Tennessee native Colton Dixon made it to the Top 7 on season 11 of American Idol, easily winning over fans with not just his voice but also his Christian beliefs. So it’s only fitting that Dixon’s faith has a starring role on his 12-track debut. “Never Gone” is a plaintive tune with big orchestration that shows off Dixon’s softer side, while “You Are” is straight-up worship. He’s careful, though, to take a tip from groups like Switchfoot and Lifehouse, delivering solid pop-rock that also feels perfectly home outside of Christian radio. With A Messenger Dixon proves he’s on his way.