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Christmas music remains a huge staple in the Christian music industry, with 20 new album releases from a diverse array of popular artists. We have one from the biggest band in Christian pop today, and another from a band making their national debut, plus a surprise reunion from a much-loved duo. There are acclaimed songwriters, pop singers, worship leaders, a country superstar, and even the Queen of Soul herself with her first Christmas album in her 50-year career. You'll even find holiday-focused retrospectives from two classic artists in the Christian music community long associated with Christmas music. You may even be surprised by which albums hold up the best among the 2008 crop of musical offerings, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the feelings of good cheer associated with the holiday.

Annie Moses Band This Glorious Christmas (Reunion Records) Inspirational pop/classical/jazz

The five-member, all-sibling Annie Moses Band has been buzzing around independent music for a few years now, so it's interesting that they should finally make their national debut with a Christmas album (including a DVD with a concert performance and a documentary)—a non-seasonal release will follow in 2009. This is actually an appropriate introduction that suits the unique classical-meets-inspirational-pop sound of the string-based group; think Twila Paris fronting Iona, favoring strings over electric guitars. The band is at its best during the instrumentals, where the Julliard trained musicians shine brightly with a sweeping rendition of the Old English "Sussex Carol," an impressionistic classical arrangement of "What Child Is This," a rhythmically inventive take on "We Three Kings," and a dramatic rendering of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." But much like the jazzy Denver & The Mile High Orchestra, Annie Moses Band is better off sticking to their strengths rather than attempting original pop songs. "Bethlehem, House of Bread" and "When the Christmas Baby Cries" are both alright, but "Little Baby" is quite dull. For this reason, I'm unsure about the group's future in pop music, but intriguing arrangements of Christmas music could remain their hallmark for years to come.—Breimeier

BarlowGirl Home for Christmas (Fervent Records) Pop/orchestral

In a word, beautiful. That might not be what fans of BarlowGirl are expecting, but the sisterly chick rock trio has put their guitars and drums away in favor of all things jazzy and orchestral, putting the emphasis on the Barlows' gorgeous harmonies, particularly a medley of "Carol of the Bells/Sing We Now of Christmas." For that matter, Alyssa is truly stunning taking the operatic lead for "Panis Angelicus"—who'd have guessed? BarlowGirl packs in a lot of songs and styles throughout, including a sweeping "Angelic Proclamation" medley of hymns and an upbeat gospel medley revolving around "Go Tell It on the Mountain." They also offer a rather good song of their own with the messianic themed "Hallelujah (Light Has Come)." Still, after a while, the gentle sound gets somewhat repetitive—a slow jazz rendition of "What Child Is This" is too pokey for its own good. But ultimately, the sisters defy expectations by celebrating the sounds of the season, yet still retaining their artistic identity. BarlowGirl has clearly put more thought and effort into this album than most of the Christmas offerings from their peers. As a result, it's one of the year's most pleasant surprises.—Breimeier

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