I wasn’t planning on doing any 2010 year-end lists or blogging. But gospel bloggers Gerald Jones (DaGospelTruth.com) and Torrence Glenn (The Gospel According To Torrence) shamed me into it with their lists, so I figured I’d better write a lil’ something instead of coasting into 2011.

So, here are (in my humble opinion) ten 2010 releases to own before 2010 ends, in no particular order…

Karen Clark Sheard | All In One
The legend with the incomparable vocals and long list of protégées released what is probably my favorite project from her since her 1997 debut. It’s slightly more urban than her previous works, but there’s no denying it– KCS is still at the top of her gospel game. My fave: “I Made A Choice.”

Gungor | Beautiful Things
Don’t think I’ve heard a worship album this beautiful in my life. Not just any old album, Beautiful Things is a musical work– a masterpiece with unparalleled songwriting and expert musicianship. This is music for the fun of it, but it’s also great to see that “worship” looks like this– God’s kids using our endless musical imaginations to create work with no boundaries. This shows how creative God made us to be, sold on one disc. My fave: “We Will Run.”

Tye Tribbett | Fresh
Some have said it’s missing G.A., some say it’s too experimental, some say they don’t “get” it. I say it’s got some of the best music I’ve heard from Tye– honest, creative, varied and good. It’ll take a musically open mind to enjoy it all (it ranges from electronic to rock, from deep church to downright ethereal), but it’s definitely a project-to-own for me. My fave: “Holding On.”

Victory Cathedral Choir| Smokie Norful presents Victory Cathedral Choir
Hands-down, one of the best church choir records I’ve heard in a long time. It features good songwriting, great vocals and excellent production, providing a full album of hits for your church choir to sing on Sunday morning. Though Smokie “presents” the album, neither his vocals nor his style overshadow the true artist of this project– one baaaaad church choir that commands your attention (and a purchase). My fave: “I Made It.”

Onitsha | Love, Onitsha
If you recall from my review of this a few weeks ago, I don’t even “do” mixtapes, but the vocals and creativity behind this particular project were so captivating– I fell in love with this project. And it’s definitely something you need to have before the year is out. With a tone and agility that seems at times unreal, Onitsha reworks mainstream tunes– some new, some classic– into works of worship, depicting the Christian experience. Gotta have it. My fave: “Falling.”

LeCrae | Rehab
The gospel hip-hop artist has reigned at #1 on the charts since his debut over 2 months ago. He receives neither gospel nor CCM radio airplay, but his name and his music speaks for itself– LeCrae is an unstoppable mainstay in the music landscape. A deep lyrical masterpiece blending rap with great musicality, this project isn’t just for hip-hop aficionados. It’s where music is going. Don’t get left behind! My fave: “Background.”

Beverly Crawford | Live from Los Angeles, Vol. 2
Few can sing like Beverly Crawford and if soul-stirring, foot-stomping, make-you-stand-up-and-shake-your-head-in-disbelief vocals are your “thing,” you’re gonna want this project. She’s a powerhouse with some great songs and excellent production (the band alone will make you lose your mind). My fave: “It’s About Time For A Miracle.”

Myron Butler & Levi | Revealed… Live In Dallas
If this project didn’t catch your attention when it was released, it’s because you may not have heard too much of it at radio. Do know, however, that what the DJ’s didn’t spin– you will. With ear-catching musicality in his songwriting (I still go nuts over the 5/4 time signature on “I Am God”), Myron demonstrates that his songwriting, production and arranging skills are second-to-none. Incredibly strong cuts abound on this album, the group’s third. Get it. My fave: “I Am God.”

Rashad McPherson & Divine Purpose | More Than I Ever Had
I love this album for its great musicality and for the promise of an up-and-coming artist who actually has solid music that you don’t mind revisiting after a month. Rashad and his group are the real deal– they’ve got passion that is necessary in gospel music, while being musically grounded (he’s a Berklee College of Music dude). Good songs + great vocals + solid production = good-to-own album. My fave: “Everything You Are.”

Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People
Pure musicality here– it’s not just gospel, or just CCM, not quite worship, and not exclusively urban. But it’s just one awesome project that needs to be a part of your collection. Israel made a timeless type of work, one that appeals to true music lovers– from songwriting to production, to vocal arrangements and pure energy, this album is a keeper. My fave: “Hosanna.”

Ready to get ‘em?

Onitsha’s album is FREE, available at her website (http://www.loveonitsha.com). The other 9 albums can be previewed/purchased right here (note: the projects from LeCrae and Tye Tribbett are each just $5 right now at Amazon)…

Which of these projects do you NOT own yet?  Are you planning to get any of ‘em?