Face it, there's a lot of contemporary Christian music out there that's, well, kind of sappy. Just scan your car radio dial while driving around the U.S. and you'll hear one sweetie-pie after another singing about Jesus with all her heart and soul -- which is fine, if you like over-produced saccharin ballads. But if you happen to love Jesus, yet hate middle-of-the-road pop, there are way fewer choices.

Enter Switchfoot.

THE BEAUTIFUL LETDOWN is their fourth album, and the band demonstrates greater confidence and better musical performances than ever before, with well-crafted and beautifully produced songs. There's the predictable message, of course, but it is presented with eloquence and charm, and doesn't hit you over the head -- making Switchfoot appealing even if you don't happen to share the band members' religious beliefs or traditions. Guitar-fueled rockers and intense power ballads show off the band members at their best, and interesting lyrics promote the idea that there's more to life than the superficial, that we are all important and have a purpose -- and that's a terrific message for anyone to hear.