Phil Joel
Title: Bring It On
Release date: October 2002
Production: Joe Baldridge (Newsboys and dc talk)
The Buzz: Reportedly, this album will have quite a different sound from Watching Over You. Joel is developing a voice of his own both spiritually and musically. TobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Justin Spence lend their lyric writing expertise to this classic pop rock album. And TobyMac may also sing on a track.
Chris Rice
Title: Everything's OK
Release date: March 2003
Production: Monroe Jones (Third Day, Ginny Owens and Shaun Groves)
The Buzz: Musically, this project is said to be more similar to Rice's second album, Past the Edges, than his last release, Smell the Color 9. Again, Everything's OK promises more of the thought-provoking lyrics for which Rice is known. Listen for the first single, "The Other Side of the Radio," to hit airwaves this fall. Also, Rice will kick off a tour next spring to promote the new album.
Sixpence None The Richer
Title: Divine Discontent
Release date:
October 2002
Production: Sixpence's Matt Slocum and Paul Fox (XTC, the Sugarcubes, 10,000 Maniacs and The Wallflowers)
The Buzz: Sixpence has finally returned to the studio. It's been more than four years since the release of the band's self-titled hit album. What's changed? This album will have more of a band feel to it. Matt Slocum penned most of the songs, with Leigh Nash adding two cuts. The first single to release on both Christian and mainstream radio is "Breathe Your Name."
Janna Potter-Long
Title: Janna
Release date: Tentatively
October 2002
Production: Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Point of Grace and Steven Curtis Chapman) and Mark Hammond (Jump 5 and Anointed)
The Buzz: No, Avalon is not breaking up. Making a solo album has been a goal of Janna Potter-Long's for some time. While this debut features one of the distinctive voices of Avalon, the music will be different from that of the award-winning foursome. Fans can expect a combo of pop, R&B and gospel tunes on this much-anticipated disc.