Kutless (BEC)
Title: Sea of Faces
Release Date: February 2004
Production: Aaron Sprinkle (MXPX, Seven Places, Poor Old Lu), who produced Kutless' first album, joins the band again for the second.
The Buzz: Members of Kutless say that though their sophomore album will be stylistically similar to the first, there will also be an obvious growth in maturity. They also say that adding more electronic drum loops will bring a "whole new dimension" to the songs and give them an overall fuller sound.
Various (Sparrow Records)
Title: In the Name of Love: Artists United for Africa
Release Date: January 2004
Production: Lynn Nichols, Sparrow Records Vice President of A&R, serves as executive producer of the project.
The Buzz: Completely comprised of covers of popular U2 songs, In the Name of Love features a bevy of Christian artists who have decided to use their talent to further the cause of aiding Africa in its fight against debt, AIDS and trade issues. So far, the inclusion of Sanctus Real's version of "Beautiful Day" has been confirmed.
John Reuben (Gotee Records)
Title: The Professional Rapper
Release Date: February 2004
Production: John Reuben co-produces his third album with "Doin'" video Duck-Duck-Goose trainer Grant Harrison (who has also been mentioned several times in John's previous music).
The Buzz: Adrienne Liesching, lead singer for The Benjamin Gate, will guest sing on one of the songs on The Professional Rapper. Reportedly, the resulting sound will be a mix between standard John Reuben and Enigma. Also to look forward to will be the first radio single off the album, "Move." A video for "Move" is also in production.
Greg Long (Christian Records)
Title: Born Again
Release Date: February 2004
Production: Veteran producer Don Koch (4HIM, NewSong, East to West) heads to the studio with Greg Long to help shape the artist's latest musical outpourings.
The Buzz: Having written 10 of the songs on his newest project, Greg Long has been more involved in the creation of Born Again than with any other album. Representing Long's desire to communicate the ability to be given new chances, Born Again features songs inspired by Long's own commitment to Christ. The album also features a guest appearance by Andy Chrisman of 4HIM.