A few decades ago, Christian rock pioneer Steve Taylor penned a line that is exceedingly appropriate to faith-based pop: “If your music’s saying nothing, save it for the dentist’s chair.”

Jon Foreman

It is the last weekend of the year, and we are here to talk about the best contemporary Christian music of 2008. And this year, the best was definitely music that said something. We hope Steve’s happy.

1. Jon Foreman’s seasonal EPs – In the past half decade, Switchfoot has released some of the most thoughtful rock in the marketplace, Christian or mainstream. Left to his own devices, frontman Jon Foreman plumbs new depths — meaning, he’s deep. Foreman spent the past year releasing four solo EP’s of six-songs each, Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. (The hot links take you to the original album reviews.) Individually and together, they speak to the life of a 21st Century person of faith in a way few others have. His work includes thoughts on justice, money, sin and faith with bold statements like Instead of a Show, an indictment of ostentatious faith that lacks substance, to House of God Forever, a beautiful meditation on Psalm 23. We love Switchfoot, but solo Foreman is also something to treasure. Here’s hoping they continue to co-exist in harmony.

2. Grits, Reiterate – In 2008, the Tennessee duo of Coffee and Bonafide left their longtime home of Gotee Records for the independent market and released their most diverse album in recent memory. The disc dabbles in soulful and jazzy influences and benefits from guest appearances by Christian stars showing the duo to be simultaneously individual and part of a greater community. (I haven’t reviewed this for le blog yet, but will in a few weeks.)

3. Underoath, Lost in the Sound of Separation – Underoath continued to defy status as a niche artist by making a very accessible metalcore album. The band’s greatest asset is an ability to craft the torrent of sound it produces into memorable and even melodic pieces that attest the majesty of this genre.

4. Seabird, ‘Til We See the Shore – No, I’m not giving this Northern Kentucky act a high post because I’m a homer. I’m putting Seabird up here because its debut is one fresh, compelling piece of piano-based pop. There was a common theme of triumph over struggle in Aaron Morgan’s songwriting which was literate and evocative, highlighted by standout track Cottonmouth (Jargon).

5. Fireflight, Unbreakable – The title track was my favorite single of the year, an arresting testament from the adulterous woman Jesus saved from stoning. But Unbreakable was hardly a one-hit album, with more great power chord rock and ballads such and You Made Me a Promise, all delivered by one of Christian rock’s strongest frontwomen, Dawn Richardson.

6. Delirious, Kingdom of Comfort – Taking a cue from their previous hit, Our God Reigns, the British worship leaders have evolved into contemplative songwriters. Too bad they’re calling it quits, for now, after releasing this standout.

7. Andy Hunter, Colour – I have always been a fan of Hunter’s mix of faith with electronica and dance music and wished he made more albums. Usually he’s preoccupied with soundtracks and such, but this is a satisfying, if rare, experience.

8. Anberlin, New Surrender – New Surrender opened a new chapter for Anberlin, making a leap to a major label with an album that showed its individual, literate personality with a slightly more pop sound, including a new duo-guitar attack.

9. Superchick, Rock What You Got – Producer and band member Max Hzu has crafted Superchick’s sound into a fine concoction. While I would like to see a little more growth in lyrical content, it’s undeniable that nobody does female-fronted, punky  power pop as well as the Brock sisters and their band.

10. Third Day, Revelation – That the title is not a Biblical reference, but a request for more insight from God, speaks to the mature, thoughtful voice this Georgia band brings to Christian pop. And they can rip a Southern rocker with the best of them too.