Listen to hot new releases from a “big” band from Alabama, the debut North America release from a German songstress, two sisters who took a break from recording to embrace motherhood, and a Canadian band that is rocking the Christian and mainstream music scenes on both sides of the border.

Big Daddy Weave’s debut project, One and Only, quickly became a fan favourite, debuting in SoundScan’s Christian Top 5, the highest debut for a new artist in 2002. A 2002 Gospel Music Association Dove Award nomination for New Artist of the Year started their career off with a bang, with hit singles like the upbeat In Christ and the worshipful Audience of One, the band’s first number one song (Christian Radio Weekly CHR chart). Fields of Grace was the band’s 2003 follow-up album, as the radio success continued with the hit title track from the project. Their latest release, What I Was Made For was completed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan hitting their hometown which resulted in the destruction of the home of the Weaver brother’s parents that also served as the band’s offices. The result is an album that takes a very real peek into the lives of the band members.

Though Sarah Brendel is only twenty-something, her lengthy record of accolades proves this singer/songwriter a veteran with blockbuster success in her native land. The German born-and-bred performer has achieved the unprecedented for the country, approaching her art form from a decidedly Christian perspective yet still rising to prominence in a competitive secular scene. Her debut North American release is an eclectic, 10-song debut that ranges from rock to acoustic to electronica all mixed with Euro-Pop sensibilities.

With the release of the self-titled Mary Mary, the Grammy-winning, platinum-selling Gospel duo is beginning a new chapter in an already remarkable career. In 2000, sisters Erica and Tina Campbell earned immediate respect and success with Mary Mary’s platinum debut album, Thankful. The joyful dancefloor-filling hit single Shackles put them at the top of the charts across the world and then the girls followed it up with the 2002’s Incredible album. Now, after a short break, Mary Mary returns with the brilliant third album, packed with uplifting lyrics, distinctive vocals and unforgettable songs.

Toronto, Ontario’s Thousand Foot Krutch has sold over 200,000 copies of their previous two records, Set It Off and Phenomenon. Along the way, they’ve won several major awards in Canada and the U.S., broken through on active rock radio, shared the stage with today’s leading alt-rockers (Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, The Donnas, Switchfoot, etc.) and even created the first great sports anthem of the 21st century with 2003’s adrenaline-fueled hit Rawkfist which has been heard everywhere from sports stadiums to commercials (NHL, NFL and major league baseball) to even the WB’s Smallville. Their latest release, The Art of Breaking is a succinct, straight-forward juggernaut of pure rock glory.

Head over to HearItFirst.ca to listen to samples from these projects. Mary Mary, Sarah Brendel and Thousand Foot Krutch’s albums are available now at Canadian Christian retailers nationwide while Big Daddy’s Weave’s album will be available on July 26th. To locate the store nearest you, visit CMCStoreFinder.com.