It’s our tradition to start each year with some special recognitions of the best-of-the-best music that released from the world of Christian artists (representing all genres).  If you weren’t able to keep up on the GOBS of new releases from 2025, don’t fret.  We will help point you to the must-listen projects from the year-gone-by that are both well-crafted and faith-inspired.  The top honors comes in the form of the Top 11 Gourmet Albums of 2025 – which is releasing on January 16.  These six albums were LOVED by our critics, but fell just outside our Top 11 list.  Still, we think they are worthy to be spotlighted as 2025’s Honorable Mentions.

[These are listed in no particular order.  To qualify, must be a Christ-following artist, and the project released between 12/1/24 and 11/30/25.]

Sad and Beautiful World – Mavis Staples

If you knew nothing about the context, you would still find this album emotionally gripping and spiritually charged. But it’s next-level mind-blowing that Mavis is a first-hand warrior from the Civil Rights movement… AND recorded this album at the AGE OF 85! Wha?! One critic shared: “I would suggest that this is a different kind of protest music, desperately needed in these dark days.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Winning Streak – Andy Gullahorn

Will we ever get a dud from this guy? Definitely not yet. Andy is a songwriting constant; one we have come to depend upon to help us unwrap truth, mystery, and hope – and these 13 new songs deliver again. One of our panelists describes this April 2025 release as: “From comedic whimsy to spiritual depth, Gullahorn creates a safe landing place for those who are wrestling with their own questions and doubts.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Hosea – Rachel Wilhelm

“The music on this album is phenomenal,” shared one UTR panelist, “and the message communicated here is especially significant, pertinent, and timely.” In this October concept album, Rachel Wilhelm creatively showcases the Biblical story of Hosea and Gomer through 11 tracks. Another critic called this “an attention grabbing exploration of an Old Testament book.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Curioso – Wilder Woods

This is the “oldest” album on the Honorable Mentions list, having been released in early February.  Bear Rhinehard’s solo work has become much more than a side project, and these songs have grit, soul, and spiritual yearnings. One panelist stated, “Curioso is spirited southern-tinged pop rock that somehow defies a genre but lands you into feel-good territory.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Far Country – Ellie Holcomb

Not even counting ALL the music she has released with her husband Drew, the “Neighbors,” the Dailys, and the collective Faithful – this is amazingly Ellie’s 9th studio album as a solo artist.  One critic raved, “This uplifting album ministers to anyone struggling with fear and self-doubt. The well-produced arrangements complement her passionate, inspirational lyrics.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Good Grief! – Jervis Campbell

“Why is it so hard to be alive?” It’s one of the questions at the center of this beautifully-executed acoustic-pop album. It’s a refreshing and relevant set of songs – one that one UTR critic describes as “a beautiful and soothing album dealing with heavy times, but also the healing that comes after.” Another stated, “The pastoral refrains invite you to consider life deeply and consider deepening your dependence on the King.”

[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Enjoy diving into these six highly recommended albums.  We’d love to hear from you!  Are any of these picks new-to-you?  And which ones are you especially enjoying?

Don’t miss Gourmet Music Podcast Episode 114, which will shine a spotlight on these Honorable Mentionsl. Also stay tuned for our “Top 11” list coming on January 16.