Submitted by Bebo Norman (solo artist; current album: Between the Dreaming and the Coming True - Essential Records)

1. David Gray - Life in Slow Motion.

This record renewed my faith in music again. Even though it released in late 2005, I didn't really uncover it until '06, and it became, to me, the bravest record of the year...musically and lyrically. I am most drawn to his honesty - even when I disagree with him - I respect that he is painfully and beautifully honest...if Christian culture could only be so honest, the world would truly change.

2. Matthew Perryman Jones - Throwing Punches.

To me, one of the best Christian records of 2006 even though it was released independently and probably didn't get much national attention. He hooked me in from the first song on with lyrics like "...baby let's go far away / see this world that God has made / and oh our hearts are in his hands / this lovely One who counts the sands."

3. Jars of Clay - Good Monsters.

This record is both a progression and a homecoming...to me it's the best of both worlds from a band that single-handedly continues to push the edges of creativity, honesty, and social responsibility in Christian music.