Top Picks for 2009

A lot of people have been listing what they felt were the best songs, albums, groups, etc., of 2008, so I'm not gonna add to the list (and duplicate a lot of them); instead, I am gonna post my "watchlist" for the new year. Here is a list of groups I think will be worth watching in 2009, based on what I have seen in recent months:

Gold City - They have been rebuilding over the last few years, and I feel, with the reintroduction of the Band of Gold and with Bruce Taliaferro on lead, they are poised to make a MAJOR comeback. Just one request: single "I'll Walk On"!!!

Cross4Crowns - I first met these guys in the fall of 2007, and I was impressed then. I have been even more impressed over the last year or so, as they continue to make an impact on SG. If they can keep the current lineup, I have a feeling we'll be seeing them quite a bit in 2009.

Greater Vision - Since Jacob Kitson joined on tenor, GV seems to have a new vigor (and with all due respect to Jason Waldroup, a more solid upper range), and Gerald would be VERY smart to feature him as much as possible.

N'Harmony - Shane Dunlap is bringing the group back that he and his father started some years back. It's been several years since there has been an N'Harmony group, and this new incarnation is made up of singers who have been around the industry for a while, even if they are brand new to this particular quartet. The reason I pick these guys is from the attention that Brent Mitchell has been getting with his amazing rendition of "He Loves Me." I also know what Shane is capable of as a producer, so I am VERY anxious to hear a full-blown production from this group....

The Gaither Vocal Band - Given Guy Penrod's indefinite sabbatical (and the mystery as to whether or not he will eventually return to the group), not to mention the interesting timing on the GVB Reunion video, one has to wonder just what Bill has up his sleeve for the Vocal Band.