If you’re a fan of Christmas albums, then this is your year. A slew of artists and their record labels are going beyond the call of duty to bring you what you love best. From popular faves such as Hawk Nelson and Mary Mary to Hillsong and the brilliant Sufjan Stevens, Christmas never sounded like this before…
Todd Agnew Do You See What I See? (Ardent)
Cool Factor: 2.5 snowflakes
A unique, musical retelling of the Christmas story
Holiday Spirit: The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack meets Grace Like Rain
Star Song: “Do You Hear What I Hear?”—Todd’s version sets the tone for “hearing” the unique perspectives of the players in the nativity.
Classic Kringle to New Jingle Ratio: 2:9
Stocking Stuffer: A unique blend of artists collaborate on this album, each telling a segment of the story of Christ’s birth from various characters’ viewpoints.
-- Lindsay Williams
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Muriel Anderson Harp Guitar Christmas (Independent)
Cool Factor: 4 snowflakes
An amazing collection of fingerstyle classical and neo-classical guitar
performances
Holiday Spirit: Features traditional
classical guitar and a rare nylon-string “Harp Guitar”
Star Song: “El Noy de la Mare”—This original is an excellent example of Anderson’s unique style and
supreme talent.
Classic Kringle to New Jingle: 11:1
Stocking Stuffer: Muriel Anderson, who has studied under the legendary Christopher Parkening and performed with greats such as Stanley Jordan and Duane Eddy, was the first woman to win the National Fingerpicking Guitar Champion-ship. She’s even had her music taken to space by U.S. astronauts aboard the space shuttle.
-- John J. Thompson
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Annie Moses Band House of Bread (Man Alive)
Cool Factor: 3.5 snowflakes
Beautiful arrangements and angelic vocals make this record worth picking up, but only a few tracks vary stylistically.
Holiday Spirit: String-driven instrumental with classically trained vocals
Star Song: If the tight vocal arrangements on “Mary Had a Baby” don’t give you goose bumps, you aren’t breathing!
Classic Kringle to New Jingle: 4:6
Stocking Stuffer: This family ensemble boasts several members who studied music at Julliard!
-- Kate McDonald
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Moya Brennan An Irish Christmas (Sparrow/EMI)
Cool Factor: 5 snowflakes
Move over Enya! Big sis Moya is the
original!
Holiday Spirit: Beautiful arrangements and flowing orchestrations with a
Celtic undertone
Star Song: “In the Bleak Midwinter”—Simply a gorgeous, stunning recording of this classic (with “What Child Is This?” coming in a close 2nd)
Classic Kringle to New Jingle: 12:0
Stocking Stuffer: Every cut has the ability to make you stop in your tracks (CD tracks, that is). This Christmas album will, no doubt, become a classic in the years to come.
-- Kristi Henson
Read CCM's entire feature story on Christmas albums -- including Wayburn Dean, First Call, Leigh Nash and more! Follow This Link!