By Kevin Pollard

• David Phelps: One Wintry Night, Word / Curb / Warner

ALTHOUGH Phelps’ roots are in Southern Gospel, his solo albums have an eclectic mix of styles which makes them hard to define – and his second Christmas album is no exception. No classic big band sound here, as on Joy, Joy; but you will find nostalgic arrangements of favourites like ‘Away in a Manger,’ ‘O Holy Night’ and Elvis’ ‘Blue Christmas.’ But originals like ‘Hark the Herald,’ ‘If Everyone Believed,’ ‘Santa Claus Tonight’ and ‘Hallelujah!’ (which gives  new life to Handel’s chorus) are destined to become classics. Phelps’ vocals are amazing; it’s only the uneven pace – from broadway-influenced show stoppers to intimate moments – which make this short of stunning.                           davidphelps.com

• Michael W. Smith: It’s a Wonderful Christmas, Reunion / Sony / BMG

To mark his 25th year of making music, Michael W. Smith offers his third seasonal effort. A 67-piece orchestra provides the lush backdrop to these originals; it is the centrepiece, as half the album is instrumental. Although Smith’s pop sensibility is front and centre on ‘Christmas Day,’ where he sings a duet with American Idol finalist Mandisa, the majority of the record is classical – complete with four different choirs. Those who enjoy easy-listening music, movie soundtracks and Smith’s instrumental Freedom CD will want this CD.       michaelwsmith.com

• Josh Groban: Noel, 143 / Reprise / Warner

Any fan of Groban’s robust tenor will want to pick up his first Christmas effort. The music is a perfect match for this artist, as he offers richly orchestrated arrangements of sacred classics such as ‘Silent Night,’ ‘What Child is This?’ and ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’ (which features the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). The standouts are ‘The First Noel,’ with Faith Hill and a choir directed by Kirk Franklin; the poignant ‘I'll be Home for Christmas,’ featuring messages from troops stationed overseas; and the duet with Brian McKnight on ‘Angels We Have Heard on High.’         joshgroban.com

• Relient K: Let it Snow Baby . . . Let it Reindeer, Gotee / Capital

If you were a fan of Christian music’s favourite punk-pop band in 2003, you most likely picked up the bonus disc Deck the Halls, Bruise your Hand; but for those who missed it, this rare disk has been repackaged – with six more songs. The short but hilarious ‘I’m Getting Nuttin’ for Christmas,’ the Beach Boy-influenced ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and a fabulous jazz-infused ‘Sleigh Ride’ are some of the great new additions. And if you haven’t heard ‘Santa Claus is Thumbing to Town,’ you should check out this far from traditional album.

• Yolanda Adams: What a Wonderful Time, Sony / BMG / Columbia

The soulful voice of this four-time Grammy winner now graces this 10-song follow-up to Christmas with Yolanda Adams (2000). Included here are standards like ‘My Favorite Things,’ the Motown holiday classic ‘Give Love on Christmas Day,’a jazzy version of ‘Jingle Bells’ and a stunning performance of ‘Do You Hear What I Hear.’ There are also five original pieces, including the acoustic guitar-driven, uplifting ‘Hold On’; the equally moving anthem, ‘Season Of Love’; the delightful ‘Just Because’; and the big band title cut.    yolandaadams.org

• Christmas Joy, Integrity

The latest in the popular Songs4Worship series features MercyMe, Hillsong, Israel and New Breed, Sarah Groves, Paul Baloche and others. The 22 songs include  several standards, and new Christmas favourites like ‘Bethlehem’s Treasure,’ ‘Emmanuel has Come,’ ‘He Made a Way in a Manger’ and ‘Offering.’ There are no new recordings; but nonetheless, it’s a great selection of worshipful gems  – except for the odd inclusion of the secular ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.’ Other than that, the CD is a Christmas classic.              integritymusic.com

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• Jars of Clay: Christmas Songs, Gray Matters/Nettwerk

These multi-platinum and three-time Grammy Award winners celebrate the season with their 10th full length album - the first on their own record label, Gray Matters (under the Nettwerk Music Group umbrella). Those who remember the band's 1995 Christmas EP, Drummer Boy, will be disappointed with the new versions of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' and 'Drummer Boy' -- which lack the infectious, driving arrangements of those early recordings. Included here are covers of Paul McCartney's 'Wonderful Christmastime' and Vince Guaraldi's 'Christmastime is Here' -- along with five original songs. The best of the latter is 'Hibernation Day'; it will make you want to curl up under a blanket by the natural gas fireplace on a rainy westcoast day, with the one you love.              jarsofclay.com

• Diamond Rio: The Star Still Shines, Word/Curb/Warner

Known throughout country music circles for their trademark combination of harmonies and outstanding instrumental work, Diamond Rio's music is truly classic - and has sold more than 10 million albums. Now these long-time believers have released their first Christmas album. It includes 'Emmanuel,' 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,' 'I'll be Home for Christmas,' 'Winter Wonderland,' 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,' 'Let it Snow,' 'Sleigh Ride' and many more favourites for a good ol' country Christmas. One disappointment: only three songs focus on Christ's birth.              diamondrio.com

• The Gospel Christmas Project, CBC Records

This CBC-produced and recorded album features all-new arrangements of 14 traditional Christmas songs, done in a dynamic gospel style. Conceived, arranged, directed and produced by Andrew Craig, Êthe renditions of standards like 'The First Noel,' 'O Holy Night,' 'Infant Lowly, Infant Holy' and 'Go Tell it On the Mountain' cross a multitude of genres and styles. The album was recorded in Toronto and features the vocal talents of Jackie Richardson, Alana Bridgewater, Sharon RIley, Kellylee Evans, Chris Lowe and Andrew Craig as well as the Faith Chorale Gospel choir - and with more than an hour of music, it has much to offer.              gospelxmasproject.com

• The Very First Noel (DVD): Exclaim Entertainment

History's most beloved story is now an all-new animated Christmas classic. From Exclaim Entertainment comes a beautifully animated special which presents the Christmas story in a fresh, compelling way. Andy Griffith is the voice of Melchior, one of the Three Wise Men, who narrates the story of his travels in search of a magnificent star pointing him to the newborn King. The unique acoustic music soundtrack, cute characters and comedic elements bring the story of Christ's birth to life - in a production the whole family will enjoy year after year. The only disappointment here is how soon it's over, with a running time of only 23 minutes.              veryfirstnoel.com

A WowieBozowee Christmas (DVD): Exclaim/Provident

The latest animated character to hit Christian bookshelves is Boz the Bear - whose giggle reminds me of Barney the Dinosaur. The DVD is a special retelling of the Christmas story. Boz and the whole Baxter family help preschoolers everywhere discover that the very best presents are the ones that come from the heart -- Êespecially God's most wonderful gift, Jesus. In addition to the 45-minute feature,there are lots of extras like 'Christmas Around the World,' 'Caroling with Boz,' and the 'Build Your Own Snowman' game. Boz entertains, educates and inspires preschoolers with great stories and songs.              bozthebear.com

December 2007