Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Christmas albums by believers were always a mixed bag. For every gem (like 4Him's 'Christmas: The Season Of Love' or Julie Cameron Hall and Nigel Cameron's 'Celtish Christmas') there were always dozens of releases which featured tired renditions of over recorded carols and Santa songs. This album by the popular black and white choir of New Yorkers is neither classic nor clanker though the opener, a song written by the choir's leader and producer Carol Cymbala and which references "Winter Wonderland", comes perilously close to the clanker rating. Elsewhere there is the sound which became the choir's speciality, songs with complex arrangements with full-on, lush accompaniments with lots of strings - the orchestrations handled by Southern gospel's MOR man Lari Goss. There are some memorable songs and soloists here - like "Peace On Earth" featuring veteran CCM hitmaker Babbie Mason - with a surprising reggae style groove - though those unfamiliar with the choir will find the Cymbala/Goss easy listening approach a little too theatrically bombastic.

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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