Deon Unthank
These are not in any particular order, because on any given day any one of these could be my favorite.

Jubilee - Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, and Legacy Five
I love the concept behind this recording. Jubilee was a very popular TV program back in the 60s that made such names as the Florida Boys, the Dixie Echoes, the Happy Goodmans, and the Hinsons household names. The fact that they have taken this Jubilee program on the road and made a video of the production is going to be a shot in the arm for this genre. It brings back great memories for our gray headed people, yet it gives the younger people a view of what built this popularity of this music. Using some of the songs from the old Jubilee TV program give a real authenticity to what they are trying to capture with the project. The have added their own twist to the concept by swapping out singers from all three groups to perform some of the songs. The old songs like "The Happy Jubilee" and "He Pilots My Ship" were standards of the Jubilee program, but they also added a newer song that never made the Jubilee program with "Someone Who Cares" written by Terry and Barbi Franklin. really like this CD.

No Worries - Karen Peck and New River
When I feel that country mood coming on, I want to grab this CD. You could hear most of this CD on any country music station on any day of the week. The redo of KP&Rs big hit "Bend In The River" got my attention because while it was their hit to start with, they did it different enough to make it their own again. "While I Still Can" made me think about my Dad and how he always took time to be anywhere us kids were doing something. Baseball practice, band concerts, or just taking us to church, Dad took time to do things with us While He Still Could. That song is a challenge to every parent. With the popularity of the internet, and the way even Christian can say hurtful things behind anonymous names "Why Can't All God's Children Get Along" really ministered to me. This song is one of the reasons it's in my top five for the year. Then I get to listening to "Read For The Ride" and I'm thinking that this song should be made into a video and played on GAC (Great American Country Television).

Mercy River - Crystal River
I have two CDs that I really like this year, that aren't "big names" yet. The first one is Crystal River. I think I like this CD because it is fresh. It's not standard Southern Gospel. The songs also seem to be very meaty, not much fluff in any of the songs. When their manager passed away earlier this year, their song "Hole In The Sky" was played at his funeral because he wasn't headed for a hole in the ground, but that hole in the sky when Jesus comes back for us. There are two very strong songs on this CD that grab my heart every time I hear them and they are "Faith Takes A Stand" and "I Stand In Awe". Expect to hear much more from this group in the not too distant future. Glen Bates has taken this group under his wing and is writing them some terrific material, which is apparent from this CD.

It's All Good - Gold Harbor
This is my other not so well known group whose CD really touched me. Unfortunately this is a one time enjoyment, because two of the members of this group left to join another group. That's a shame, because this lineup had some real promise of making a mark on the genre. Nonetheless, this CD is still a fantastic listen. In the late 60s and early 70s it was popular to take a secular , change a few words, or add some extra phrases and make a Christian song of it. Gold Harbor took that idea and did a great job using a really funky track to "I Can See Clearly". Wow, great idea and great production.They used several songs by Zion Music writer Tim Thomas. This guy is severely under-rated, because he writes some great stuff and Gold Harbor was smart enough to pick some of his tunes. "A Few More Miles" lifted my spirit every time I listened to it. I can't listen to "Let Your Holy Rain Fall Down" without just wanting to stop and worship. This song could well become a standard in the worship community. It's clear that Gold Harbor wasn't afraid to fill this CD with diversity From the funky pop song "I Can See Clearly", to the clearly country tune "Don't Let Satan Steel Your Time", to the classic George Beverly Shea song "I'd Rather Have Jesus", this CD is cutting edge and I loved it.

Hold On - Dove Brothers
Contrary to what people say about me on the internet, those who know me, know that I am still a quartet man at heart, so it's only natural that one of my picks have to be a quartet. The Dove Brothers Quartet CD is as good of quartet singing as quartet singing gets. I thought on the first song that George Jones was being used as a guest artist, but it was McCray Dove doing some low down country singing. "I'm Gonna Rise, I'm Gonna Fly" is one of those quartet songs that leaves you in a cloud of dust. I can use this cut while I'm out getting my cardio-walking done. They covered a couple of songs from more than a few years ago. The Rusty Goodman tune "Leaving On My Mind" is still so appropriate for today and David Hester puts his soul into the song. The Oak Ridge Boys made a hit of "He's Gonna Smile On Me". Wow, that song brought back some great memories, good job guys. Then going in to their recent radio hit, "A Little Good News" really hits home. This song states the reality of our world today and it gives the answer for our world today. this song alone qualifies this whole CD as one of my favorites.

You may be on a different stage in your life than I am right now, but this year, these are the top 5 CDs that spoke to me. There were a ton of great CDs put out this year, so if others spoke to you, that's great.

...Naturally - The Isaacs
I've always been a big fan of The Isaacs - but I wasn't too sure exactly what to think about an almost acappella recording - considering I'm not a huge fan of acappella music. The Isaacs exceeded my expectations with this release. They have solidified themselves as experts at their craft with this release. Timeless. Perfect. A classic. Favorite tracks: "No Shortage," "Little Bit of Heaven," "I Will Praise Him," "Healin' Stream," "Hallelujah," and "Hard Times Come Again No More"

Expecting Good Things - Jeff & Sheri Easter
Jeff & Sheri Easter have done it. They've found that perfect combination of country, bluegrass, and Southern Gospel with Expecting Good Things. From their particularly strong song choices to Sheri's explosive testimony - this is the recording they were born to make. You don't want to miss out on this one. Favorite tracks: "Born to Climb," "Hear My Heart," "Workin' On a Road," "Expecting Good Things," and the exquisite "Love Remains"

No Worries - Karen Peck & New River
Karen Peck & New River have long been favorites of mine - and No Worries is another fine recording from this fantastic trio. Their updated version of "Bend In the River" is a fun romp through dixie land jazz, and "Why Can't All God's Children Get Along" is a bluesy song that showcases Karen's always stellar vocals. The acoustic backdrop works really well for the group. Definitely check this one out! (Please Daywind - release "Ready for the Ride" to radio!) Favorite tracks: "Bend In the River," "Why Can't All God's Children Get Along," "The Hour I First Believed," and "Ready For the Ride"

Almost Morning - The Perrys
I'll admit that it's taken me a while to warm up to The Perrys post Nicole Watts-Jenkins/Mike Bowling era. However, Almost Morning made me a bonafide fan once more. Joseph Habedank could possibly be this generation's Rodney Griffin if he keeps writing songs like "Almost Morning" and "If You Knew Him." Almost Morning is by far the best recording from a critical standpoint this year. Kudos Tracy, Libbi, Joseph, Troy, and Brian. Favorite tracks: "Almost Morning," "If You Knew Him," "Did I Mention," "Dying Is a Day," and "The Old Fashioned Altar"

Hold On - Dove Brothers
The Dove Brothers continue down their path of musical transformation - and it seems like the group has found their niche with the release of Hold On. The Oak Ridge Boys meet the Statesmen with this release - and McCray Dove has poured out some of his strongest and most personal vocals to date. It's hard to pick a favorite on this release. The Dove Brothers hit it out of the park again with this release. Favorite tracks: "Hold On," "A Little Good News," "I'm Gonna Rise, I'm Gonna Fly," "Little David," and "Back to Egypt."

Unforgettable - The Hoppers
The Hoppers are one of Southern Gospel's favorite family's and have such an awesome sound! On this album, they took some of the old favorites and redid them with a wonderful, new twist.

Almost Morning - The Perrys
The Perrys are an outstanding group and some of the most "real" people you'll meet in this industry. This is an awesome project, and has one of the most amazing songs on it, "If You Knew Him".

...Naturally - The Isaacs
The Isaacs did a great job on this album. I love the acoustic versions of songs. It really shows of the vocal talent there.

The Answer - The Collingsworth Family
The Collingsworths are a family that has really made a name for themselves here in the last year, and I think they're doing a wonderful job! Kim is an outstanding piano player, but most importantly, she's anointed along with the rest of her family. There are some awesome arrangements on this album!

No Worries - Karen Peck & New River
Karen has come out with some awesome projects in the last few years, and this one continues the pattern. "No Worries" has some great material on it, and they did a great job on it!

Perrys – Almost Morning
This is probably my favorite recording released in 2009. Not since their Come Thirsty recording have I been this excited about a Perrys recording. Having been a fan of the Perrys since the late 1980’s, I have a very high standard set for them, and they completely surpassed it with this recording. There isn’t a bad song found on this recording as it is filled with strong songs that are excellently and expertly sung.

Triumphant Quartet – Everyday
I will admit that I have not been the biggest fan of Triumphant Quartet. Yes, I’ve enjoyed some of their music, but I wouldn’t have called myself a “fan” until now. Everyday has completely won me over. This one never gets too far my CD player as it gets played about as often as Almost Morning by the Perrys.

Dove Brothers – Hold On
It took me a few listens to really come around to this recording. I’ll admit that after I listened to it the first time, I put it away. After a couple of weeks, I took it out again and started to listen to it and it grew on me…very quickly. This isn’t the Dove Brothers from 5 years ago, or 10 years ago…this is the Dove Brothers of today. They continue to refresh themselves musically and give listeners something new and exciting with each release. This one definitely goes down as one of their finest and one of my personal favorites.

Isaacs – Naturally
This isn’t necessarily one that makes it to my CD player every other day, but I rank it as one of my personal favorites, simply because of the peace and serenity it continues to bring me every time I play it…especially the last 4-5 songs on the CD. Those last songs are worth the price of the CD. Some may find it boring, but I find it quite serene.

TaRanda Greene – In the Sanctuary
It’s no secret that I am a huge TaRanda fan. She could sing the phone book and I’d love it. She continues to amaze me and everyone else with her vocal abilities. With a talent that is truly God given, she allows the listener to be swept away into the presence of God, literally “Into the Sanctuary” as the title implies. Each of TaRanda’s solo releases has distinct personalities, and this one takes on the life of soulful, black gospel with a bit of high church Pentecostal. It’s very different from her first two solo releases and has continued to provide me with many hours of listening pleasure.

Honorable Mentions:
Legacy Five - Just Stand
Gaither Vocal Band – Reunited
Dove Brothers – Decennial
Paid in Full – No Trace of Rain
Karen Peck and New River – No Worries

BREAKTHROUGH - Ball Bros.
Truly a breakthrrogh for this dedicated, hard-working bunch of guys who've been knocking at the door of leadership in the genre.

EVERYDAY - Triumphant Quartet
A good mix of cover and new material from one of the most vocally talented quartets to come on the scene in recent years.

HOLD ON - Dove Brothers
Everytime you think you have these guys figured out, they come up with a fresh way to present and brand themselves. This countrryesque turn seems to fit them very nicely.

JUST STAND - Legacy Five
Possibly their most accomplished album musically, this could well be a watershed album for their career.

SINGING THE CLASSICS - Dixie Melody Boys
More than merely a rehash of well-known genre classics, Ed O'Neal's crew always seems to give us that something extra that stays with us.