Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This festive release from multi Grammy Award winner Toby Mac is very much a game of two halves with the first six songs featuring the former dc Talk rapper as he enlists the help of hitmaker Adam 'Owl City' Young and new Gotee Records acoustic soul singer Jamie Grace on versions of yuletide classics such as "The First Noel" and "Mary's Boy Child" respectively. Also included in Mac's set are new versions of previously released numbers - namely "This Christmas (Father Of The Fatherless)" and last year's holiday duet with Leigh Nash "Christmas This Year" - as well as some thankfully inventive reinterpretations of otherwise overused favourites "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Little Drummer Boy". The rest of this release is given over to Mac's touring band Diverse City and allows individual members to take the spotlight with the blessing of their boss. Unfortunately, this results in a bit of a mixed bag with Toddiefunk's "Santa'scomin'back'round', a somewhat forced pastiche of Sly And The Family Stone's "A Family Affair", sitting next to the more successful rock out of Tim Rosenau's "It Snowed" and a poignant reading of "What Child Is This?" by Arch Nemesiz. This is an undeniably accomplished Christmas collection that will no doubt add some cheer to your festive preparations although Toby Mac fans may feel slightly aggrieved that it only features their hero in part.

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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Tobymac returns with his first new Christmas album in 10 years. Christmas in Diverse City showcases Tobymac at his best –mixing rock, pop, soul, hiphop and urban flavours into irresistible songs with a distinctive Christmas spirit.

Also showcased on the record are standout performances and songs from Toby’s long-time touring band, Diverse City. Featuring the #1 radio hit Christmas This Year, Christmas in Diverse City is a collection of Christmas songs that features Toby’s unique sound and style. It’s Christmas as only Toby can deliver.