Reviewed by Anthony Longville

This is a new Christmas (I'm tired of people using the PC "holiday" - a word which also appears in the album's subtitle) collection from the multi-platinum selling vocal trio. Well new isn't exactly true. Most of the songs on this CD are on the group's 2005 release 'Winter Wonderland' and 1999's 'A Christmas Story', with a few additions. The album opens with a crash bang and a wallop with a run of songs which definitely fits the holiday category well, such as "Jingle Bells" and "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow", delivered in loud, completely OTT big band swing style - an opening that will grab you or possibly put you off straight away! Most of the songs which reflect the Christian perspective on Christmas are delivered in a rather more reflective musical mood, although there are some BIG vocal moments. Included is a version of Chris Eaton's "Little Town" (made famous of course by Sir Cliff) and another composition from Eaton's seemingly bottomless well of Christmas tunes "Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)". Traditional carols are interspersed. The album concludes with the title track, a cover of the song by Amy Grant. It is lavishly produced, a mixture of a group clearly having a lot of fun and will no doubt be enjoyed by those who like their cheese strong.

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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