For the first time, Under The Radar presents the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2009. This list is a collaboration of a panel of critics who nominated the best art made by Christians in the CCM industry and in the mainstream - based on creative songwriting, production quality, artistic presentation, and spiritual depth.

1. Fireflies & Songs - Sara Groves

Like a gourmet meal, this album is one to savor.  One critic said, "With such naked songwriting & inspired delivery, Groves articulates heartache & pain as if it is her holy calling.". Another of our reviewers stated, "It’s hard to imagine, but Sara has now once again released her best album, topping all of her previous excellent work."

2. Hello Hurricane - Switchfoot

With Switchfoot's seventh studio release, we see a darker, moodier side to this award-winning band.  Lyrically, this CD is more mature and hopeful than previous releases. One of our critics said this album is "accessible yet intelligent... Hello Hurricane undeniably returns them to top form."

3. The Outsiders – Needtobreathe

"It’s not just music, it’s an experience" were the words of one of our critics when describing The Outsiders. Their previous work is acclaimed, but this time around Needtobreathe infused more blues and roots into their songs.  The result is a career-to-date best album.

4. Stockholm Syndrome – Derek Webb

The envelope-pushing Derek Webb's latest offering was not without controversy. His leap into the world of electronics is a step forward artistically, but it's his no-topic-is-off-limits approach to lyrics that makes this "a significant album that the Church will be chewing on for years to come."

5. Sara Watkins – Sara Watkins

The debut solo album of Nickle Creek member Sara Watkins spotlights her "immense vocal and multi-instrumental talent." This CD is brimming with authenticity and subtlety, with influences from folk to country to gospel.  The real star is Sara's mesmerizing voice, and the winners are anyone who gives this a listen.

6. Fiction Family – Fiction Family

When you get the collaborative minds of Jon Foreman and Sean Watkins together, you know something good is going to come from it. The album is, in the words of one of our critic, "all around amazing acoustic-oriented pop music."  Let's hope this was more than just a one-off album.

7. No Line on the Horizon – U2

Christian themes permeate throughout No Line on the Horizon and you get an album that is, in the words of one of our reviewers, "layered, thoughtful, insightful and passionate."  This CD isn't full of radio singles, so it tends to grow on you with each listen.

8. Lost Animals  – Josh Garrels

Blending aspects of folk, neo-soul, and electronica Josh Garrels newest release Lost Animals brings an album that is "artistically unique, musically fresh, and certified organic." This album imaginatively shares how a broken creation is yearning for redemption.  Don't let this one fall through the cracks!

9. The Long Fall Back To Earth – Jars of Clay

Returning with yet another gem is Jars of Clay. One reviewer described this album as a "portrait of a band that's operating at creative full-speed."  While the band steps into electronica, they still deliver some gourmet folk-rock anthems with socially-charged lyrics.

10. Heaven and Earth - Phil Wickham

In Gourmetmusicland, usually more synthesizers is not a good thing. Phil Wickham proved us wrong by creating an epic album with thematic substance.  One critic said Heaven and Earth proves that "Wickham deserves to rank with A-list artists."

11. Written in Chalk – Buddy & Julie Miller

When talking about this duo’s latest release, one of our reviewers stated, "This is everything I love about music right here."  Another critic said that Written in Chalk "further establishes The Millers' reign as Americana music's leading duet." Now let the conversation begin!  What do you think about our list? What did we get right and what's missing?  Let us know!