Dave Barnes – Very Merry Christmas
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
Dave Barnes
Very Merry Christmas
Razor & Tie Records
The new Christmas project from Dave Barnes is quickly becoming one of my favorite holiday CD’s this season. I love the classic soul and jazzy nature of the album. The sound sets a mood that is joyful and uplifting. It is smooth and calming and it kindles emotions of the nostalgia of Christmas past. A big part of this is the Torme & Wells classic “The Christmas Song.”
“Very Merry Christmas” includes six original songs by Barnes which is a considerable effort compared to most Christmas compilations. The new title track is a soulful reflection of family and fellowship. One of my favorites is a duet with Hillary Scott (Lady Antebellum) titled “Christmas Tonight.”
This is quite the romantic tune with a slow jazzy soundtrack. Actually, there is a lot of romance imbedded in this particular project (“Meet Me At the Mistletoe”) and I see it as a nice late-night CD with that special someone.
Family however is just as emphasized in songs like “I Pray on Christmas” and “Family Tree.” Lastly, Barnes closes the CD with an original tune that tells the story of the first Christmas aptly titled “Mary & Joseph.” It is a nice close that brings the focus back around to Jesus and the cause for our celebration.
- Ken W.
Bethlehem Skyline Vol. 2
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
Bethlehem Skyline Vol. 2
Various Artists
Centricity Records
The Centricity family of artists may just be starting a new holiday tradition, as many families like to do. Except with this family tradition we’re all invited to join in on the fun! Just crank up “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Me In Motion or the wistful “Carol of the Bells” by Lanae Hale and you’ll instantly be in the holiday spirit.
Furthermore, Volume 2 has a nice mix of serious and heartfelt songs like Andrew Peterson’s “Long Long Ago,” and “Christmas In Our Hearts” by Downhere. One of the anchors of Centricity family is Jason Gray, and Vol. 2 includes his more solemn and worshipful “Love Has a Name.”
The latest editions to the Centricity label include High Valley, a Canadian Country trio and they sing “Away In A Manger” with their own twist of traditional country.
One of my favorite Centricity artists is Matt Papa and he happens to be singing one of my favorite Christmas songs “Little Drummer Boy” on Vol. 2. Much of what I like of Matt Papa is how he builds up the tension in a song and then just lets it all go which is what he does with this classic.
More of the classics on Vol. 2 include Downhere on “Silent Night,” Jason Gray on “Do You Here What I Here,” and Sixteen Cities on “O Holy Night.” The latter of these three by Sixteen Cities is so beautifully done and I love the slight touch of contemporary on the soundtrack.
Overall Vol. 2 has an even mix of new and classic all with a particular tweak based on the artist performing. There is a bit of fun, like Lanae Hale’s “Starving Artist Christmas,” but the heart of the album (and the family of artist at Centricity) is reflected in the Me In Motion song titled “Give It Away.”
Speaking of “Give It Away,” in the press release, vocalist Seth Moseley explains, “The song talks about how we can make a difference at Christmas time, and the answer is to love people. The hook line of the song says ‘Christmas isn’t really Christmas until you give it away.’” It’s a message that should remind us to be content and thankful despite our financial circumstances this Christmas and it reminds us that giving is truly better than receiving.
- Ken W.
33 Miles – Believe
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
33 Miles
Believe
INO Records
“Belive” was originally released last year exclusively at Family Christian Stores and this year it is available digitally and as a package deal with their latest release “Today.” The ten track album has gives the holiday classics a fresh sound of praise & worship and inspirational.
The 33 Miles original “Finally Christmas” has a nice upbeat contemporary sound and it’s a joyful song of fellowship. The band also has a slight country sound like on “Joy To the World” and “I Believe In Christmas.” Personally I like the more subtle tracks that focus on their vocals like “O Holy Night,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and the powerful “O Come O Come Emmanuel.”
Overall the new CD has more of a contemporary sound than the traditional Christmas CD. Therefore it is a nice break form the norm, but it still has that uplifting message of Christmas making it a wonderful new addition to your holiday collection. Lastly, the message of hope is most critical and 33 Miles hits it right on the mark with “I Believe In Christmas.” This is a song that will resonate with many who are struggling this season.
- Ken W.
Dorothy Savage – Sleigh Ride
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
Dorothy Savage
Sleigh Ride
Crimson Pink
Dorothy Savage is a relative new comer to the radio and her new Christmas CD from Dorothy Savage has the spunk of Rebecca St. James and the class of Erin O Donnell. While the song selection is quite familiar and traditional the soundtrack is much more contemporary. Such is certainly the case with the electrified “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “O Holy Night,” and the funky “Sleigh Ride.” However, Savage has a good vocal range and the sweetness of her voice shines particularly brilliant on classics like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “It’s the Messiah.” Overall “Sleigh Ride” is an eclectic offering of traditional and modern from a new perspective (and voice).
- Ken W.
Future of Forestry – Advent Christmas EP Vol. 2
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
Future of Forestry
Advent Christmas EP Vol. 2
Credential
Future of Forestry is releasing a 6 song EP for the Christmas season titled “Advent Christmas EP Vol. 2.” Their distinct song construction gives the classic songs a more modern sound – yet they retain much of the classic sound vocally. Like on “Joy to the World” the soundtrack is a little electronic but it’s subtle and it goes well with the feeling of the lyrics.
The song “Do You Hear What I Hear” has a more modern alt-rock sound and I love the soft tones of the vocals again. “Advent Christmas EP Vol. 2” is overall a moody pop rendition of all these Christmas classics and three more tracks included. Probably not for the traditionalist, but if you’re looking for something reflective and creative then you will find something to like with this CD.
While I like the overall mood of the whole album, my favorite part is the instrumental (aptly titled “Instrumental”) and the closing song “Pie Jesu.” The two tracks together make a really emotive end to a very unique project.
- Ken W.
It’s A Meaningful Life
Nov 26, 2010 DVD Reviews
It’s A Meaningful Life
The VeggieTales
Big Idea
This years holiday Veggie-sode is a twist on the classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but this awesome little parody also contains references to “The Polar Express” and “Scrooge,” and it includes the all-American tradition of Football. The story teaches the importance of contentment and the evils of greed, envy and covetousness. In hard times like now it’s easy to look at what others have and want and wish you had more.
To deny yourself is no easy task, but Stewart, played by Larry the Cucumber, learns what is more important when he is given a glimpse at life past, present and future if he were to get the life he thought would be more grand and wonderful. While it is not a bad thing to have desire and dreams I do believe this episode teaches us that God wants to be the center and focus of those desires. With that He will give you the desires of your heart.
This new episode includes a new song by Steven Curtis Chapman titled “Meant To Be,” and Chapman’s daughter Stevey Joy is the voice of the newest Veggie character “Emma the Rhubarb.” Big Idea has also partnered with Show Hope which is an adoption aid organization founded by Stephen and Mary Beth Chapman.
“It’s a Meaningful Life” is a delightfully funny and entertaining movie and the addition of the Chapman’s is extra special. The lesson is priceless this time of the year and hopefully throughout the year.
- Ken W.
Jingle Ducks & The Real Night Before Christmas
Nov 26, 2010 Book Reviews, CD Reviews
Jingle Ducks & The Real Night Before Christmas
Cedarmont Kids
The newest children’s project by Cedarmont Kids features Jimmy “Duck” Adkins and avid bluegrass artist and storyteller. The CD is full of fun Christmas classics in Jimmy the Duck’s quacking voice including the loveable “Jingle Bells,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” and the Caribbean inspired “Feliz Navidad.” It also includes some sing-along songs like “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “Joy to the World,” and the spirited “Mary Had a Baby.” You can also relive the contemporary classic “Grandma Got Run Over Like a Reindeer,” which, like Barney, will never go away.
Another special track on the CD is a recited poem called “The Real Night Before Christmas.” This poem inspired the companion book of the same title and it is told from the perspective of Jimmy the Duck. The book is a colorful representation of the narrative of Christ’s birth. Together they make a great Christmas offering for young children. Both are highly entertaining and uplifting at the same time.
- Ken W.
Christmas! – A Newsboys Holiday
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
Christmas! – A Newsboys Holiday
Newsboys
Inpop Records
It is hard to believe this is the first-ever Christmas project from the infamous Newsboys. I am surprised it only turned out to be an EP and not something more full-length. I have enjoyed the typical upbeat Newsboys style on “Jingle Bell Rock,” and I love Tait’s vocals on “O Holy Night” a very heartfelt and beautiful song. The same can be said for the Mel Torme and Robert Wells song “The Christmas Song.”
Sadly, the EP is 5 songs and kind of short considering the potential of the Newsboys lineup. The news release states that they also recorded “Mary Did You Know,” but is not on the CD I received and it is not on iTunes. However, the whole album can be purchased for just under $5 on iTunes.
- Ken W.
The Essential Christmas Collection
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
The Essential Christmas Collection
Various Artists
Essential Records
This holiday offering from Essential records is a collection of previously released material and some newer songs all from their vast array of artist. The album kicks off with the growly Third Day crew on “Angels We Have Heard On High.” From there are a variety of styles of music including the very exciting and cool “What Child Is This?,” recorded by Building 429, and the atmospheric “The First Noel,” sung by Revive.
The album also includes a wonderfully blessed “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” by the esteemed Rebecca St. James and the timeless Christmas choir of “All Is Well,” written by Michael W. Smith. Others appearing on the collection include Tenth Avenue North, Matt Maher, Brandon Heath, Casting Crowns, Anthem Lights, and Jars of Clay.
My favorite track on the CD however is by newcomer Kerrie Roberts. Roberts sings a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night,” which is sure to be a hit this season and for many more to come.
- Ken W.
Seabird – Over The Hills and Everywhere
Nov 26, 2010 CD Reviews
Seabird
Over The Hills and Everywhere
Credential Recordings
The new EP from Seabird is a follow-up to the bands previously released version of “Joy to the World.” The new EP is exclusive to iTunes. It includes the songs “Angels We Have Heard On High,” the spirited “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” “What Child Is This?,” “Hark the Herald Angel Sing,” O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Joy to the World,” and “Silent Night.”
The band intentionally set out to record the songs in their own fashion, but if I had to compare them at all to anyone I would say that the EP has soulful vocals and a spirited modern rock soundtrack like a mix of Downhere and Kevin Max. Those that are already familiar with Seabird have already shown their approval of their previous releases of “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.” The additional songs will certainly reinforce their standing in the mix of holiday offerings.
My personal favorites are the emotive “Joy to the World” and alt-rock style of “Silent Night.” Overall “Over the Hills and Everywhere” has a fresh sound that sets it apart from the traditional Christmas CD, making it a nice alternative when you’re looking to break out from the norm.
- Ken W.
