We've finally made it to number 50 on the list. I deemed the hall of fame of my list the top 50, which is roughly the top 14% of my collection. What follows is a write up of the #50 album and reasoning behind why it made the top 50 list. Here's hoping you enjoy it.

#50- David Crowder Band (Illuminate)
Worship Music. You won't find much of it on this list. Why? There are many reasons. For one reason, worship music can be commonly classified as unoriginal and one dimensional. For someone who understands and appreciates the power music holds and evokes, I have never really been able to get into worship music for recreational listening. Don't get me wrong here, I believe worship music is a valid form of music when used as a medium of connection between our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his children. When it is used as it is, for monetary gain by so many it loses its sacred tie between God and his people. For a lot of artists the message supercedes the music. For them the message is the only way they can gain a respectable fanbase and in turn a sizeable paycheck. Just to reitterate my beliefs I do not feel this way about every artist in the genre.
One of these artists is David Crowder. Illuminate is the most important release from Crowder. One of the things I appreciate about some artists, is their ability to change and grow musically on each album. Illuminate is an album that encapsulates musical progression at its best. While it's a stark contrast to previous releases, it's so well crafted that it doesn't take away from the message or the power of the presentation. The addition of samples and keyboard effects adds a fullness and texture to the music. The attention to detail is quite apparent, as each element and instrument is present and clearly distinguishable.
The strongest section of the album is track 7-12. How Great begins softly and builds to a crescendo of fuzzy guitars, sustained keyboard chords, and a flourish of synth effects. All Creatures adds a familiar, but different feel to a classic hymn. Deliver Me connects a quiet confidence with a depth that can be felt in the very core of each listener. This section also delivers the quintasential feel good anthem with No One Like You. Tinged with infectious rhythm, you can't help but dance when this track plays. The interludes and transitions add a tenderness and cohesiveness to the album, and beckons a call to well roundedness that is important in Christian living as well as music.