Tween act builds on its faith-based momentum

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - Few artists score a No. 1 album before they receive their driver license.

Joining that short list is pureNRG. The tween trio's new project, "The Real Thing," debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart and at No. 20 on the main Billboard 200 chart last month.

PureNRG members Caroline Williams (14), Carolyne Meyers (14) and Jordan Yates (16) have been riding the fast track since releasing a self-titled set in 2007. "The Real Thing" is their third studio album, and the group has also released a Christmas CD, a remix collection and three DVDs.

The new album boasts songs "we felt would spread the message of God to people and songs we could really energize," says Meyers.

Indee, PureNRG is known for its energetic stage shows, incorporating complex choreography and acrobatics. It has toured extensively, opening for Casting Crowns on last winter's Christmas trek, performing on the multi-artist Winter Jam tour earlier this year in the United States and playing spring dates in Norway.

The group appeals to parents looking for a faith-based alternative to mainstream pop music, according to label executive Tim Marshall, senior VP of marketing at Word Label Group.

But he also notes that executives at the Christian label are in discussions with Word's parent company, Warner Bros., about mainstream opportunities for pureNRG.

Both major chains and independent retailers have been supportive of the group. Word's merchandise department developed a special coloring/activity book that was sold exclusively through the Lifeway chain. Meanwhile, Family Christian Stores partnered with the label on a presale campaign that started in April and ran until the July 14 street date.

(Editing by DGoodman at Reuters)