On the cusp of releasing UTR's list of the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2010, unfortunately some very excellent and noteworthy albums come close but just miss our Top 11 cut.  These were the five closest albums to making the list, and we thought they still deserved some special attention.  So, here are the Honorable Mentions for last year's Top Gourmet Albums.

Rocks Into Rivers - Seabird

Songwriter Jason Gray once said, “The hardest songs to write are catchy, 3.5-minute pop songs with a brain.”  It make sense.  Most pop music is either shallow, uncreative, or lack good hooks.  Seabird really stepped up their game in 2010, releasing 2 fabulous albums (including a terrific Christmas album).  Simply put, Rocks Into Rivers is the best pop-rock album of the year.  One UTR critic said that Seabird has “soul and dedication and is evident in each track.”  Another critic agreed, "This band has passion and powerful lyrics."                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Under Skies - Hark the Herons

This side project for Downhere’s bassist Glenn Lavender was one of the best surprises of 2010.  He has teamed up with Kalyn Allen, who has a dynamic vocal presence.  Don’t be shocked to hear piano, guitar, banjo, french horn, xylophone, mandolin, trumpet, and bells all brilliantly orchestrated into a single song.  A fellow critic said, “I have UTR to thank for discovering this stunning talent. It’s hard to find a song on the CD that isn’t a completely refreshing listening experience.

You Are Not Alone - Mavis Staples

She’s already considered a legend, but could You Are Not Alone possibly be the best album in the career of Mavis Staples?  One of our critics calls this “a rootsy project that combines the best qualities of gospel, blues, and Americana... a sound that is both modern and retro.” Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy superbly produced the album, which will satisfy those who are looking for timeless music with soul.

Yellow Tag Mondays - The Farewell Drifters

I was blown away when I first heard these guys at Cornerstone 2010.  It’s bluegrass music... but so much more.  One UTR critic said, “The 5 fella’s magical melodies, tight harmonies, and pro playing abilities far outreach their bluegrass background to create an acoustic indie-pop delight.”  Another critic states that The Farewell Drifters’ sophomore release is “a stand-out of the year. Lucid, romantic, faithful, and spirited.”

NewWorldSon - NewWorldSon

“This band has everything going for them in terms of sound and talent,” said one of our panelists. “Few bands in Christian music demonstrate this much instrumental prowess in their music, and it allows them to effortlessly blend rock, funk, gospel, and more.”  Another critic stated, “NewWorldSon is a great reinvention of raw talent. I love their pure vocal and soul.”  Those who love genre-bending creativity should definitely check out their sophomore album.

Keep your eyes on our site for our critics panel's lists of the Top Gourmet Albums and Songs of 2010.  Happy New Year!