David Crowder Band – Oh For Joy
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
David Crowder Band
Oh For Joy
Grade – A
David Crowder Band has continued to inspire and shape the face of the Christian music industry. For years listeners have been blessed and changed through their wonderful music! “Oh For Joy” is the latest masterpiece from the band and while it manages to turn classic favorites into something completely new, yet familiar.
The band has transformed “Joy To The World” into an impassioned worship anthem. The resounding lyrics “Oh for joy, lift up your voice. The Christ has come!” really enhanced the old holiday favorite and turned it into an excellent opener. “The First Noel” features a softer tone with acoustic guitars and a deep, rich violin.
After the acoustically driven “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, the album features a live portion. “O Holy Night” remains beautiful and traditional until it gently transitions into “Hallelujah”, by Leonard Cohen. It’s a beautiful, and unique way to end “O Holy Night”. A strong, instrumental interpretation of “Carol Of The Bells” ends the album on a strong note. It’s the perfect finale to an excellent Christmas release.
It’s sad to think that the David Crowder Band will be leaving us next year. They’ve provided top-notch music throughout the years, and “Oh For Joy” is no exception! The renditions of the 8 Christmas songs featured were fun, fresh, and did the classics the justice they deserve! Fans of the band won’t be disappointed!
- Tom F.
Matt Wertz – Snow Globe
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Matt Wertz
Snow Globe
Grade – A+
Singer/Songwriter Matt Wertz has prepared an extra special holiday treat for listeners. His first Christmas album, “Snow Globe” is lined with fun, catchy melodies, and a perfect blend of new songs and holiday classics. There are even a few surprises along the way including guest appearances by Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, and Dave Barnes! I couldn’t think of a better Christmas tree decorating soundtrack.
Matt’s inner-kid comes out to play as he playfully sings “sometimes I wish I lived in a snow globe” and “every single time that you shake it, you make it so beautiful”. This is the first of many catchy songs that will keep listeners singing along not just through the Christmas season, but well into next year.
“White Christmas” gives a special nod to the classic version from The Drifters (Home Alone, anybody?) in an awesome rendition of the holiday favorite followed by a nostalgic cover of “Tennessee Christmas” with a special appearance by Amy Grant. Matt’s smooth voice blends well with the stripped down, acoustically driven renditions of his favorite Christmas songs, especially “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. After a pretty piano solo to “Christmas Time Is Here Again”, a children’s choir sets the stage for a beautiful version of “O Holy Night”, followed by a fun, jazzy instrumental rendition of “Sleigh Ride”.
“Christmas Just Does This To Me” wraps up the album perfectly. It’s become a favorite Christmas song of mine, and I’m sure listeners will enjoy listening to Matt listing some of his favorite things about the season. It’s a smooth, laid-back finale to an excellent Christmas album.
Matt takes listeners on a sleigh ride down memory lane, sharing some of his favorite things about the Christmas season, in this expertly-crafted album. It’s sentimental, it’s memorable, and it’s fun. Life inside a Snow Globe truly is beautiful!
- Tom F.
Matthew West – The Heart of Christmas
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Matthew West
The Heart of Christmas
Grade – A
It’s that time of year again – leaves are falling and the temperatures are dropping. That can only mean one thing - Christmas is coming soon! What could be better than Christmas and Matthew West? A Matthew West Christmas Album! “The Heart Of Christmas” is the perfect addition to an impressive track record of music that speaks truth, hope, and love into the hearts and lives of listeners worldwide. “The Heart Of Christmas” will leave listeners inspired, hopeful, and excited to celebrate the True meaning of Christmas.
“The Heart Of Christmas” is a beautiful, inspiring track calling for listeners to remember what Christmas truly is about. “Wherever you are, no matter how far, come back to the heart of Christmas. Live while you can, cherish the moment. And the ones that you love – make sure they know it.”
“Leaving Heaven” is sung from Jesus’ perspective as He prepared to “Leave Heaven” on Christmas Day. “I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth, trading in these streets of gold. So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth – you should know, that you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven.” It’s a beautiful, profound reminder of the reason for the season.
“One Last Christmas” will tug at the heart strings of everyone who hears it. This tragically beautiful song tells the story of a sick little boy who wishes for “one last Christmas”…and he gets his wish. It’s a phenomenal story and a true testament to the power of community. This is truly one of Matthew West’s finest moments. Be sure to have a box of kleenex handy.
“Day After Christmas” is the perfect finale to the album. Matthew wishes listeners a “Happy Day After Christmas” and reminds them that “even when Christmas is over, the Light of the World is still here.”
In addition to several brand new tracks and guest appearances by recording artists Amy Grant and Mandisa, Matthew West performs some of his own favorite Christmas songs including: Jingle Bells, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Oh Holy Night, and O Come All Ye Faithful.”The Heart Of Christmas” offers plenty of fun and Christmas cheer, but also presents plenty of worshipful moments to reflect on Jesus, the true Reason for the season.
- Tom F.
TobyMac – Christmas In Diverse City
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
TobyMac
Christmas In Diverse City
Grade – C+
It’s that time of year, when Christmas music begins to infiltrate every aspect of our lives. Old and new holiday favorites alike are heard seemingly everywhere we go! It’s been a great season for new Christmas music and TobyMac (and DiverseCity) friends are joining the ranks with their first ever Christmas album!
The album starts off with “Christmas This Year”, TobyMac’s previous holiday single. It’s a catchy track, definitely following in his signature style with a surprising guest appearance from Leigh Nash! Owl City (Adam Young) joins in the holiday fun with “The First Noel”. He and Toby echo back and forth in a fun, unique, upbeat rendition of this Christmas classic. It was an interesting take on the song. Jamie Grace lends her talents in “Mary’s Boy Child” with a fresh, almost summery tone. “O Come All Ye faithful” was definitely a favorite of mine. (This is a remix of a version featured on Wow Hits: Christmas).
The second half of the album focuses almost entirely on the DiverseCity band and less on Toby. While this was a great idea and gave the others a chance to stand in the spotlight, unfortunately, most of them don’t stand out, and I don’t see them being well-received by most people. Nirva Ready did provide a beautiful twist on “Angels We Have Heard On High”. While this portion of the album definitely had spirit and heart, the remixes on the selection of Christmas classics didn’t do much for me (especially the Toddiefunk track.)
The first half of the album had great momentum and definitely delivered what TobyMac fans would be expecting from him. The guest appearances were great and definitely make the album worth it. The second half, however, was not what I was expecting, and after a few listens, I still can’t manage to make it through a few of the songs. Everyone definitely will have different opinions on the second portion, but I suggest checking the album out nonetheless.
- Tom F.
Hillsong – Born is the King
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Born is the King
Hillsong
“Born is the King” is a new Christmas project from the Hillsong collective. The album has a real nice festive soundtrack that inspires dancing and singing. With their usual flare for worship the album also has a very contemporary ambiance.
A few of my favorites are the festive title track, “Born is the King” and the eloquent “Emmanuel.” Both demonstrate the range of the CD. I also like the acoustic and emotive version of “We Three Kings” and the wispy “Silent Night.”
The songs can be purchased directly from http://hillsongmusic.com/ and the “deluxe” version comes with lyrics and chord charts.
- Ken W.
Erica Lane – A Merry Little Christmas
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
A Merry Little Christmas
Erica Lane
“A Merry Little Christmas” opens up with a not-so-merry tune called “Angels in the Snow” which Lane wrote for the 2010 feature film “A Christmas Snow.” It was a sad song and I was glad to read that it was written more for the movie than as a reflection on her life.
While the album opens on a more somber note, Lane picks it up on her rollicking rendition of “Jingle Bells” and the fun “Sleigh Ride/Marshmellow World.”
In her bio, Lane talks about her influences ranging from Keith Green to Sarah Brightman, and it also mentions that she has been classically trained as a vocalist. Lane is a multitalented person, but it is her voice of all her talents that shines, just listen to the heartfelt “Saved Tonight” and the traditional “Silent Night” and you will know what I mean. Stunning – absolutely stunning.
“A Merry Little Christmas” is a short EP with 6 songs and you can hear samples and purchase the whole CD or singles directly from her website at http://www.wix.com/ericac1980/erica-lane.
- Ken W.
John Tesh – A Big Band Christmas
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
A Big Band Christmas
John Tesh
Tesh Music
“A Big Band Christmas” is one of my favorite holiday offerings this year and I am sure it will always be at the top of the list. It reminds me of my childhood when I was subjected to what seemed like hours of Lawrence Welk. At the time I did not have an appreciation for finer music like jazz and big band. However, with age comes maturity and now I simply love the style and there is no better style of Christmas music.
John Tesh presents an epic album with an 11-piece rhythm and horn section and his signature inspirational vocals. It is one of the most full and satisfying productions on all of the Christmas CD’s this year. The CD features my all-time favorite “Christmas Time Is Here.” This Charlie Brown classic fits perfectly in the overall tone and nature of the album with its smooth jazz sound.
I should note however, that the album tends to lean on the more mainstream classics and less on the Christmas hymns or more spiritual based songs. Not that this disqualifies it as a worthy project, but it does make it more commercial than faith based. It just depends on what you’re looking for in a holiday feature. There are plenty others out there that focus more on the birth of Jesus, so adding a bit of secular to the playlist is perfectly acceptable.
Check out http://www.teshmusic.com for more information.
- Ken W.
Dana Jorgensen – Christmas and Hymns EP
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Christmas and Hymns EP
Dana Jorgensen
Mosaic Artistry Group
Jorgensen does not take the easy route on his latest EP titled “Christmas and Hymns.” The song selection is quite meaningful and musically challenging. While he picks the classic hymns he’s recorded them in a more contemporary sound.
The lead track “O Holy Night” has a lively and invigorating soundtrack that matches the intensity of the lyrics. On “O Come All Ye Faithful” Jorgensen applies a slight bit of funk to the soundtrack and soul to the vocals. “Come Thou Fount” however is more traditional piano-led hymn and lastly, “O Come O Come Emmanuel” really focuses on Jorgensen’s vocals with a light string soundtrack backing him up.
The sole original track, “When Love First Cried,” is a contemporary pop song that reflects on the birth of Jesus. I think he best explains it himself in the press release.
Dana explains, “I wanted to write ‘When Love First Cried’ because it takes a different approach to the telling of the Christmas Story. This song brings insight into the difference of what Christmas was when Jesus was born and what it has turned into now. Jesus was born into humble surroundings in a stable where there were likely no sounds but the nearby animals. There were no carols being sung families giving gifts or a huge meal, just the beauty of His birth.”
I am very fond of the classic seasonal hymns, and Jorgensen has shown his own respect for them by maintaining their beautiful simplicity and meaningfulness. Jorgensen also adds to that meaningfulness with the insightful “When Love First Cried” making the album a praiseworthy offering for the season.
- Ken W.
Jamie Grace – Christmas Together EP
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Christmas Together EP
Jamie Grace
Gotee Records
Jamie Grace is a new artist on the Gotee roster and this is her first Christmas EP on the label. She just recently released her debut “One Song At a Time” as well. Jamie has an upbeat urban or R&B sound and she adds her own flavor to the Christmas classics on this release.
The title track is an original tune by Jamie Grace and it’s a lively song about family and friends spending quality time together over the holidays. Also included are Jamie’s renditions of two seasonal classics – “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “What Child Is This?.” And just for fun, Jamie sings “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” in a non-chipmunk voice, but with a whimsical soundtrack.
“Christmas Together” is a nice little EP and it gives Jamie another outlet as she is emerging on the scene. The songs are available on iTunes or Amazon.com. And you can read more about Jamie and check out some samples on http://gotee.com.
- Ken W.
Jason Bare – Have You Heard
Nov 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Have You Heard
Jason Bare
Jason Bare is an accomplished writer and worship leader and although he has written Christmas songs long ago this is his first full-length Christmas CD. “Have You Heard” is just 5 songs long and while it is 20 min short, it is not short on flair. I think they describe it best in the press release.
Bare’s evocative, emotion-laden vocals imbue each song on the project with a unique sense of familiarity, like meeting old friends in unexpected places. He employs a haunting minor key piano line to ask the age-old question, “What Child Is This,” before segueing into joyful orchestration to underscore the answer — “This is the child of hope and wonder, the Savior of the world!”
The songs all have Bare’s own arrangements that tend to lean toward the inspirational and pop genre. I like how he added the children’s choir on “Have You Heard.” It adds a nice touch to the chorus. I also found the passion on “For the First Time” to be moving and the added choir background vocals add an enchanting note.
“Have You Heard” is a pleasant and enjoyable listen. Bare’s abilities as a worship leader and writer are evident throughout.
You can read more about Jason and “Have You Heard” on his official website at http://www.jasonbare.com/.
- Ken W.
