Favorite Icon, Full size
The year 2011 was a great year in music with not only the major players coming out to play but the independents battling it out with equally impressive material. Unfortunately, two key releases of 2011 were not given the opportunity to even be considered as neither artist felt compelled to send their material. Sadly, the two artists have exercised this option in the past but I cannot review what I do not receive.

On the positive side, despite the major players making their presence, it was the giant independent Paul Cardall who released not only the most impressive creation of 2011 but also his best to date. Supplemented with a DVD that encompassed not only his struggles with his failing health but also the joy of seeing his faith, family support and restored health capped off with filmed concert of his triumphant return to stage.

I would also like to make honorable mention to three 2010 releases that were not heard until 2011 that would not make them eligible for the 2011 Top Picks. They would be David Arkenstone’s Echoes of Creation, Andy McKee’s Joyland and Stephen Moccio’s Color. And again to the artists willing to risk a critique, thank you for the opportunity as I consider it an honor.
1
Cover image of the album New Life by Paul Cardall
Paul Cardall
May 30, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Michael's Albums of the Year
2
Cover image of the album Winter Poem by Secret Garden
Secret Garden
November 8, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
3
Cover image of the album The Piano by Chad Lawson
Chad Lawson
February 19, 2012
Review by Michael Debbage
4
Cover image of the album Truth of Touch by Yanni
Yanni
May 31, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
5
Cover image of the album Glory by Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith
November 21, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
6
Cover image of the album Unconditional by Marc Enfroy
Marc Enfroy
April 10, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
7
Cover image of the album Damayanti by 2002
2002
May 7, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
8
Cover image of the album Earthsong & Stardance by Gandalf
Gandalf
August 27, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
9
Cover image of the album Island of Anywhere by Mike Howe
Mike Howe
January 15, 2012
Review by Michael Debbage
Guitar music
10
Cover image of the album Alma Vieja by Russ Hewitt
Russ Hewitt
September 2, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Guitar music
11
Cover image of the album Renaissance by Mark Schultz
Mark Schultz
January 1, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Debut Albums
12
Cover image of the album Elevation by Lawson Rollins
Lawson Rollins
January 8, 2012
Review by Michael Debbage
Guitar music
13
Cover image of the album Reflections by Kelly Andrew
Kelly Andrew
March 12, 2012
Review by Michael Debbage
14
Cover image of the album Home for Christmas by Carolyn Southworth
Carolyn Southworth
December 11, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Holiday Albums
15
Cover image of the album Earth Voyage by Joseph Sullinger
Joseph Sullinger
December 28, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Guitar music
16
Cover image of the album Throughout the Autumn Light by Robert Linton
Robert Linton
June 11, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Guitar music
17
Cover image of the album Ambient World by David Arkenstone
David Arkenstone
January 1, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
18
Cover image of the album Journey Around the Sun: A Mayan Odyssey by Bill Wren
Bill Wren
October 15, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
19
Cover image of the album Where I Belong by SAJJAD
SAJJAD
October 6, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage
Debut Albums
20
Cover image of the album Relaxing Melodies of Nature by Kenio Fuke
Kenio Fuke
October 6, 2011
Review by Michael Debbage