IMO, a lot of Christian stuff offers EITHER good lyrics OR good music. Rarely do I find BOTH good musicianship/arranging AND lyrics that really convey a message I can relate with.

Chris Rice and Sara Groves (separate artists) are exceptional; both are a treat to listen to at all levels.

In spite of the over-exposure he's gotten, I still like Steven Curtis Chapman. I find him to be a thinking person who is serious about personal growth and commitment to his faith; who has both feet on the ground with regard to his family, local church, etc.

Fernando Ortega is nice for reflective times, but not for driving. You'll go to sleep! He has a warm, folky voice and plays piano very nicely. A lot of his songs are prayers and devotions. He is a serious student of the old hymns and devotional writers. For a brief period, sometime in the mid-70's, he was actually in the Family (New Mexico?), but left because he came to realize pretty quickly that that wasn't where he belonged.

For a little younger, more "pop" sound, I have recently enjoyed a CD by a duo called Monk and Neagle. Fun songs, good lyrical content, even some that are not so spiritual, but just about real solid love between a husband and wife (They're both married guys in their late 20's-early 30's).

Last night at church, an Irish youth-work intern lent me a worship CD by one of her countrymen --a guy named Eoghan (pronounced "Ian"!?) Heaslip. I'll let you know what I think.