CCM Countdown: 6 (2.0)

My countdown of the 50 Contemporary Christian Music projects that had the most impact on my life and ministry through 2006 returns today with a second #6 (yet another tie I could not break!).  To see last week's post and get links leading all the back to the beginning, click here. 

6)  WORLDWIDE-  Audio Adrenaline-  2003
I have been a fan of Audio A since Big House and their very early days when they were more a hard core rock band.  The first time I ever saw them live at a National Youth Workers Convention their lead singer, Mark Stuart, had no voice.  At that time no one else in the band really sang, so their roadie took the mic and belted out a few songs.  I have loved them ever since and own every CD.  Their music was very important to my ministry over the years, and this project was huge during my time at Wesley Memorial UMC in Tampa.  They were also regulars at Night of Joy, the Christian music festival held each September at Walt Disney World.  The band ended their run in 2007. 

FEATURED SONGS
This project begins with a couple of old school-style Audio A rockers.  Worldwide: One explains how they have spent 12 years on the road shouting the name of Jesus to the world.  Church Punks (see video at bottom) pumps up the guitars and calls on young people to make a difference for Jesus RIGHT NOW!  Dirty and Go And Be are calls to be missionaries wherever you are.  Pierced and Strong are anthems to the love Jesus showed by coming to save us.  Leaving Ninety-nine reminds us that God never stops loving us and cares about every soul that is lost.  Start A Fire encourages everyone to be a part of the Jesus movement; "It's time to start a fire!"  It's a great rocker that allowed Mark to play cowbell in concert.  The album ends with a radio remix of their huge hit from the LIFT project, Ocean Floor, an incredible song about grace and how God both forgives and forgets our transgressions; "Your sins are forgotten, they're on the bottom of the ocean floor."   It's just an incredible collection of songs from a great band that never ceased lifting high the name of Jesus.

OTHER RECOMMENDED ALBUMS FROM AUDIO ADRENALINE
Audio Adrenaline-  1992
Don't Censor Me-  1993
Bloom-   1996*
Some Kind of Zombie-   1997
Underdog-   1999*
Lift-   2001
Until My Heart Caves In-   2005
*indicates album is also included in this countdown.