DC Talk’s ground breaking, chart topping, legendary album Jesus Freak turns ten this year.

Could it really be 10 years already?

In honor of the date Gotee Records is releasing FREAKED: The Official Jesus Freak Tribute Project. Follow the link to hear some audio clips. The StorysideB and Reliant K tracks sound great and Sarah Kelly does her best Tori Amos impression. It’s worth a listen.

Wow, 10 years ago I was 16. I had an ’85 Mustang Convertable and I would crank “In the Light” and the title track as loud as I could. As I sang these songs I felt the immense weight and meaning behind the lyrics as they pointed me deeper into the Word and into the arms of my mighty Savior. You can’t help but be sold out to Jesus Christ when you listen to this album.

I remember how much broad appeal this album had. My friend who listen to bands like Cannibal Corpse and Tool was head over heels in love with it. The drive time DJs on the hard rock station here in Dallas would play “Jesus Freak” during their 5 at 5 as commuters headed home. The same for “Colored People” when it was released as a single. I’m not sure I would have ever given Christian music a fair hearing if this album hadn’t come out during this time in my life. In fact, I think we need another album produced as well and as creatively as the original Jesus Freak. An album that unabashedly knocks down stereotypes and reintroduces the world to my Jesus and his kingdom. Truly, that would be a real and fitting tribute.