A Christmas Album

Amazon.com

Amy Grant's first Christmas album is not only one of the best recordings of her career, it's easily one of the best contemporary Christmas collections available. Grant's Christian beliefs have been incorporated into her music for years, and maybe it's the artistic translation of the depth of her faith that makes these songs so inspiring. "Emmanuel" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" have Grant's vocals soaring, especially on the sustained chorus of the latter. Her country roots show nicely in "Tennessee Christmas," while "Sleigh Ride" is as fun as it is romantic. "Heirlooms" is particularly poignant--maybe not to the point of "hand me a tissue," but it's powerful all the same. A must for fans, and a good holiday addition for those looking for a Christmas record that comes without the cobwebs. --Steve Gdula

Review

While many recording artists secular and religious leave their normal musical style on record store shelves when setting out to record a Christmas album, Amy Grant stays true to herself and her listeners. Since Amy swept up Grammy and Dove Awards this year her fans have eagerly awaited her next release. Although a season LP, A Christmas Album (Myrrh) offers completely new material for Amy.
From the instrumentation to the backup vocals, Brown Bannister's production on A Christmas Album is tight. Amy's vocals are lively and full of "umph." Side one opens with the countrified ballad "Tennessee Christmas," written by Amy and husband Gary Chapman. Later, a three-song extravaganza follows a well-harmonized version of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." First comes "Preiset Dem Koing! (Praise to the King), a hopping keyboard instrumental written by Shane Keister. Following that, Michael W. Smiths "Emmanuel" stunningly begins with eight synthesized bass beats, building up to the rock chorus based on Isaiah 9:6. The beat then segues to a new innovative rock version of "Little Town."
Side two contains fresh renditions of "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song." Amy, Smith, and Keister share the credit on the uptempo pop tune "Love Has Come." The entire project flows from one song to another, making an inspiring seasonal disc. Now this is a Christmas album! -- Vicki Sterud (c) 1983 CCM Communications, Inc. -- From CCM Magazine -- Subscribe Now!, ISBN13: B000002WOJ ISBN10: B000002WOJ Material Type: audioCD