Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Every year when I review some of the large batch of Christmas albums sent to Cross Rhythms I find myself decrying the woeful lack of imagination in song choice which sees "Silent Night", "White Christmas" et al recycled for the umpteenth time. Well, I have no such complaints with this set as the album features "12 new Christmas songs written by Carol Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tabernacle songwriting team with special guests TaRanda Greene, Anthony Evans, Nicole Binion, Charlotte Ritchie and Brad Hudson." As it turns out this is proof that clichéd song selection isn't the only problem that besets Christmas albums. This ill conceived set manages to lose the musical elements that made many of the long running gospel choirs' previous releases reasonably enjoyable - African American style, call and response fire - and replace it with limp, florid orchestrations which would make a muzak producer wince. The songs themselves, though they thankfully avoid mention of the white bearded, red-coated one are entirely unmemorable, the lead vocalists come and go over the swirling violins and fussy choral work with little of no distinction, and one is left with what can only be described as a Christmas turkey.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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The Grammy and Dove Award-winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir present the wonder of Christmas in an all-new recording that will bring this special season alive.

Featuring twelve new songs written by Carol Cymbala and the Brooklyn Tabernacle team, this album will not only be perfect for seasonal play but will also become a lasting treasure for anyone who loves the outreach, songs and ministry of this powerful church.