2 of 8

Matt Brouwer A Merry Little Christmas (Black Shoe Records) Jazz/pop

The only original by Matt Brouwer on his 4-song Christmas EP (released late in 2007) is "Angels Sing," a sleepy pop ballad focused on the reason for Jesus' birth. The remainder is surprisingly secular in focus for someone that was originally marketed as a worship artist, though it does reflect the singer/songwriter's change in scope over the last five years. Brouwer nevertheless does well with jazzy performances of "Holly Jolly Christmas," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and an arrangement of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmastime Is Here" that intriguingly opens with the haunting piano line from Satie's Gymnopedie No. 1. Overall, there's just not enough innovation or originality here to make this EP an essential classic, but it's still a pleasant little holiday memento for the fans.—Breimeier

Travis Cottrell Ring the Bells (Indelible Creative Group) Orchestral/jazz/pop

Though best known as the worship leader for Beth Moore's conferences since 1995, most don't recognize what a tremendous vocalist Travis Cottrell is—the sort of singer you know can perform "O Holy Night" flawlessly (and he does so here), equally capable of operatic bellows and soft crooning. Good thing, since this efficient 10-song album spans the gamut of pop, classical, and jazz, mixing traditional with contemporary, sacred with secular, and originals with covers. Teaming with producer Brown Bannister (Christmas albums from Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and MercyMe), Cottrell shines when it comes to pop-orchestral, including a world-music flavored "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and a fantastic interpretation of Glad's "In the First Light" that exemplifies storytelling through arrangement. If jazz is more your taste, Cottrell croons with the best in a medley of "Let It Snow/Frosty the Snowman," but the original "Home for Christmas Again" (co-written by Scott Krippayne) is even better—a worthy Christian standard that's romantic, nostalgic, and spiritual. Indeed, this album's originals show impressive depth as a songwriter, from the celebratory title track (a duet with Natalie Grant) to "Once More," which insightfully notes, "We take more love away than we could ever giver/Once more at Christmas time." Parts of Ring the Bells, if not all of it, will remind you of your favorite Christmas albums.—Breimeier

Casting Crowns Peace on Earth (Beach Street Records) Pop

The key to Casting Crowns' success front man Mark Hall and his bold, intentional songwriting. That much is evident with this album's remake of "While You Were Sleeping" (originally heard on Lifesong), comparing America to Bethlehem in failing to make room for Jesus. Gutsy stuff that you wouldn't typically hear on a Christmas album, but unfortunately, it's the only original here. Strip away Hall's songwriting, and Casting Crowns sounds like they're going through the motions with predictable AC pop-country arrangements of familiar Christmas favorites. There are still highlights—Hall's tender singing carries "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," Melodee DeVevo gives an inspired violin solo for "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and the band altogether shines with a couple lesser-known gems (Amy Grant's "God Is with Us," Paul Baloche's "Offering"). But whereas the similar-sounding MercyMe stretched their musical boundaries for their Christmas album, Casting Crowns plays it too safe and miss a golden opportunity to try something interesting—a new version of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" has promise, but the melody isn't nearly as good as the original. Devoted fans will still appreciate Peace on Earth, but most expect better from the best-selling band in Christian music today.—Breimeier

next page... |  2 of 8