Celebrated worship leader Todd Ballard's first national release, Anthems, makes a Top 10 debut this week, turning up at No. 8 on the SoundScanPraise & Worship/Choral chart. Ballard has recently garnered the attention of several major national media outlets, including Worship Leader and CCM Magazine, with his debut project receiving enthusiastic early reviews from press as well.

A newcomer to the national music scene, Ballard's Feb. 5 debut, Anthems, is setting precedent for rising artists everywhere, with first week sales landing the album a Top 10 spot on SoundScan's Praise & Worship/Choral chart. This favorable positioning is no surprise given Ballard's welcomed reception by top media outlets.

A few weeks prior to the CD's release, Ballard was named among "The Ones to Watch in 2013" by Gospel Music Channel online. Worship Leader magazine featured an exclusive interview with Ballard on its web site and in its newsletter last month, while the current issue of CCM Magazine includes a Q&A worship spotlight on Ballard.

In addition, Anthems is generating some impressive critical reviews, with iTICKETS calling the album "powerful," indievisionmusic.com asserting that it is "...sure to garner critical and commercial praise and acclaim," and CCM Magazine hailing "... 'Anthems' reflects a heart of worship and powerful reverence for a God of epic proportions."

Produced by Otto Price (TobyMac, BarlowGirl), Anthems comprises 13 epic songs which Ballard describes as "anthems from the heart...each song is an anthem of the way I love God." The album also reflects his unique ability to connect with the worshipper's heart. The record's liner notes read like a "who's who" of industry talent with contributions by mix engineer Ainslie Grosser (Matt Redman's "10,000 Reasons," Laura Story's "Blessings"); Brad Blackwood (Maroon 5, Alison Krauss & Union Station), who mastered the record; guitarist/cellist Brent Kutzle of OneRepublic on select tracks; and legendary producer DJ Frank E (Flo Rida, B.o.B, Justin Bieber) adding some underlying beats to "Closer to Me."

Anthems is currently available at all digital music outlets and physical retail via New Day Christian Distributors. For more information, visit www.toddballard.com.