Steven Curtis Chapman

Item: The Music Of Christmas
Author: Julie Henry / Roger Appelinski

The Music Of Christmas

(1995)

Reviewed by Julie Henry / Roger Appelinski

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseDecember 1995

acoustic adult contemporary ccm

The Music Of Christmas shines with the multi-talents of Steven Curtis Chapman. The theme of the album is Emmanuel-God is with us. That theme is carried in many of the songs, especially "This Baby," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," and "Our God With Us."

This should not be a musical surprise for anyone familiar with his previous work. The Music Of Christmas is full of slow to medium-tempo songs backed by a lush string sound, yet laden with his acoustic guitar work. He even performs an admirable rendition of "Carol Of The Bells" on the acoustic guitar, and added the dobro, mandolin, and hammered dulcimer parts himself.

There are several standouts, primarily the ones Chapman wrote. "This Baby" is acoustic guitar-dominated with a slight country flair. "Our God With Us" marks the first time that Chapman has joined with Michael W. Smith to write a song. The result is a gentle string-laden track (of almost seven minutes) that builds into a giant and powerful crescendo stating:

Now that God had made Himself known As Father and friend, with us through the end Emmanuel Our God is with us, Emmanuel

Another highlight of the project is when Chapman is joined by his father and brother. Herb and Herb, Jr. sing with Chapman on some of the songs such as "Away In A Manger." Other special guests-The American Boy Choir and CeCe Winans-add pleasing background vocals.

There are sweeping and poignant arrangements with orchestra and songs that tell stories; so there is bound to be something with which any age can identify. The new songs, such as "Precious Promise" and "Christmas Is All In The Heart," were engaging and catchy-obviously chosen with a lot of thought.

Knowing Chapman's recent track record with radio airplay and Dove Awards, The Music Of Christmas will reach a wide audience and provide a few more classic Christmas tunes.