status, promotion, voting, fan popularity, number of likes or retweets, committee decisions, throwing darts, reading tea leaves, arm twisting, or anything other than JGM: 1) was serviced with the music for review and 2) believes they best represent gospel/Christian/sacred music in 2017 in terms of overall quality of music, message, and presentation.

Artists whose music does not appear here: do not despair. These lists were compiled from many hundreds of releases that came across the JGM desk during 2017. I love you all, but I had to narrow down the lists to a select few.

Best CD:
Stay Connected – Choirs of Trinity United Church of Christ (Unashamed Media Group)

The Rest of the Best (in alpha order):
[a long way from sunday] – Anthony Brown & group therAPy (Tyscot Records)
Bigger Than Me – Le’Andria Johnson (RCA Inspiration)
By Faith – Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music (New Day Distribution)
Every Mile Mattered – Nichole Nordeman (Sparrow / Capitol CMG Group)
The Glory Experience – Preashea Hilliard (Daywind Records)
I Got You – Ruth La’Ontra (Tyscot Records)
Live at the Adrienne Arsht Center – Miami Mass Choir (independent release)
Out of the Dust – Out of the Dust (Discovery House Music)
WOW Gospel 2017 – Various Artists (RCA Inspiration)

Best Song:
“Anywhere We Are” – Nichole Nordeman (Sparrow / Capitol CMG Group)

The Rest of the Best (in alpha order):
“Enter In” – Chrystal Rucker (HBK Media)
“Fighters” – Cheryl Fortune (Tyscot Records)
“God’s Highway” – Sandra McCracken (independent release)
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” – Out of the Dust (Discovery House Music)
“I Give You Praise” – Robert Person feat. Richard Smallwood (REP)
“I Know the Lord Will Answer Prayer” – Trinity United Church of Christ Sanctuary Choir (Unashamed Media Group)
“I Refuse” – Anthony Brown & group therAPy (Tyscot Records)
“Isaiah 40 (Intro)” – Preashea Hilliard (Daywind Records)
“Jesus (What Grace Have I Found in Thee)” – Adam Everett (Polytone Records)
“Wings” – Natasha Owens (Maharlow Records)

Best Historic Reissues:
Jesus Rocked the Jukebox – Various Artists (Craft Records / Concord Music Group)

The Rest of the Best (in alpha order):
Moving Up: The Early Years (1956-1965) – The Gospelaires of Dayton, OH (Gospel Friend)
My Joy – Edna Gallmon Cooke (Gospel Friend)