Top Debut Albums of the Year (so far)

2012 has brought us a host of top albums. From collections of hymns to dubstep inspired tunes, there’s been something for everyone.

Big names like Toby Mac, Owl City and Ben Cantelon have continued to inspire listeners, but there’s been plenty of surprises from new artists too. Here we run down the top five debut albums of the year (so far).

5) Rhett Walker Band – Fans of Third Day will love Rhett Walker’s debut. Both the music and Rhett’s testimony are impressive. Don’t miss the passionate and gritty vocals over both acoustic Mumford and Sons styles guitars and more rocked up tunes. Whether they are turning the amps up to 11 or lightly plucking an acoustic guitar, the band are crafting and producing great songs. [Read full review]

4) Nikki Fletcher – The Aussie-born Worship Central member put out a six track EP this year. It didn’t disappoint. From the rhythmic gospel opener River Flow to the final ballad and title track All Glory, Nikki’s debut is full of style, beauty and substance. [Read full review]

3) Tom Read – Hong Kong based singer songwriter Tom Read (also a Worship Central pioneer) moved away from his position fronting The Vine band to pursue a solo career at the end of last year. Not only is the album full of great new worship songs with clever production and interesting instrumentation, but the music video for first single Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep is one of the best we’ve seen all year. [Full review coming soon]

2) One Step Lantern – We’ve spent much of 2012 scratching our heads trying to figure out how Birmingham’s Oli Nichols managed to put out such a superb album without being snapped up by a major record label. Dare we suggest that 5+2 is a better release than some CDs by more well known worship leaders? Yes, we do. [Read full review]

1) Chaos Curb Collaboration – And finally the title of ‘top debut of the year’ goes to Chaos Curb. Themes of worship, justice and community abound over music that varies considerably from track to track. It all feels quite wacky, but it’s quintessentially British. The songs will stir your heart, make you think and hopefully provoke you to action as well. The musical variation is welcome in an industry that so often favours the simple pop/rock format. So don't expect to just hear a bit of electronica worship. Expect to love it. [Read full review]

There’s still three months of 2012 left. Here’s five debut albums on their way that we’re excited about…

The Remission Flow – The label that brought us Ian Yates’ latest release is gearing up to release this new Irish band to the world. Early signs suggest it’s going to be special.

Brian and Jenn Johnson – Yes, don’t adjust your reading glasses, we know the Bethel Church duo have released countless albums over the past decade. But their debut Undone is re-released this month. We can't wait to hear it.

Vertical Church Band – Featuring 13 tracks from Chicago’s Harvest Bible Chapel and featuring Grammy award winning Heather Headley, the self titled debut will soon hit the UK. Are they the next Hillsong or Bethel Music? Only time will tell.

North Point – One of the fastest growing ministries in the US has put together its first ever live CD. The student ministry’s release will feature a mixture of covers and originals. Fans of Passion should love this.

I Am Future – Self described as “a movement of young people living for something way bigger than themselves”. The phrase “more than a band” is well worn, but if the hype proves accurate then this offering from Rocknations in the UK will be massive.