Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Despite the painful pun contained in its title, this collection of Christmas songs from Phil Keaggy is top notch stuff and finds the Nashville songsmith on top form. Sentimental but never schmaltzy, Keaggy reminisces about Christmases past in the opener "Best Christmas Morn" and the delightful "Village Bells" - the latter seeing the artist duet with his daughter Olivia. Elsewhere, renditions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "In The Bleak Midwinter" plus the clever collage of yuletide melodies "Shades Of Green And Red" showcase his skills as an interpreter of classics and intricate guitarist whilst the likes of "Let Us Go To Bethlehem" betray a distinct McCartney influence that flows throughout the album. Keaggy ensures that the Christ in Christmas is highlighted with the worshipful "Father" and "For The King (A Melodious Theme)" promoting the true reason for the season. Largely thanks to the acoustic and organic nature of the instrumentation and Keaggy's distinctive laidback vocal style, this is a sensitive portrait of Christmas that will enhance your festive season and remind you of its real meaning.

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