When it comes to Christmas music there are two types of people. The person who loves a holiday tune so much they can’t WAIT to start digging into their collection. On the other side are those who despise the very thought of a little ditty about Rudolph or a cheery stanza about Santa.
In full disclosure, I’m one of those Christmas music geeks.
Christmas songs and Amy Grant go pretty good together. She has morphed from a Pop performer to one of the foremost artists in Contemporary Christian music. On The Christmas Collection, Amy’s voice is comfy and pure and generally wraps around a classic Christmas carol with grace.
It’s difficult to give a new twist to a familiar and beloved song. I mean really, how many versions of “Deck the Halls” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” do we need? The CD starts out with the millionth rendering of “Jingle Bells.” This version sounds a bit like a show tune with a kind of cha-cha feel to it. It’s something the kids will really like.
“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Sleigh Ride” all have an old-school Christmas special feel with a large orchestra gleefully backing Amy up. Her warm voice almost conjures up the smell of mom’s cookies. I generally prefer other adaptations of these songs, but she’ll do in a pinch.
“I Need a Silent Night” is an original, with nifty upbeat lyrics recalling memories of Christmas past and bemoaning commercialism.
“Count your Blessings” (instead of sheep) is an example of a song I would personally never listen to any other time of year. But it’s Christmas, and the sentiment comes off as sincere. Some of the more gospel-tinged songs like “Joy to the World” are sung in earnestness with uplifting and melodic arrangements. The simple, country tinged “ O Come All Ye Faithful” makes my heathen soul want to repent.
The Christmas Collection contains a carefully balanced mix of traditional and religious tinged holiday music. It’s a passable blend of new and old that is sure to be favored by all Christmas music geeks. Pass the eggnog and the fruitcake!
December 4, 2008
